Photo of a barred owlet from seasons past. Over the course of two years I had the pleasure to observe a family of barred owls. It was quite an experience and educational. I took videos and photos but mostly just enjoyed watching them. It's one of those cherished one on one with nature moments. Watching them interact as a family and learning about the various calls they made.

Although it is not high on my priority list (given I had 2 great seasons following a family already), it is time to see if I can relocate the same or another pair. I have seen them nesting as early as the first week in April and by late May the young are ready to fledge.

Barred owls can be seen at various locations. Read up on their preferred habitat because the pair I followed fit the criteria to a "T". Not many barred owl sightings reported to eBirds but I did see one for Bleeks Road. The best time to find barred owls is at dawn or dusk when they are much more active. They are very responsive at this time of the year which is how many people find them to begin with.