Visit Valparaiso, IN, the Vale of Paradise, to take on the Birds of Paradise sculpture scavenger hunt beginning in 2022. Visit Valparaiso to hunt down the clues needed to find all 10 native birds species throughout downtown.

 

Barred Owl

Barred Owl chicks share the same soulful brown eyes.

While more people recognize the iconic Great-horned Owl, the emblematic deep woods Barred Owl is a common sight in wooded swamps and southern bayous. Their “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all” call can be heard both at night and in the middle of the day when they are actively hunting small rodents, chipmunks, crayfish, and frogs. Click Here if you want to listen to them.

Barred Owls are one of the earliest nesting birds each year. They will occupy an empty tree cavity, or nesting box as early as late February. They typically raise only one or two owlets each year. The ability to find food greatly influences how many chicks are raised each year. Once done eating, undigested bones and fur are coughed up in what is called an owl pellet.

Valparaiso is home to three year-round owl species, plus many more that migrate or winter in the area. Owl banding demonstrations are offered in the area courtesy Indiana Audubon. Learn more about owl banding here.

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