Night hunter, day sleeper

Barn Owl in the Shadows

Barn Owl in the Shadows 01A Barn Owl takes a nap in the barn, its feathers blending in with the shadows

The barn owl is a silent hunter, its feathers designed to muffle its flight. It hunts at night, swooping down on its prey with its sharp talons. During the day, it roosts in dark places, such as barns or old buildings.

At the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, there is a barn owl who sleeps in the shadows of the barn. The owl is a popular attraction for visitors, who come to see its large eyes and soft feathers.

The owl is often seen sleeping during the day, its head tucked under its wing. It is a peaceful sight, and it is easy to forget that this owl is a deadly predator.

The barn owl is an important part of the ecosystem. It helps to control populations of rodents, such as mice and rats. Without barn owls, these rodents could cause a lot of damage to crops and property.

Here are some additional facts about barn owls:

• They are found all over the world, except for Antarctica.
• They are solitary birds, except during breeding season.
• They lay 4-7 eggs, which hatch after about 30 days.
• The young owls fledge after about 5 weeks.
• Barn owls are an endangered species in some parts of the world.

Barn Owl in the Shadows 01A Barn Owl takes a nap in the barn, its feathers blending in with the shadows Barn Owl in the Shadows 02A Barn Owl takes a nap in the barn, its feathers blending in with the shadows

Note: This is written with the help of my high school-aged son, Jonathan, who spends his summers (and other times of the year) working with the campers in Roger Williams Park Zoo "ZooCamp" program. 

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