In the middle of spring nights when I was out checking the mares due to foal. The first time I was out and the barred owls started a conversation among them - there must have been at least three - it startled me. They make amazing noises and are very loud.

Decades ago we had a great horned owl that roosted in the pine just below the house, but he was never as vocal as the barred owls. He was impressive, but he only hung around one year. The barred owls have been here year after year so I'm more used to them.

my big calendar this year is OWLS; yes INDEED

I think maybe all the damn raccoons around here drew it. They eat them!

I will not be standing in their way. It sounded like a foghorn and scared the crap out of me when I was taking out the trash, but now, I feel sort of watched over knowing it is there. My cat comes in before dark, so now when dark approaches, I have an ally against critters!

I read that they kill raccoons, too. Well this might be quite the boon!

I don't feel the least bit terrible for welcoming him or her in the neighborhood, and I hope he/she stays forever!

I hope it works out this time

Seriously, it was probably the presence of a bunch of raccoons and too many squirrels around that drew it. My cat can't keep up with the number of squirrels we have.