At the zoo yesterday, while gathering snaps for a non-bird project, I heard clear and repeated wook-wooks above the traffic and general zoo noise. These were from a pair of captive Barking Owls. i was told by zoo staff
that this kind of excited daytime calling happened at feeding time or in response to nearby construction noise. It was just possible to get some kind of snap of the feeding through the fine mesh of the large and well-vegetated enclosure. Many will have firm
views on the confining of owls, or indeed of any animals, but if you want to familiarise yourself at close range with the sound of male and female Barking Owls this would be one place to go, provided you have additional interests that would justify the price
of admission. Owl-calling time was about 1.20 pm.
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