Who’s (Back) On Cam For You?

Nestled into a wooded backyard in central Indiana, a pair of owls have returned to breed for a fifth consecutive season on the Wild Birds Unlimited Barred Owl cam. Beneath the down feathers of the female owl are two white eggs laid on March 5th and 7th, with a possible third egg tomorrow night. For the last four years, the owls have had great success raising their young, fledging a total of 11 owlets from 11 eggs. Watch cam.

What to watch for: For the next 4 weeks or so you can listen to the sounds of spring arrive in the forests as the female incubates her eggs. At night, watch as the male owl delivers a steady stream of interesting prey items (like this crayfish) to the nest box and listen for the Barred Owls’ classic “whoo-cooks-for-you?” hooting duets. After hatching, it takes only 4 to 5 weeks for the downy, closed-eyed hatchlings to transform into fierce, sometimes clumsy owlets ready to explore the world (check out these highlights from previous years for a sense of what is yet to come.)

New this year: A second camera has been installed to give views of the nest box opening from the outside so viewers can observe the owls’ comings and goings, as well as the nestlings once they begin peering ouside. (Check out the crayfish delivery via the outside camera). To toggle between the two camera views, click the “switch camera” icon in the lower right of the livestream player, next to the settings wheel.

Share what you see and hear with us on the cam’s Twitter feed, @WBU_Owls, and join us in learning more about these secretive and adaptable predators. Thanks to cam sponsor and partner Wild Birds Unlimited for helping share these intimate views from within the Barred Owls’ nest box.