Imagine The Everglades
Nature Photography by Wayne Willison
Barred Owls, which are common in the Everglades, are vocal and sometimes hunt and call in late afternoons as they are not completely nocturnal. Prey consists of small mammals, snakes and snails and fish and even smaller owls. With a wingspan of approximately 45 inches, they weigh only about 1-1/2 pounds, and are long-lived. One in captivity lived for 23 years.
A recent National Geographic News article stated that the Barred Owl (Strix Varia) has invaded Spotted Owl (Strix Occidentalis) territory where the two species overlap in California an Oregon. This invasion has caused concern in that the more aggressive Barred Owl, has begun breeding with its cousin, and the offspring, a hybrid, is not protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).