Owls of Ohio: Guardians of the Night

As August winds down, nights stretch a little longer, the air cools, and the sounds of late summer shift. Crickets and cicadas may still carry the evening, but listen closely and you might hear something more haunting — the call of an owl echoing through the dark.

Owls are more than symbols of wisdom; they are vital parts of Ohio’s ecosystem. By preying on mice, rats, and other small mammals, owls keep rodent populations in check and reduce the spread of disease. A single barn owl family can eat more than 3,000 rodents in a nesting season — a natural form of pest control that benefits both farms and neighborhoods.

Common Owls You Might Hear Around Ohio

🦉 Great Horned Owl – Ohio’s largest owl, known for its deep, resonant “hoo-hoo-hoo.” These powerful hunters can take prey as large as skunks or rabbits.

🦉 Barred Owl – The most vocal of the bunch, famous for their call: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” They prefer wooded areas near water.

🦉 Eastern Screech Owl – Small but widespread, these owls come in red or gray plumage. Their call is a haunting trill or whinny, often mistaken for something eerie.

🦉 Barn Owl – Sometimes called “ghost owls” for their pale color and silent flight, they nest in barns, silos, and open fields. Instead of hooting, they give a chilling screech.

🦉 Short-Eared Owl – Less common, but seen in open fields or grasslands, especially during winter migrations. They fly low, almost like a moth.

Did You Know?

🌕 Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees — but never a full circle!

🌕 Their eyes are tube-shaped, not round, giving them exceptional night vision but no ability to move their eyes within the socket.

🌕 Soft, fringed feathers make their flight nearly silent — an adaptation that helps them sneak up on prey.

How to Help Our Nighttime Neighbors

🌳 Leave old trees or snags when safe — many owl species rely on hollow cavities for nesting.

🚫 Avoid using rodenticides — these poisons can pass up the food chain and harm or kill owls that eat affected rodents.

🌌 Try “lights out” evenings — artificial lights disorient not just owls, but moths, bats, and other nocturnal wildlife.

Owls may spend their days hidden, but at night they rule the skies — teachers of patience, silence, and balance. As we step into the rhythm of fall, sharpen pencils, and settle into routines, take a moment to listen for an owl’s call. Their wisdom isn’t just legend — it’s written into the health of the landscapes we share.

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