Barred Owls and Their Impact on the Pacific Northwest’s Ecosystem
The barred owl (Strix varia) is a relatively new arrival in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), but its presence has already sent ripples through the region’s ecosystems. Originally native to the eastern United States, barred owls expanded westward over the past century, establishing themselves in forests once dominated by the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Their arrival has not only put the spotted owl at risk but has also disrupted the balance of other native species, reshaping the region’s forests in unexpected ways.
click on the graphic above to see WDFW's full PDF
One of the most alarming consequences of the barred owl’s expansion is its impact on the northern spotted owl, a species already endangered due to habitat loss. Unlike the spotted owl, which depends on old-growth forests and primarily hunts small mammals, barred owls are highly adaptable. They thrive in both old and younger forests and have a more varied diet, feeding on birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates in addition to mammals. Their aggressive and territorial nature gives them an advantage over the more specialized spotted owl, often forcing them out of their nesting areas. As a result, spotted owl populations have plummeted, leading to controversial management efforts, including the selective removal of barred owls in some regions. Without intervention, scientists warn that the spotted owl could disappear from large portions of its range.
The presence of barred owls has also affected other wildlife in the PNW. Western screech owls, which are smaller and less aggressive, have declined in areas where barred owls have taken over, likely due to increased predation and competition for nesting sites. Band-tailed pigeons, a native forest-dwelling species, may also be experiencing greater predation pressure. Small mammals like pocket gophers, which play an important role in soil aeration and plant diversity, are seeing changes in population dynamics as barred owls shift the balance of predation. Even reptiles like the ring-necked snake, a secretive species that relies on undisturbed habitats, may be at risk as barred owls expand their diet to include more amphibians and reptiles.
The barred owl’s rapid expansion in the PNW highlights how a single species can reshape an entire ecosystem. While some wildlife may adapt, others like the spotted owl’s are being pushed to the brink. Conservationists continue to debate the best course of action, weighing the need to protect native species against the ethical and ecological challenges of managing an invasive predator. As barred owls continue to establish themselves in the region, their long-term impact remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the forests of the Pacific Northwest are changing, and the effects will be felt for generations to come.
The presence of barred owls has also affected other wildlife in the PNW. Western screech owls, which are smaller and less aggressive, have declined in areas where barred owls have taken over, likely due to increased predation and competition for nesting sites. Band-tailed pigeons, a native forest-dwelling species, may also be experiencing greater predation pressure. Small mammals like pocket gophers, which play an important role in soil aeration and plant diversity, are seeing changes in population dynamics as barred owls shift the balance of predation. Even reptiles like the ring-necked snake, a secretive species that relies on undisturbed habitats, may be at risk as barred owls expand their diet to include more amphibians and reptiles.
The barred owl’s rapid expansion in the PNW highlights how a single species can reshape an entire ecosystem. While some wildlife may adapt, others like the spotted owl’s are being pushed to the brink. Conservationists continue to debate the best course of action, weighing the need to protect native species against the ethical and ecological challenges of managing an invasive predator. As barred owls continue to establish themselves in the region, their long-term impact remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the forests of the Pacific Northwest are changing, and the effects will be felt for generations to come.
Education, Outreach & Public Presentations
A number of our birds sustained injuries that were too severe for them to ever be released back to the wild. A few of our birds were human imprints and never learned how to be a wild bird. These birds have a permanent and loving home at DBWBR, and many of them work as Ambassadors for wild birds. They come with us to public outreach and educational events and help us teach people about these amazing birds and how important it is for us, as humans, to protect them and our their habitats.
Outreach Event – If your group or organization is interested in having us bring some of our birds to you, please contact us. We bring a variety of raptors such as owls, hawks and falcons. The minimum charge for an outreach event is $250 within Jefferson County (outside our local area we will charge additional for travel - depending upon distance).
Group Tours of DBWBR – We are limited in having any public tour events at our location at this time.
As it costs a lot of money to rescue, rehabilitate, feed and care for our birds, we cannot do outreach programs for free. After meeting our wonderful birds, you may decide to continue to help us by Adopting a Bird! or you can also mail a donation with a check, please click here for Donation Form.
Meet buddies Dillon and Gandalf. These two bachelors are Great Horned Owls currently in our education programs. They can come to your school, or you can choose to adopt one, or the other, or both! They have been friends for the past 13 years and live together in a flight enclosure at DBWBR. Note that they are very light in color for this type of owl, that is because they both come from the desert southwest!
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This is Gandalf with Monte, one of our dedicated volunteers, at an educational/outreach program. Part of our mission is to engage, inspire and educate the community about birds and issues that effect our wild friends. We are available for outreach educational presentations at your venue or event. Please contact us for more information!
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Lauren, one of our rehabilitation and education volunteers and the wonderful host of our latest videos, is holding a young Barred Owl at Kid’s Day at the Poulsbo Farmer’s Market. When we bring birds to events, we always bring spray bottles of water (you can see them in the background) to mist the birds if they start getting hot. They actually enjoy the cool spray of water!
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The campers at Camp Beausite really look forward to their visits from Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue. They love to ask questions and interact with the birds and handlers.
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This is Ruby, our educational Red-Tailed Hawk ambassador, with Joseph at Camp Beausite. We visit them each year, every week in July. Camp Beausite is a summer camp for adults and children with special needs.
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We were fortunate to be able to release a rescued Red-Tailed Hawk to the sheer delight of the campers at Camp Beausite. Every summer throughout the month of July, the birds from DBWBR visit the campers and help teach them about these amazing animals that share our world.
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North Kitsap High School students doing their community service at DBWBR by helping us to build Mews (outdoor flight enclosures for our birds).
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These are wonderful OPEPO elementary students from Port Townsend who came out to volunteer and do community service for the day! We do offer field trips to our facility, which is a great way to learn more about what we do and the birds who live all around us.
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Our fantastic team of volunteers gather for a picture at Conservatory Coastal Home in Port Townsend after they graciously hosted DBWBR for a fundraising event. Events like this bring in much needed money which helps us continue to rescue wild birds. If your organization would like to host a fundraiser, please contact us.
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