West Seattle wildlife: Rare view of the ‘Lincoln Park lovers’

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

That’s how Trileigh Tucker referred to them, headlining the note that included that photo:

I was delighted (Tuesday) evening to come across both of Lincoln Park’s resident Barred Owls together. Although we probably won’t be seeing owlets in the park this year, this pair is loyally mated for life and I’m sure they’ll try again next year. In the meantime, there’s lots of hunting available to keep them busy.

Thanks to Trileigh for this, and for sharing another photo of a different bird we’re saving for tomorrow!

austin May 25, 2011 (4:30 pm)

B-squared May 25, 2011 (4:33 pm)

Awesome pic, Trileigh!! Thanks for sharing:)

Vanessa May 25, 2011 (5:14 pm)

Incredible! Are you sure you didn’t take this picture in a museum somewhere where they’re stuffed in fake trees? (joking) Awesome shot. We could start some captions, like what they’re thinking….”I’m really hungry but that little chupacabra is kinda scary looking. YOU swoop down first.”

Sonoma May 25, 2011 (5:39 pm)

Fabulous photo. Thank you, Trileigh!

BArbara Muul May 25, 2011 (6:55 pm)

Trileigh,

I have sent this to Kersti – it is absolutely breathtaking – I wish my naturalist grandson could observe these magnificent owls- he is spending this week at Islandwood and loves nature so much, especially birds- thank you for the wonderful picture – P.S. Kersti was hired as the Manager of the Biology Lab at Green River! What a wonderful Professor she had at Seattle University

eileen May 25, 2011 (7:48 pm)

This is a really cool picture. Why do you say no owlets this year – is it because if there were you would have seen them by now? Do they typically have young each year?

Thanks for sharing!

T May 25, 2011 (7:52 pm)

Amazing photo- thanks for sharing. We are so lucky to have Lincoln Park and all of its inhabitants!

goodwork May 25, 2011 (8:22 pm)

What a great picture! They are too cute!

k May 25, 2011 (8:23 pm)

i want to follow trileigh on those Lincoln Park expeditions!

doggydodo May 25, 2011 (8:45 pm)

So cool!

Trileigh May 25, 2011 (9:04 pm)

We think there are probably no owlets this year because neither parent has been seen near the nest box for about a week now, after they had been so vigilant until then. If there were a baby, we’d likely have seen him wobbling around on those high branches practicing his balancing skills – last time there was an owlet in Lincoln Park, he was out of the nest by May 15. This year’s baby owl in the Arboretum fledged about ten days ago, so it would seem to be the right time.

Since these same parents successfully raised a young owl to independence two years ago, I think there’s a pretty good chance they’ll try again next year, so keep your fingers crossed for Oswold and Freya (as we’ve been calling them)!

WSB May 25, 2011 (9:42 pm)

Has it been TWO years since Wollet?

Cait May 25, 2011 (10:22 pm)

The most beautiful picture that will ever give me nightmares. *shudder*

Paul May 25, 2011 (11:21 pm)

Photo Shop ?

strange_owl May 25, 2011 (11:26 pm)

I’ve been hearing at least one barred owl in Shmitz Park. Do you know if there is a resident (or pair) there?

35this35mph May 25, 2011 (11:54 pm)

Amazing! Thank you.

Westside J. May 26, 2011 (12:10 am)

Amazing!! :-D

breezygirl May 26, 2011 (3:17 am)

Awesome!!

JulieS May 26, 2011 (5:45 am)

Love it! I had no idea there were owls in Lincoln park. Thank you so much for sharing! :)

DB Coop May 26, 2011 (7:28 am)

Barred owls have resided in Lincoln Park for years. They buzzed my dog when she was a puppy, she’s 9 yo now. I at least hear them once a year at the park.

Trileigh May 26, 2011 (8:28 am)

@WSB – Yes, Wollet was two whole years ago, hard to believe! I’m sure he’s happily raising his own family in some other forest around the Sound somewhere.

For those who’d like to hear the owls, the most likely time is around dusk or just afterwards. Their loud call sounds sort of like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?” Good luck – we’re all so fortunate to live in West Seattle with such amazing animal neighbors.