The crystalline scream of a Great-horned Owl pierced the silence. I followed it to the source and found two fully grown young owls perched in a Black Walnut tree. Their screams could be them begging for food, indicating stress or danger, or sharing their location.
Thank you for highlighting this statement. It is such a wise statement. I teach high schoolers and I will be using this article as a “warm up” and directing their attention to that and all of the other important information this piece has to offer.
Your students are fortunate to have a teacher with a sincere desire to be of service. I hope this year will be filled with meaning and creative discovery for all of you!
One warm summer evening as my wife and I traveled a lonely country road, we came upon an somewhat small owl sitting in the middle of the lane we were traveling in. I slowed, figuring it would soon take off. It didn’t, instead choosing to stay right there. I came to a stop about ten feet away and turned off my headlights, leaving my parking lights on. After watching the owl for a few minutes, I got out and approached this unique creature; it did not move and I walked right up to it and sat down next to it. I spoke to it softly, then reached out and began to stroke its incredibly soft neck. This went on for several minutes, and I became concerned for the owl, thinking perhaps it was ill. Eventually I made a soft clicking sound, and with that the owl spread its wings and flew off into the darkness. It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. That encounter with such a beautiful creature left me feeling blessed.
I love this week's column and am fascinated by owls. I am a little bothered by the photo at the top because the owl looks pretty stressed to me but perhaps not. In any case, thank you for these insights. I was told that, if I wanted to find owls, to look down, not up, because their pellets and other digestive material are clues that one is in the area. We have a Great Horned Howl on our property who reminds us when it's 4 am but we have never seen our elusive friend.
I am glad to hear that you appreciate this essay and that you have Great Horned Owls on your property. I understand your concern with the first photo. The young burrowing owl in that image was being handled by researchers who collect data to learn more about the owls, and how best to conserve their habitat. This image is likely either when they first captured the owl, or when they are returning it to its burrow. When researchers handle owls to collect measurements and other data, they are careful to minimize stress to the birds, so, while it is not ideal from the perspective of the individual, hopefully, the work ultimately benefits their population as a whole.
I understand. I had the privilege of going out with Charlie Thompson, ISU biology prof, as he was checking on tagged house wrens at the ISU field station. He and his students handled them very carefully. Thanks for your response.
The House Wren research is impressive. Charlie has been doing that for around 40 years now. When I go out to Merwin I take pictures of the wrens and share images with them if I manage to get close to banded birds. You can read the band numbers in some cases so they get a little more information on movement and pair bonds.
Also I have seen barn swallows pick up a small fluffy feather and drop it in the air. Another will pick it up and drop it in the same spot. They kept repeating the game twittering with joy for about 6 or so drops. Then back to work!!! My husband thought I was nuts till he saw it for himself.
Bernd Heinrich wrote an entire book about tree swallows called "White Feathers," in which he conducted painstaking research into the decision tree swallows make around lining their nests with feathers. They have a distinct preference for white feathers, it turns out. I wonder if barn swallows also line their nests with feathers. Hmmm. It does sound like they are having fun, regardless. I'm glad your husband got to see the spectacle as well. Although there is quite a bit of research about animals at play, we surely do not have a deep understanding of how play works and what it means. Maybe it's just fun.
Sounded like fun. Not to long ago scientist did not think animals (dogs & cats) had emotions. I also saw a squirrel going up a pine tree at a ponds edge come upon a hawk on a high branch. It freaked and started down the tree. Then it must have thought about it. How could the hawk get him? So he had a bit of fun an kinda taunted him first on one side then the other. The hawk remained imperious and ignored him.
I have encountered quite a bit of Japanese art focused on birds, from cranes to owls. They often capture the essence of the bird with minimal detail. It's quite moving.
Sep 2, 2023·edited Sep 2, 2023Liked by Bill Davison
Recently retired in Florida and have become enamored with the barred owls that occasionally occupy the trees behind our home. Usually hear them late at night as I stand outside enjoying the serenade. I have seen on a couple occasions in late afternoon or early evening, an owl swoop silently at high speed past my lanai without flapping its wings, into the grove of trees, up into the upper branches. I did a little research and was amazed to learn how their large wings, light bodies and wing strokes allow them to fly more silently than any other bird. We have plenty of interesting birds in Florida: sandhill cranes, red tailed hawks, flamingos, even bald eagles, though I have yet to see one. But none as interesting to me as the barred owl in my back yard.
