Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Strix varia and vulpes vulpes

Tonight the calls of barred owls rivaled the screams of the red fox . Love ballads between a male and his partner.

This communication between pairs is part of each species mating ritual, and signifies mid February in Bluemont, VA.

Each night I turn off the lights, grab a bottle of pinot, and sit outside to enjoy the symphony. Nothing on itunes or the radio can compete. While most of my neighbors are on the computer, in front of the tv, or tucking the kids in...I listen.

These calls, come early spring, will result in owlets and kits. Predation will be on the rise as will the chance to catch a glimpse of the young. 

As cute as fox young are, baby owls have got them beat.

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