When inspecting construction work on the Conservancy’s Silva tract yesterday, I kept noticing being noticed. And when I moved, it moved. Curious George? I don’t know a good name for this little guy (see attached photos), but the curiosity content was very high as it tailed me and watched my every move. A Barn Owl (some call it a Common Barn Owl) with some very nice coloring, huh? It is great to see these other species working Conservancy preserves. While there is sure to be competition for prey with other species listed as “covered” by the NBHCP, it definitely says that there is a substantial prey base on the preserve. This is the essential element for successful preserves; let’s just use the human term, adequate food. Hope you enjoy these photos of this handsome creature.
Big bird
Photo taken by Conservancy staff at a Conservancy preserve, 2025. With this article is a photo of a Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) in flight. It’s on one of the Conservancy’s marsh complexes. While the Conservancy has prepared the preserves mostly for the benefit of the Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), …