I have been fortunate to see many rare and "spectacular" birds, but I, too, find that I make the strongest connections with the ones I see most frequently. Florida is full of the spectacular species - it's great that you can enjoy that! Owls are a fascinating bird to learn more about. The silence of their flight is remarkable. They also have specially designed feathers along the wings that helps minimize sound by reducing turbulence. It's just amazing how nature works.
I added both book recommendations to my list and I'm excited to read them! Seems like it's almost every night now I'm woken up in the middle of the night by owl noises. Also, thanks, now I'm enthralled by these owl livestreams! Lol
I just came across your column and this essay. Thank you for sharing your keen observations. I read Jennifer Ackerman’s book this summer- an excellent read, as are all her books. I do want to point out though that she features compassionate men as well as compassionate women - People who are (com)passionate about owls : )!
I'm glad to hear that you also read Jennifer's book. I have read several of her other books as well, and I admire her insights, research, and the clarity of her writing. You are correct - she does also include compassionate men in her book! I just find it interesting to consider how women-led research has contributed in often unique ways in a historically male-dominated scientific community. I had a very good friend once who studied primates many years ago. I was struck by her description of how the introduction of Jane Goodall's and Diane Fossey's research added so much to the primate canon. It was as if women could just see things that the male researchers had not considered. That is so interesting to contemplate.
Owls are, in my view, simply wonderful creatures, from every perspective. Unless you’re standing under one at the wrong moment, I suppose. They’re smart, complex, endowed with capabilities of flight, hearing, vision, communication, temperament, hunting, and more, of which we generally understand the vaguest outlines and little more.
We’re fortunate enough to live in an older suburban neighborhood with a fair number of mature trees, a small creek that hasn’t yet been turned completely into a concrete ditch, and a dab here and there of more-or-less natural areas, enough such that the ‘hood routinely hosts both barred and great horned owls. Our backyard has a natural garden (at least that’s what I call the natural area when the city asks about it), about 700 sq ft in total, along with several mature trees, some smaller ones, a back fence overgrown with euonymus, a short row of American hazelnut along another fence, and a built pond, about as big as a pair of queen-sized beds, with a stream bed/waterfall.
The area is, not surprisingly, a bird magnet. As well as an attractant of various small furry mammals, bees, bugs, and butterflies, and more. I adore the whole messy, beautiful affair.
And I especially adore it when there’s an owl perched in the magnolia over the pond, or in the elm next to the hazelnut row, or the big spruce, or one of the native black cherries.
We more often see barred owls out back; in recent years, young owls have shown up back there accompanied loosely by adults to roost during the day and hunt in the dark or crepuscular hours. Each time I am fortunate enough to see one, I feel blessed.
Because I’m frequently out back, but generally try to be quiet when I’m out, sometimes an owl will come to tolerate me a bit, enough so that I sometimes get to know enough about one to be able to recognize that individual. Then I know that, while I’m probably not quite entirely ‘living right’, I at least have my moments.
I was very interested in your description of the tussling youngsters. I’d have loved to watch that behavior.
As for vocalizations, whew! Barred owls can create a ruckus that, if one tries to reproduce the sounds to share with others, friends and loved ones will think the person in serious need of psychiatric care. And it’s a complicated ruckus, too; I’m sometimes reminded of the noise and seeming mayhem of a busy cafe with calls and orders flying back and forth amongst waiters, cooks, hosts, etc. From the apparent chaos, small miracles emerge.
Perry, you clearly need to start a Substack of your own! I can envision an essay entitled "a messy, beautiful affair." Your yard sounds like the best yard in your town. I also have a messy, beautiful (to me) yard that I occasionally have to defend as being well-tended although not conventional. (This is even more interesting because my wife works in the zoning department of our municipality. I have stories to tell about that!) It is no small thing to create a welcoming, healthy space for wildlife in an urban or suburban environment. You are filling a critical role for migrating and year-round-resident birds. This is even more important considering the impacts of a changing climate and continued development and habitat destruction. Keep at it! And I hope you continue to have encounters with owls. They are magnificent.
