Barred Owls
SHAKESPEARE, THE BAR(RE)D OF CENTRAL PARK
The first owl I saw in Central Park was a saw-whet, in April 2013. The next time I heard about an owl in the park was July 2013, when one was spotted high in a pine in the Pinetum. When I was told the owl's name, in my head I spelled it "B-A-R-D," and wondered why I couldn't find a reference to a "bard owl." I finally figured out it was a barred owl, which made more sense. But I still think of this owl as the "poet" of the owls.
Happy Superb Owl Sunday! Barred owl, Central Park, January 12, 2021 (Shot posted on February 7)
Barred owl, Central Park, December 5, 2022
Barred owl, Inwood Hill Park, April 3, 2023
Barred Owls Visit Central and Riverside Parks, 2020 and 2021
A barred owl was resident in the North Woods of Central Park in October 2020, and has stayed through January 2021 near the Boathouse in the Ramble. It is a delightful bird, perching somewhat low so we have had the opportunity for great views. Another barred owl was roosting and hunting in Riverside Park around West 117th Street as well, though this one moved into Central Park in mid-January and then disappeared.
Barred owl, Central Park, December 15, 2020
Barred owl, the Loch, Central Park, January 5, 2021
Barred owl after flyout, Central Park, March 2, 2021
Barred owl in favorite tree, Central Park, April 1, 2021
The photos of the long-staying barred owls in this slide show were taken in Riverside Park, Central Park and Inwood Hill Park in late 2020 and early and spring 2021.
Barry the Barred Owl, the Ramble, Central Park, May 4, 2021
Barry the Barred Owl, Central Park, April 26, 2021
Barred Owl, Pelham Bay Park, the Bronx
Barred owl, Pelham Bay Park, January 9, 2019
On April 26, 2017, a barred owl took up temporary residence in the Ramble and provided a joyful day for all who saw him (I'm going with him, even though no one knew for sure whether he was a he or a she). The owl was fairly low, and preened and stretched and kept an eye on all the photographers and binocular-raising birders who came to witness his majesty. I named the owl Shakespeare (I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who called him that, but after all, he was a "bard owl" and the Delacorte Theater wasn't that far away!). And of course, I made a Filming the Feathers video.
Barred owl, April 26, 2017, the Ramble, Central Park
So here's to Shakespeare, the Bard of Central Park! And here are photos and some of Shakespeare's poetry.
“The clamorous owl, that nightly hoots and wonders / At out quaint spirits.” — A Midsummer Night's Dream
"The night to th’ owl and morn to th’ lark less welcome." — Cymbeline
"With a good leg and a good foot, uncle, and money enough in his purse, such a man would win any woman in the world, if a' could get her good-will." — Much Ado About Nothing
"They say the owl was a baker’s daughter." — Hamlet
More photos from the April 2017 barred owl photoshoot.
There was a barred owl in the Pinetum in July 2013. It was difficult to get a good shot. This photograph is more for identification.