"Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?"

They seem to be everywhere in Florida. You can find them in the deepest, darkest swamp, or in your suburban backyard. The Barred Owl, or Strix varia...It is also known by locals as the Wood Owl, Striped Owl, Barn Owl, Rain Owl, etc... Regardless, it is an impressive bird. The most common local name is "Hoot Owl". It is typically heard at night or early in the morning...Calls can be highly variable and depend on whats happening in the owl's busy life. Listen to songs of this species Primarily nocturnal they feed mostly on mice. However, I have seen them eat fish, grasshoppers and even squirrels. When living in proximity to humans they will often become quite tolerant and can many times be approached with ease. Throughout the world, many cultures believe that owls are messengers of impending doom or death-or that they carry the spirits of the dead to the underworld. Conversely, others think that they bring luck or enable shamans to talk to the "other side", or even see at night. ©