Posted by janet beltz on July 11, 2006

Q: out side our windows there are four very large owls i would estamate over 23 inches lightish brown in color

have baby`s now who are alredy pretty big ,and they make a funny sounding call to each other,,i thought they may be the great horned owl but doesnt look quite the same around the head and the sound isnt right any suggestions they have been out here since around last of march or the first week of april,i live next to a small park in nw cedar rapids iowa,thanks jant beltz

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Iowa

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: From the information you've provided, it does sound like Great Horned Owls to me. These owls nest in February so that makes sense with your sightings of babies in March or April. Baby owls require a long time to both grow and become good enough hunters to make it on their own so the parents care for their young for quite some time. If you can google this species see if you can find some photos that are similar to your animals. The only other owl I think you'd be likely to have at your house would be the Barred Owl but I don't think this is the bird. The Great Horned Owl has ear tufts and the Barred does not, if that helps, however the young GHO has no tufts until more mature. You've been especially fortunate to witness some of the baby-parent behavior so close - most people never get to see this. Hope this helps a bit. Thanks for writing.

John Wiessinger ( July 11, 2006)