Hello,

I just joined the list to share a recent experience with the Barred
Owl. On Sunday Nov. 11 we ran across the large owl in Dead Horse Canyon
located in South Seattle right off Rainier Ave. I did not know that this
owl occurred in our area. Nor did I know that it will attack with such
spirit! We got scratched up after four different dive bombs. We later
learned that the owl was provoked by our voices because we were in its
hunting range for the evening.

Is this owl rare in the PNW? Are people commonly attacked? I have never
seen this owl before nor have I ever heard of an owl behaving like this. I
do have to say that this is a very impressive bird! I now will never
venture into the woods at night without a very durable hat!

Thanks, Todd

Todd Murray
IPM Program
WSU Cooperative Extension- Whatcom County
1000 N. Forest St., Suite 201
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 676-6736
E-mail: tamurray at coopext.cahe.wsu.edu

Lake Friendly Gardening
http://lakewhatcom.wsu.edu/gardenkit/INDEX.HTML
Crane Fly Pests of the Pacific Northwest
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/cranefly/