Had to chuckle at this, Bill. I can’t imagine if my wife worked for the city in zoning or (worse yet) code enforcement; our local authorities are too often (in my view) much too strict and much too “old school” about, well, everything. On the Substack thing, I guess I have to mention that I’ve recently begun one, called ‘An Elephant’s Tail’; I’ll refrain from advertisement, however.
What a beautiful, well-written, and resonant piece. As a fellow devotee to what is wild, and learning from Nature on its own terms - I find a very satisfying, specifically inclusive clarity expressed in your words. This is Nature’s call-sign, is it not? I look forward to perusing your work 🙏🏼
I really appreciate hearing that. Their are many voices out there studying and appreciating nature and birds. I value the diversity of their experiences and want to continue sharing. Hopefully, you will find more of the same in my future essays.
What a wonderful article. I live in a suburb of Kansas City. There is an owl in our backyard at dusk every night. I know when it arrives due to the Blue Jays warning - loud & crazy. It is beautiful! I think it is a Barred Owl. The Owl swoops down the hill to say hello. Or at least that is what I’d like to think. Fascinating to watch. Thank you for this article. And thank you for the book recommendations!
You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed this essay and the book recommendations. I often feel a personal connection with birds that I've been able to spend time with. It's a special thing, for sure.
What a marvelous topic, owls and understanding owls. I’m delight to learn that a 3/4 stance and sideways glance is a calm and respectful way to help owls feel safer near a person!
I am glad you mentioned enthralling true story of Wesley the Owl.
I hope the 3/4 stance works well for you as you go out for future bird walks and nature experiences! I am also a fan of just walking and moving slowly. I may write about that sometime. Wesley the Owl is a great book. I've recommended to many non-bird people, and even they have enjoyed it.
I have always loved owls and count myself lucky to see one in the wild. Now I know a better way to observe them, thank you. This recommendation is also true of many animals, they do not like eye to eye contact as it counts as aggression and can be met with aggression.
Best of luck on your next owl observation trip! The 3/4 stance could be helpful. I'm also a big fan of just moving slowly. I may write more about that in a future essay.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Owls can be found across the globe, so it's a species that everyone can enjoy if they put a little effort into finding where they live. For us, it's the nearby public park.
I enjoyed reading this so much. I know so little about owls, but was sitting outside one evening with a friend the other week and we had a discussion about the different sounds that owls make, of all things. I cannot wait to share this with him as soon as it's late enough in the morning to ping his phone.
P.S. Congratulations on the Substack Reads recommendation! That is how I found your delightful home here.
It's heartening to hear that people have somewhat random conversations about nature in general or birds specifically. I feel confident that if more people had access to nature and birds or had any encouragement, they'd probably go out of their way to know more. Perhaps you and your friend can now become birdwatchers! Let me know how that goes. (It sounds like you may be somewhere far from Central Illinois!)
The conversation happened atop a high hill populated by very old live oaks in Redwood City on the San Francisco peninsula. My friend Craig is an avid birder and I enjoy his enthusiasm for nature-- it's catching for a guy who lives in apartment with no green space!
I loved this article!! Have loved birds ever since I was a little girl. Loved to be alone in the woods. Was lucky to grow up in a rural area west of Boston. Now I live in South Carolina. We have many birds here. Many Barred Owls and Red Shouldered and Coopers Hawks. A family that lives near us have 2 kids that play in a pool at night under a big spotlight that goes into the woods. I saw a Barred owl sit up in a tree watching them and calling out to them. The bright light had to be right in its eyes!! Stayed there for quite a while, tolerating my curiosity!
It's a special thing to a get a long look at an owl. It happens for me in our nearby park not infrequently. I guess they don't feel any threat, so they just sit there calmly. You do have to wonder what they're thinking about the kids in the pool, though. Hmmm.
Nature teaches us so gently.🌿
“A diffuse light where humble people extend kindness to others and, in so doing, change the world in unforeseen ways.”
Yes, nature can be very subtle. Part of the appeal of being in nature is trying to perceive some of her subtle messages.
