eating is that it can’t digest bones or feathers. So, it expels them into pellets that consist of what was consumed from one or several meals usually a day or two later. These owl pellets can be a good clue that an owl has been roosting nearby or possibly nesting. Have you ever gone on an owl prowl or just simply listened for them? The best time for the two larger owls, the Great-horned and Barred, in the Brainerd area is between February and April. Your success will also depend on which habitat you choose or live by. Barred owls prefer lowland that is associated with wetlands or swamps. Great-horned owls prefer more upland such as oak mixed with pine and open fields for hunting. The Barred owl’s call, when heard, is very distinctive and often described to sound like “who cooks for you, who cooks for you, who cooks for you all”. It seems that this is the one that is most often heard by people while camping at a local state park or recreation area. The Great-horned owl is your typical hoot owl, often giving several deep sounds that sound like “hoo, hoo, hoo.” There are also several smaller owls that may be heard as well and share similar habitats with the larger owls. In the past I have conducted owl survey routes, which involve driving a designated route and stopping every half mile to listen for up to five minutes. If you choose to
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conduct your own survey for fun or research, try to avoid stopping near wetlands because the frogs and toads will make it very difficult or nearly impossible to detect any owl sounds. Even though most of us will never see one of our nocturnal visitors, hopefully hearing them will give you some curiosity as to who it might be. There are several CD’s and sites on the internet where one can find audio recordings of the owls in the area. Some people can also get owls to respond back to them just like wolves sometimes do. It’s a thrilling experience to listen and hear owls on a cool spring evening in the Brainerd area; I invite you to try it some evening.
J U D D B R I N K is the owner of MN Backyard
Birds offering birdscaping packages using bird feeding stations for your enjoyment. We install and maintain bird feeding stations for commercial and residential customers in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Judd also leads bird-guided walks and tours in the area. He can be contacted at jb@mnbackyardbirds.com
Photos provided by Judd Brink