Interloper - Barred Owl
20 inches high x 16 inches wide

“Barred owls are common in the eastern United States and Canada. Out west, they are a relative newcomer and are disrupting the delicate balance of old growth forest ecology. Established species like Northern Spotted Owls are declining in numbers as the more aggressive Barreds expand their territory and take over active nesting sites.

“Western states and provinces have adopted two different action plans to deal with the barred owls. In British Columbia, government programs are trapping and relocating barred owls from protected habitat. At the same time B.C. wildlife crews have established a captive spotted owl breeding program that is already releasing young birds into old-growth areas.”

Artists For Conservation
“15th Annual International Exhibit of Nature in Art”
VanDusen Botanical Gardens,Vancouver, British Columbia
Sept. 19-22, 2024