Summer Musings

June marks the beginning of summer, offering some a chance to relax and rejuvenate. With days growing longer, we anticipate the longest daylight on June 20th this year. Perhaps these shorter nights leading up to the solstice explain our increased sightings of Barred Owls in the mornings. Our neighborhood seems abundant with them lately, as they take advantage of the early light to hunt their preferred treat. Recent rains have filled ditches, making crawfish readily available. These freshwater crustaceans, which breathe through feather-like gills, feed on both living and decaying plants and animals. The study of crawfish is known as astacology, and in 1983, Louisiana declared the crawfish its state crustacean.

Barred Owls appear to take great pleasure in hunting these mudbugs. They remain perfectly still, focused on the ground for extended periods. Patience is crucial for catching these crustaceans, and Barred Owls possess it in abundance. Young Barred Owls observe their parents hunting in the ditches for this delicacy as they get ready to embark on their own journey of survival. This morning, we had the chance to observe an adult owl and a newly fledged one practicing their patience along a rural road. However, similar to many young ones, this fledgling was easily distracted and appeared more fascinated by watching young calves play in a field across the street.

Barred Owl patiently watching for a mudbug

Young Barred Owl watching calves play