To mark International Owl Awareness Day on Aug. 4, the National Audubon Society shared a short video of two barred owls clinging to a branch and gently grooming each other — a tender moment that helps explain why these birds captivate so many people.
What's happening?
In an Instagram post, the National Audubon Society spotlighted a long-term barred owl pairing. The video shows a male and female sitting together on a branch and engaging in allopreening — birds' mutual grooming behavior — along with the note that barred owls mate for life.
Audubon also shared nesting details: "They usually have a single clutch of two or three eggs each year. During the incubation period, the female sits on the eggs while the male hunts for food."
One Instagram user commented: "We have a pair on our property and it's a treat! We call them Tootsie and Pop. I had the pleasure of watching them hunt together one evening. It was fascinating."
Why does it matter?
Alongside the owl facts, the responses pointed to a broader concern about the places these birds depend on.
Another commenter celebrated still having them nearby in the city but added: "So great that some habitat still exists for them here in the city, but the forested area is disappearing quickly."
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Forests, wooded neighborhoods, and even pockets of urban habitat can support remarkable species when those spaces remain intact.
What can I do?
One of the most practical steps is protecting habitat where possible. Preserving mature trees, supporting local conservation efforts, and paying attention to development that removes wooded areas can all help maintain places where owls can nest and hunt.
People lucky enough to have barred owls nearby can also keep their distance and enjoy them without disturbance, especially during breeding season. Watching, listening, and learning their calls can be a low-impact way to appreciate them.
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