Owl!!!!

[Mt. Baker Quail]

I got home late today and went out to take care of the ducks and I saw an owl sitting on a fench post 10 feet away from the ducks and about 15 feet away from me. Anyone know what kind it is?

 

[cgmccary]

CarolJ:
We live in the middle of a wooded area - and there is a large owl that lives near our house. I was just out on the porch and heard his call. A mixture of cool and spooky! I was talking to a friend of mine whose daughter works for a veterinarian, and she said that they often have small dogs brought in after being injured by an owl or a hawk or other bird of prey.

Yes, a GHO will take full grown opossums, commonly & routinely eat skunks, will chase Eagles off their nest & take puppies and cats. A Barred Owl is not a threat to any of those. It eats small things.

chickenfarmer1997: shoot it

Why would you shoot something I have just told you is not a threat to your chickens? I had a pair of Barred Owls that hung out in the tree over my run every night (and nested nearby) & my chickens roosted on a post with a rain shield over it right out in the open every night (here below are juveniles -- they roosted out on that thing you see -- didn't loose a one -- these are six weeks old), The Barred Owls NEVER bothered my birds. The Barred Owls living around me now do not bother my birds, and I have 34 Guineas in the trees every night. Why shoot it? At least educate yourself about nature, owls, hawks and the wild animals living amongst us, please, before giving advice that is illegal. KNOW what you are talking about, please.

 

[Stacykins]

I know what it is, very cool! Great picture! Not sure of the species, though, a Great Grey Owl maybe. I'd suggest locking up your ducks before dark, and you won't have anything to worry about.

 

[Mt. Baker Quail]

Most of the time I do put the ducks to bed before dark.

 

[Chick Charm]

Can't tel you what kinda owl that is but Great Picture! I have two on my property hooting away at night. I love that sound they make. Wish you the best on keeping it around. Good for all those pests that creep in the night.

 

[mr_mojokitten]

I think it's a barred owl. Beautiful bird, but definitely a poultry eater!

 

[hemet dennis]

Quote:
Only small baby poultry, and if you have baby chicks running around at night they might be better off eaten. the owl does much more good.

 

[mr_mojokitten]

Quote:
Only small baby poultry, and if you have baby chicks running around at night they might be better off eaten. the owl does much more good.

x2

Although they will occasionally hunt before dark. And I'd be concerned about the smaller birds in your flock. If you're already hawk-proof, you'll be fine. That owl will take care of your rat population if you have one!

 

[Minniechickmama]

I don't know how any of you can even guess as dark as the picture is. I don't think it is a barred though, the barring on them is very distinct. This may be a Great Horned if they are in your neck of the woods. We have them here, and they are big. I can't see the head enough to really say anything concrete though. I will say, the Great Grey has a much rounder head than what I can see in this.

I honestly don't think an owl can pick up our ducks, they are big Pekins and I have a hard time handling them

 

[Mt. Baker Quail]

I got a good look at it and I think it is a barred owl.