Thank you for highlighting this statement. It is such a wise statement. I teach high schoolers and I will be using this article as a “warm up” and directing their attention to that and all of the other important information this piece has to offer.
Your students are fortunate to have a teacher with a sincere desire to be of service. I hope this year will be filled with meaning and creative discovery for all of you!
One warm summer evening as my wife and I traveled a lonely country road, we came upon an somewhat small owl sitting in the middle of the lane we were traveling in. I slowed, figuring it would soon take off. It didn’t, instead choosing to stay right there. I came to a stop about ten feet away and turned off my headlights, leaving my parking lights on. After watching the owl for a few minutes, I got out and approached this unique creature; it did not move and I walked right up to it and sat down next to it. I spoke to it softly, then reached out and began to stroke its incredibly soft neck. This went on for several minutes, and I became concerned for the owl, thinking perhaps it was ill. Eventually I made a soft clicking sound, and with that the owl spread its wings and flew off into the darkness. It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. That encounter with such a beautiful creature left me feeling blessed.
Hello Stephen, Thanks for sharing that amazing story. I am always trying to get close to birds, but I rarely get to be that close.
I love this week's column and am fascinated by owls. I am a little bothered by the photo at the top because the owl looks pretty stressed to me but perhaps not. In any case, thank you for these insights. I was told that, if I wanted to find owls, to look down, not up, because their pellets and other digestive material are clues that one is in the area. We have a Great Horned Howl on our property who reminds us when it's 4 am but we have never seen our elusive friend.
I am glad to hear that you appreciate this essay and that you have Great Horned Owls on your property. I understand your concern with the first photo. The young burrowing owl in that image was being handled by researchers who collect data to learn more about the owls, and how best to conserve their habitat. This image is likely either when they first captured the owl, or when they are returning it to its burrow. When researchers handle owls to collect measurements and other data, they are careful to minimize stress to the birds, so, while it is not ideal from the perspective of the individual, hopefully, the work ultimately benefits their population as a whole.
I understand. I had the privilege of going out with Charlie Thompson, ISU biology prof, as he was checking on tagged house wrens at the ISU field station. He and his students handled them very carefully. Thanks for your response.
The House Wren research is impressive. Charlie has been doing that for around 40 years now. When I go out to Merwin I take pictures of the wrens and share images with them if I manage to get close to banded birds. You can read the band numbers in some cases so they get a little more information on movement and pair bonds.
Also I have seen barn swallows pick up a small fluffy feather and drop it in the air. Another will pick it up and drop it in the same spot. They kept repeating the game twittering with joy for about 6 or so drops. Then back to work!!! My husband thought I was nuts till he saw it for himself.
Bernd Heinrich wrote an entire book about tree swallows called "White Feathers," in which he conducted painstaking research into the decision tree swallows make around lining their nests with feathers. They have a distinct preference for white feathers, it turns out. I wonder if barn swallows also line their nests with feathers. Hmmm. It does sound like they are having fun, regardless. I'm glad your husband got to see the spectacle as well. Although there is quite a bit of research about animals at play, we surely do not have a deep understanding of how play works and what it means. Maybe it's just fun.
Sounded like fun. Not to long ago scientist did not think animals (dogs & cats) had emotions. I also saw a squirrel going up a pine tree at a ponds edge come upon a hawk on a high branch. It freaked and started down the tree. Then it must have thought about it. How could the hawk get him? So he had a bit of fun an kinda taunted him first on one side then the other. The hawk remained imperious and ignored him.
That Japanese owl painting is stunning. Great essay, thanks for writing.
I have encountered quite a bit of Japanese art focused on birds, from cranes to owls. They often capture the essence of the bird with minimal detail. It's quite moving.
Recently retired in Florida and have become enamored with the barred owls that occasionally occupy the trees behind our home. Usually hear them late at night as I stand outside enjoying the serenade. I have seen on a couple occasions in late afternoon or early evening, an owl swoop silently at high speed past my lanai without flapping its wings, into the grove of trees, up into the upper branches. I did a little research and was amazed to learn how their large wings, light bodies and wing strokes allow them to fly more silently than any other bird. We have plenty of interesting birds in Florida: sandhill cranes, red tailed hawks, flamingos, even bald eagles, though I have yet to see one. But none as interesting to me as the barred owl in my back yard.
