Early Morning Visitor

[Gary Knowels]

My dogs went crazy when I let them out at 5:15 this morning. It took me several minutes to find what they were concerned about, but I eventually say a silhouette on the power lines in the alley. Still I couldn't make out what it was so I grabbed a flashlight and got closer. Much to my surprise we had an owl hanging out in our Central Tacoma backyard this morning and it didn't seem to be bothered by us at all. Anyone have a species ID for me?

 

[sisqflyfshr]

Barred Owl

 

[Long_Rod_Silvers]

^^^Yep yep.

 

[Crawbugger]

If you would have produced a mouse snack he would have eaten it.

 

[Wadin' Boot]

If you would have produced a mouse snack he would have eaten it.

maybe Gary has chihuahuas....

 

[Gary Knowels]

maybe Gary has chihuahuas....

Or an 85 pound Dane-shepherd mix.

 

[Gary Knowels]

Do they typically hang out in urban areas? I was surprised to see it this morning.

 

[Scott Salzer]

Yes, they are common in urban areas. They are also aggressive at times - wear a hat / helmet. They are also very talkative at certain times of the year.

We had one sitting on our suet feeder a while back.

 

[5 Weight]

My dogs went crazy when I let them out at 5:15 this morning. It took me several minutes to find what they were concerned about, but I eventually say a silhouette on the power lines in the alley. Still I couldn't make out what it was so I grabbed a flashlight and got closer. Much to my surprise we had an owl hanging out in our Central Tacoma backyard this morning and it didn't seem to be bothered by us at all. Anyone have a species ID for me?
View attachment 43484View attachment 43485

We live on 2.5 acres and have them regularly. We don't seem to have a rodent problem.

 

[Crawbugger]

Do they typically hang out in urban areas? I was surprised to see it this morning.

They are the dominant species in the PNW. They are displacing the Spotted owl, so they say. Always good to have owls around. They keep the rodent population in check. They are not shy.

 

[Northern]

While I don't see them much, I hear these guys a lot at my suburban house. There was one a few years ago that had a unique and seriously startling call that sounded like three short human screams followed by maniacal laughter. And I swear it got a kick out of silently getting as close as possible when I was outside at night (night owl myself), then letting that cackle rip. I'm sure my responding jump and yelp was amusing!

 

[Bambooflyguy]

Red eyed hooter!

 

[Long_Rod_Silvers]

Unrelated, but any time there's owl talk I'm reminded of the time I found out owls don't actually have short stumpy legs....always cracks me up.

 

[kmudgn]

Barred Owls have a destintive call usually known as "who cooks for you". Listen for it as it really does sound like that

 

[SteelHeadDave]

Do they typically hang out in urban areas? I was surprised to see it this morning.

Hey Gary,

I live in urban Tacoma as well and regularly see barred owls traveling along and perching on the alleyway power lines just like in your picture. They are most active in the later hours so sightings generally happen during hours of darkness in my experience.

Dave

 

[Jim F.]

There was one a few years ago that had a unique and seriously startling call that sounded like three short human screams followed by maniacal laughter.

That sounds like a Western Screech Owl.

 

[Northern]

That sounds like a Western Screech Owl.

Yeah? I never did see it, but came across a similar sound file online that ID'd it as a barred owl.
I'll take your word over the internet, though!

Plenty of the more common barred calls most nights, too, so I figured just a rugged individualist.

 

[Brute]

If you would have produced a mouse snack he would have eaten it.

Morris mouse with no hook might have been fun…

 

[Guy Gregory]

Check your mailbox for "Have you seen Fluffy?" flyers. Owls show up at my place, two to five days later cats go missing. Conincidence?

 

[Tim L]

Yes, they are common in urban areas. They are also aggressive at times - wear a hat / helmet. They are also very talkative at certain times of the year.

We had one sitting on our suet feeder a while back.

i woulda been disappointed if u didnt chime in