In writing about the Barred Owls currently residing in my neighborhood, the
yard and adjacent wooded greenbelt ravine, and Eastgate Park, 2-3 blocks
away, and despite at times being very close and probably easily viewable
with a bit of effort and a flashlight, I have never actually seen either one,
nor have I even tried.

Reason: I don't want to do anything that even on the most remote chance
might compromise their welcome presence. Especially welcome because I see
these two birds as potential 'predator drones' silently watching from above
for any movements on the ground by the 'bin sodden' gang of terrorist
Aplodontias (Mountain Beavers) where the war of over ten years continues to rage
on in the steep & difficult 'Tora Bora' region of my yard. Successful
live trapping is one thing (14 to date), but throw a couple Barred Owls into
the equation, I am optimistic this chould help. Aplodontias are pretty big
and hefty beasties but I think one could still be easily dispatched by a
stealthy Barred Owl swooping down in silence from above. All the more to
hope with the prospect that their may soon be some hungry mouths to feed.

Richard Rowlett
Bellevue (Eastgate), WA