Live Barred Owl Cam

Mama Owl has been checking out the nesting box since early February and laid her first egg on March 11. Over the coming days, she may lay additional eggs every 2–3 days until the clutch is complete. Historically at this nesting location, 2–3 eggs is typical. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for Papa Owl, as he’ll be responsible for bringing meals to the nest.

Best viewing times: Early morning, dusk, and feeding periods throughout the day

2026 Nesting Timeline

  • Box Activity Begins: February 1, 2026
  • First Egg Laid: March 11, 2026
  • Second Egg Laid: March 14, 2026
  • First Egg Hatched: April 12, 2026
  • Second Egg Hatched: April 14, 2026
  • First Owlet Fledged: TBD

Incubation typically lasts 28–33 days. After hatching, young owls grow quickly and eventually leave the nest area before they are fully skilled fliers, continuing to learn from and depend on their parents.

About Barred Owls

The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is one of the most recognizable owls in North America, known for its distinctive call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” These owls are year-round residents in the Southeast and are commonly found in mature woods, swamps, and forested areas near water.

Fun Facts

  • Signature Call: Their famous hooting call is often heard at dusk and during the night
  • Silent Flight: They fly almost silently thanks to specialized feathers that reduce sound
  • Excellent Vision: Their forward-facing eyes help provide strong depth perception
  • Opportunistic Hunters: They eat small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and sometimes fish
  • Territorial: Many Barred Owls remain in the same general area year-round

Nesting & Behavior

Barred Owls do not usually build their own nests. Instead, they rely on natural tree cavities, abandoned nests, broken treetops, or nest boxes like the one featured on this live cam.

  • Egg Laying: Typically 2–3 eggs per clutch
  • Incubation: About 28–33 days
  • Parental Roles: The female typically incubates while the male provides food
  • Owlet Development: Young owls often leave the nest before they are strong fliers and continue learning from their parents nearby

What’s Happening Right Now?

  • Egg incubation and brooding behavior
  • Food deliveries by the male owl
  • Chick development and feeding
  • Increased activity as owlets grow and begin exploring

Check back often—activity can change quickly throughout the day, especially during feeding times.

What You Might See on the Cam

  • Mama Owl incubating eggs
  • Papa Owl delivering food
  • Owlets hatching and growing
  • Feeding interactions between parent and chicks
  • Branching behavior as young owls explore outside the nest

When to Watch

Barred Owls are often most active during early morning, dusk, and nighttime hours. During nesting season, however, activity may happen at any time as parents protect, feed, and care for eggs or owlets.

Did You Know?

  • Barred Owls are often called “hoot owls”
  • They are highly adaptable and can live near suburban areas as well as deep woods
  • Their range has expanded significantly over the past century
  • They are among the most vocal owl species in North America