The Barred Owls of Bolin Creek

Two weeks ago, I set out to see exactly what is going on with our local Barred Owls. Quite a few people have been scratched on the head by dive bombing Owls in the Bolin creek area. I wanted to see for myself if the Owls were getting more aggressive.The Creek was just about as dry as I have ever seen it. This tends to concentrate the action. Lots of fish and amphibians crowded into tiny puddles among the rocks is sure to attract predators. First animal to be seen was the raccoon. I had seen glimpses of her for weeks, but on this day we surprised each other as I came upon her standing outside of her burrow.Over one of the last remaining pools, I found the Barred Owl hunting the creek.As I approached, I saw her give me the head to the side stare. This indicated to me that she was feeling aggressive. No beak clacking, but she wasn’t ignoring my presence.I simply walked up to her while keeping my eyes on her. I was standing in the middle of the creek bed. I settled down, and sat on one of the rocks to observe her. I don’t think I have ever been so close to one of our Barred Owls.Eventually, she ignored me and turned away.Then,  she swooped down, and came within about a foot of my head, and landed on another branch. Was this a threat? I wasn’t sure, as Owls tend to swoop down before they get going in flight. Perhaps I was simply in her flight path. Her wingspan was huge, the only thing I saw was a huge expanse of peach and white feathers. I remained quietly on my rock…but kept my eyes on her. We had these predator to predator moments where we would simply watch each other. Then a second swoop, and this time she had to direct her flight to be so very close to me. I was being warned. I remained sitting quietly. She landed a few feet from my rock and went about her business. She and I had reached an agreement. Neither would interfere with the other. Hunting resumed.I think the Barred Owls have become bold around humans because they see us so often. The swooping attacks are a hunting territory claim. When people run, the Owl falls back on pure instinct, and goes after the intruder as if they are a prey animal. As with any predator, it is not a good idea to run if attacked. The Owl hunted for another twenty minutes, and then left the area and flew into the canopy. She took very little interest in me at this point.

Could it be that resources are short right now with so many young Owls trying to establish a territory after fledging in the summer? Was the drought making hunting more difficult? I do think that the Owl’s behavior had something to do with a territory claim.  It should be noted that the Owls are known for attacking in September, just when they are becoming independent of their parents.

I soon left the area to return home but the action at the creek was not over yet.  I saw a Cooper’s Hawk bathing in the creek about fifty yards from where the Owl had been hunting.  A Pileated Woodpecker cried out,  and the chase was on. The Pileated attracted the Cooper’s Hawk’s attention, and off he went in rapid pursuit.  He failed to catch the Pileated and the laughing call of the Woodpecker could be heard through the woods,  as if mocking the attempts of the hawk. Every encounter with wildlife that you have seen here occurred during a one hour walk along the Bolin Creek Trail. Does this seem to be the right place for a paved transportation corridor,  or would the town of Carrboro be better served if this small piece of land be kept a natural preserve? If you think that pavement does not belong next to our creek,  sign the petition ,  and let the Carrboro Board of Aldermen know how you feel about our Bolin Creek Forest.