"Barney" - a Barn Owl
This mature male barn owl was found in Washington after being shot illegally.
A wildlife rescue center in Sarvey, Washington was unable to repair the
injuries and sent him to OWL. The left wing was fractured, impairing his ability to fly and preventing his release back into the wild.
"Barney" serves a dual purpose within our facility. During baby season he is a foster parent to orphaned owlets that will be released back into the wild. During the off season he is part of OWL's education team, teaching young and old the value of our native wildlife.
Fun Facts
- Barn owls get their name because they nest in the tops of old barns and silos.
- This species is responsible for some of the old wives tales of banshees and ghosts. Being white underneath and emitting a loud scream the old timers often thought their barns to be haunted.
- Often called the "ghost owl," "heart faced owl" or "monkey faced owl."
- "Nature's mousetrap" -- they are the most effective hunter of all the owls, catching 30-40 mice per day during nesting season.
- They weigh approximately 1 pound -- the same as a loaf of Wonder bread.
- The only owl in North America with a serrated talon.
- Fringed edges of the feathers aid in silent flight and facial disks focus sound waves to the ears.
- Their call is a shrill scream.
- Largest documented number of eggs laid in a clutch has been 11.
- Eggs are incubated almost entirely by the female for approximately 32-34 days.
- Young fledge at about 52-56 days.
- Average life span is approximately 17 years in the wild.