Kip’s Comments - April 19, 2026
Nature in Action - Barred Owl, Owlet, Nest, and Fox Squirrel
Odds are most people have never seen what was witnessed by a small group of people this afternoon.
A nature-appreciating fellow reached out to me about a barred owlet down on the ground near his home. For many days the little owl had been on the ground in a very vulnerable location. Predation by cats, dogs, coyotes, foxes, or other birds was a distinct possibility - along with exposure to the elements. After numerous conversations with wildlife rehabilitation folks it was decided the best response would be to hang an artificial nest near where the owlet was located to get the bird off the ground and in a position of safety. Hopefully the parent birds would quickly find their young in the safer location and would resume care-taking responsibilities.
Soon after arriving on the scene with my brother, his son and daughter, the homeowners and a rehabber, we found the adult bird. She had been sitting on the young bird, but then flew to a tree nearby.
Adult Barred Owl - Image 1090389
As we watched the adult bird, the adult bird watched us. What we did not know was the bird was also listening.
Adult Barred Owl - Image 1090402
Seconds after the previous two images were recorded the adult bird moved to a dead branch in a different location and with an odd pose. The adult owl was not looking at its young, but was instead looking at and listening to activities in a hole in a tree not far away.
Adult Barred Owl - Image 1090411
Suddenly, even with many human eyes watching, the owl lunged toward the cavity in the tree it had been watching. None of us had any idea what the owl was doing or why. This behavior continued for a half-minute or more.
Adult Barred Owl - Image 1090414
Adult Barred Owl - Image 1090422
Adult Barred Owl - Image 1090434
As quickly as the owl had moved toward the tree, the bird pushed away to fly to a branch not far away. In its claws was a young fox squirrel. The adult owl had seen or heard activity in the hole in the tree, determined it may be prey, then moved to claim its share. The young squirrel lost its life assuring the barred owl and hopefully the owlet would survive at least a few more days. A sobering detail was that an adult fox squirrel ran past all of us to its nest, but was too late. The squirrel had lost one of its young to the owl. (This was an example of why birds of prey have young early so there are plenty of prey animals available for growing young birds.)
Adult Barred Owl with Young Squirrel - Image 1090437
Adult Barred Owl with Young Squirrel - Image 1090438
Adult Barred Owl with Young Squirrel - Image 1090443
After moving the young squirrel to a different branch where a lethal bite to the head was delivered, the owl then moved to the ground for a half-minute or so before flying off into deeper timber with the young squirrel in its talons.
Adult Barred Owl with Young Squirrel - Image 10904833
While the adult owl was feeding on the squirrel away from us, our group began efforts to secure an artificial nest to the tree for the owlet hiding in hostas and wildflowers at the base of the “home” tree.
Barred Owlet - Image 1090598
As preparations for the new home were underway, the owlet was examined for injuries, weighed, and assessed.
Barred Owlet - Image 1090620
Barred Owlet - Image 1090627
Barred Owlet - Image 1090637
Barred Owlet - Image 1090647
Barred Owlet - Image 1090679
Soon the task of hanging an artificial nest began. We used our best creativity for a nest that needs to last for a few weeks.
Hanging Artificial Owl Nest - Image 1090700
Hanging Artificial Owl Nest - Image 1090730
Hanging Artificial Owl Nest - Image 1090738
With the nest in place, it was time for the tenant to move in.
Artificial Barred Owl Nest - Image 1090803
Placing Owlet in Artificial Owl Nest - Image 1090782
Barred Owlet in Artificial Nest - Image 1090798
After placing the owlet in the artificial nest we all stepped back to watch and wait for an adult barred owl to return. Within minutes an adult owl flew in to perch nearby. We could hear very soft sounds from the adult owl as she looked toward the nest.
Barred Owl Near Artificial Nest - Image 1090544
Much to my surprise, not only did the adult bird look toward the nest, but it also appeared to be studying the “squirrel tree,” possibly considering round two of feeding.
Squirrel Nest Tree - Image 1090572
To minimize any further disruptions to the barred owl rearing process, we opted to leave the area in hopes the adult bird would reunite with the young bird. Time will tell if our efforts were successful. What we do know is we tried to make this end well for the owlet. Now it is up to the birds.
Many thanks to the reporting party, Kurt, Gracie, Josh, Terese, Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project, Jodeane, and the lady who donates baskets for wildlife rescues efforts.