I have been fortunate to see many rare and "spectacular" birds, but I, too, find that I make the strongest connections with the ones I see most frequently. Florida is full of the spectacular species - it's great that you can enjoy that! Owls are a fascinating bird to learn more about. The silence of their flight is remarkable. They also have specially designed feathers along the wings that helps minimize sound by reducing turbulence. It's just amazing how nature works.
I added both book recommendations to my list and I'm excited to read them! Seems like it's almost every night now I'm woken up in the middle of the night by owl noises. Also, thanks, now I'm enthralled by these owl livestreams! Lol
You are welcome. The owl cams are amazing. I keep returning to the Great Gray Owls.
I just came across your column and this essay. Thank you for sharing your keen observations. I read Jennifer Ackerman’s book this summer- an excellent read, as are all her books. I do want to point out though that she features compassionate men as well as compassionate women - People who are (com)passionate about owls : )!
I'm glad to hear that you also read Jennifer's book. I have read several of her other books as well, and I admire her insights, research, and the clarity of her writing. You are correct - she does also include compassionate men in her book! I just find it interesting to consider how women-led research has contributed in often unique ways in a historically male-dominated scientific community. I had a very good friend once who studied primates many years ago. I was struck by her description of how the introduction of Jane Goodall's and Diane Fossey's research added so much to the primate canon. It was as if women could just see things that the male researchers had not considered. That is so interesting to contemplate.
Owls are, in my view, simply wonderful creatures, from every perspective. Unless you’re standing under one at the wrong moment, I suppose. They’re smart, complex, endowed with capabilities of flight, hearing, vision, communication, temperament, hunting, and more, of which we generally understand the vaguest outlines and little more.
We’re fortunate enough to live in an older suburban neighborhood with a fair number of mature trees, a small creek that hasn’t yet been turned completely into a concrete ditch, and a dab here and there of more-or-less natural areas, enough such that the ‘hood routinely hosts both barred and great horned owls. Our backyard has a natural garden (at least that’s what I call the natural area when the city asks about it), about 700 sq ft in total, along with several mature trees, some smaller ones, a back fence overgrown with euonymus, a short row of American hazelnut along another fence, and a built pond, about as big as a pair of queen-sized beds, with a stream bed/waterfall.
The area is, not surprisingly, a bird magnet. As well as an attractant of various small furry mammals, bees, bugs, and butterflies, and more. I adore the whole messy, beautiful affair.
And I especially adore it when there’s an owl perched in the magnolia over the pond, or in the elm next to the hazelnut row, or the big spruce, or one of the native black cherries.
We more often see barred owls out back; in recent years, young owls have shown up back there accompanied loosely by adults to roost during the day and hunt in the dark or crepuscular hours. Each time I am fortunate enough to see one, I feel blessed.
Because I’m frequently out back, but generally try to be quiet when I’m out, sometimes an owl will come to tolerate me a bit, enough so that I sometimes get to know enough about one to be able to recognize that individual. Then I know that, while I’m probably not quite entirely ‘living right’, I at least have my moments.
I was very interested in your description of the tussling youngsters. I’d have loved to watch that behavior.
As for vocalizations, whew! Barred owls can create a ruckus that, if one tries to reproduce the sounds to share with others, friends and loved ones will think the person in serious need of psychiatric care. And it’s a complicated ruckus, too; I’m sometimes reminded of the noise and seeming mayhem of a busy cafe with calls and orders flying back and forth amongst waiters, cooks, hosts, etc. From the apparent chaos, small miracles emerge.
Perry, you clearly need to start a Substack of your own! I can envision an essay entitled "a messy, beautiful affair." Your yard sounds like the best yard in your town. I also have a messy, beautiful (to me) yard that I occasionally have to defend as being well-tended although not conventional. (This is even more interesting because my wife works in the zoning department of our municipality. I have stories to tell about that!) It is no small thing to create a welcoming, healthy space for wildlife in an urban or suburban environment. You are filling a critical role for migrating and year-round-resident birds. This is even more important considering the impacts of a changing climate and continued development and habitat destruction. Keep at it! And I hope you continue to have encounters with owls. They are magnificent.
