Natural History Wanderings

Barred Owls Threaten Spotted Owls In Muir Woods

Barred Owls first appeared in Muir Woods in 2002 and began nesting there in 2006.  This is a threat to the native Spotted Owls. The more aggressive Barred owls have large appetites and take over the food sources and habitat of the Spotted Owls.

Spotted Owls are declining faster than thought and one plan being considered is to shoot Barred Owls who compete for resources.  This is not planned for Muir Woods where the only immediate action is to closely monitor the situation.  To learn more read the article in the Marin Independent Journal Muir Woods spotted owls under threat from rival bird – Marin Independent Journal.

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• New Plan To Protect Spotted Owls Released (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
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• Federal plan to save northern spotted owl is misguided overkill (seattletimes.nwsource.com)