Photos: A pair of owls

A long-term monogamous pair bond
sit on the Leonhardi's deck railing
Photo by Susan Leonhardi

By Diane Hettrick

People are seeing the beautiful barred owl all over Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. They are landing on deck railings, car hoods, and of course, trees.

And we have published a lot of wonderful photos.

I just republished the article on barred owls that Christine Southwick wrote in 2012.

Hard to see but the pair are still very close to each other
Photo by Susan Leonhardi

Susan Leonhardi lives near the Strandberg Preserve and reports that she has not one, but a pair of owls living in their ravine this year.

In the article, Christine says that,

"Barred Owls form long-term monogamous pair bonds, and both defend their territories throughout the year, but especially in early spring when they begin raising their two-to-four young."

Look carefully at the second photo.

One owl is sitting on the fence and the other is in the tree, by the trunk.

Christine said:

"Usually it is hard to see any owl. Barred Owls mostly hunt at night, but will call, and hunt during the day, if the prey comes where they are sitting, waiting.  

"Look for owls high up in tall trees, near the trunks."

So far this pair is following the instruction book.

I am just a little concerned about the part about their sitting quietly and waiting for the prey to come to them since in all the photos the owls are staring at the camera - and the person holding it.

But I am excited about the possibility of owlets in the spring.