Had to chuckle at this, Bill. I can’t imagine if my wife worked for the city in zoning or (worse yet) code enforcement; our local authorities are too often (in my view) much too strict and much too “old school” about, well, everything. On the Substack thing, I guess I have to mention that I’ve recently begun one, called ‘An Elephant’s Tail’; I’ll refrain from advertisement, however.
I'll have to check that out!
What a beautiful, well-written, and resonant piece. As a fellow devotee to what is wild, and learning from Nature on its own terms - I find a very satisfying, specifically inclusive clarity expressed in your words. This is Nature’s call-sign, is it not? I look forward to perusing your work 🙏🏼
I really appreciate hearing that. Their are many voices out there studying and appreciating nature and birds. I value the diversity of their experiences and want to continue sharing. Hopefully, you will find more of the same in my future essays.
What a wonderful article. I live in a suburb of Kansas City. There is an owl in our backyard at dusk every night. I know when it arrives due to the Blue Jays warning - loud & crazy. It is beautiful! I think it is a Barred Owl. The Owl swoops down the hill to say hello. Or at least that is what I’d like to think. Fascinating to watch. Thank you for this article. And thank you for the book recommendations!
You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed this essay and the book recommendations. I often feel a personal connection with birds that I've been able to spend time with. It's a special thing, for sure.
What a marvelous topic, owls and understanding owls. I’m delight to learn that a 3/4 stance and sideways glance is a calm and respectful way to help owls feel safer near a person!
I am glad you mentioned enthralling true story of Wesley the Owl.
I hope the 3/4 stance works well for you as you go out for future bird walks and nature experiences! I am also a fan of just walking and moving slowly. I may write about that sometime. Wesley the Owl is a great book. I've recommended to many non-bird people, and even they have enjoyed it.
I have always loved owls and count myself lucky to see one in the wild. Now I know a better way to observe them, thank you. This recommendation is also true of many animals, they do not like eye to eye contact as it counts as aggression and can be met with aggression.
Best of luck on your next owl observation trip! The 3/4 stance could be helpful. I'm also a big fan of just moving slowly. I may write more about that in a future essay.
Thank you for enlightening us about owls! I learned a lot. Their behaviour in reaction to us is especially insightful.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Owls can be found across the globe, so it's a species that everyone can enjoy if they put a little effort into finding where they live. For us, it's the nearby public park.
Yes, a friend has photographed some owls in a large park here in Montreal. 😸
I enjoyed reading this so much. I know so little about owls, but was sitting outside one evening with a friend the other week and we had a discussion about the different sounds that owls make, of all things. I cannot wait to share this with him as soon as it's late enough in the morning to ping his phone.
P.S. Congratulations on the Substack Reads recommendation! That is how I found your delightful home here.
It's heartening to hear that people have somewhat random conversations about nature in general or birds specifically. I feel confident that if more people had access to nature and birds or had any encouragement, they'd probably go out of their way to know more. Perhaps you and your friend can now become birdwatchers! Let me know how that goes. (It sounds like you may be somewhere far from Central Illinois!)
The conversation happened atop a high hill populated by very old live oaks in Redwood City on the San Francisco peninsula. My friend Craig is an avid birder and I enjoy his enthusiasm for nature-- it's catching for a guy who lives in apartment with no green space!
I loved this article!! Have loved birds ever since I was a little girl. Loved to be alone in the woods. Was lucky to grow up in a rural area west of Boston. Now I live in South Carolina. We have many birds here. Many Barred Owls and Red Shouldered and Coopers Hawks. A family that lives near us have 2 kids that play in a pool at night under a big spotlight that goes into the woods. I saw a Barred owl sit up in a tree watching them and calling out to them. The bright light had to be right in its eyes!! Stayed there for quite a while, tolerating my curiosity!
It's a special thing to a get a long look at an owl. It happens for me in our nearby park not infrequently. I guess they don't feel any threat, so they just sit there calmly. You do have to wonder what they're thinking about the kids in the pool, though. Hmmm.