A
large bird caught my eye as it landed on a tree branch in my winter wooded
snowbound backyard. I immediately
recognized the bird's unique owl look and brown-and-white-striped
plumage. It was a barred owl. They can often reach 20 inches in height and have a wingspan of 43 inches.
Fortunately my camera was nearby and you will get
to enjoy this one minute video.
You will hear the barred owl’s hooting call.
The experts say it sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for
you-all?” Me, well as you will hear it
was not my imitation that attracted this owl. I have indeed heard its hoot call many times.
Notice in one picture the left eye is wide open, while the right eye is somewhat closed. Amazingly, many
birds can essentially sleep with half of their brains - they keep one eye open
and one side of their brain awake while the other side rests. That may be what's happening here - the owl
may be going to sleep (or just awakening) with its right eye and thus left
brain. Interestingly, I have outdoor enthusiast friends who also sleep like that!
Try
and see if you can imitate the barred owl’s hooting call, “Who cooks for you?
Who cooks for you-all?”
References
- The Barred Owl Read by Its Author MaryEllen Letarte
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"Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"
Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)
