Barred Owl, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The barred owl. It’s exciting to see such a large and formidable creature-- we came across this one while hiking the Rich Mountain Loop Trail in Cades Cove. It was spending the afternoon perched above Marthas Branch, occasionally swooping down to the creek, perhaps looking for a small mammal or creekside amphibian for a snack. And if you’re a small animal on the barred owl’s menu, there’s a chance you wouldn’t see or hear this stealthy hunter heading your way. Excellent camouflage and amazingly silent flight give this owl some advantages as a predator. The barred owl is often active in the daytime and is probably the owl most frequently encountered in the Smokies. Regardless, the opportunity to watch this awesome bird on a quiet creek in the Smokies is one that I will not soon forget. (sound of the barred owl's song) Great Smoky Mountains Association offers several publications to help you learn more about birds, including our book Birds of the Smokies, and our CD, Bird Songs of the Smokies. Both are available at our website or at visitor centers throughout the park.