Photo: Barred Owl, Scott Suriano/Audubon Photography Awards
In northern Virginia, we are likely to see three species of owls: Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and Great Horned Owl. Residents of Fauquier, Loudoun, and Rappahannock county might also see Barn Owls, which prefer open farmland habitat. All four species breed in our area. The larger owls prey on the smaller ones—Great Horned Owls take Barred Owls, and Barred Owls take Eastern Screech Owls. Wisely, the smaller owls choose not to nest or try to occupy territory too close to bigger owls. Where Barred Owl populations are dense, such as at Huntley Meadows, Screech Owls have a rough go of it. In areas of more contiguous woodland, such as Mason Neck or Prince William Forest, populations can spread out and Screech Owls can find a niche to occupy. You can help owls in your yard by reducing night-time light pollution, leaving up snags, and preserving wooded parts of your property. Plant more trees to expand the canopy!
Learn more about these and other sanctuary species, and how to create habitat for wildlife in your yard through our Audubon at Home program here.
