A barred owl family was observed by Kym Hall in May, 2000. The birds were seen in the black gum swamp. Others have reported hearing owl calls in this region. The call has been described as a "Who, who, who-whooo...." which is usually given at least twice.

The barred owl is a large (17-24"), gray-brown owl. The "barred" name refers to a pattern of bars which runs crosswise on its chest, and lengthwise on the belly.

Wooded swamps are one of the habitats where barred owls are frequently found, since hollowed-out, broken-topped snags located here are used for nests. The black gum swamp has an abundance of these snags. Nesting begins in March and April, incubation lasts for about a month, and the young fledge in approximately another month.

Owls are raptors and feed on rodents, squirrels, rabbits and birds - all of which are common in the forested uplands adjacent to the black gum swamp.

In all likelihood, the barred owls are year-long residents on the Hackett Hill property.

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Credits: The photograph of the barred owl is from the Ohio Birder Resources web site. It was taken by Victor W. Fazio, III.