Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) - 13Apr2023

Owls in general seem to always be involved in some controversy, but none more than Spotted Owls.  Loss of habitat is the main threat as with most species, but also wildfires and competition with Barred Owls are also important.  The loss of habitat has led to protections that creates controversy with logging operations.   There has been a war between conservationists and loggers in this bird's northern range for decades with the Spotted Owl being used as the flagship species.  The controversy with Barred Owls is that habitat displacement has caused Barred Owls to move into territory previously used only by Spotted Owls which are easily outcompeted due to their smaller size.  Now there are programs to kill Barred Owls to protect the Spotted Owls which is controversial in many ways.  My first Spotted Owl was in the heart of Yosemite National Park right next to the visitors center at the Hetch Hetchy entrance.