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You’ll hear four distinctive Illinois owl sounds in your backyard or local forests.
The Barred Owl’s "who cooks for you?" echoes through mature woodlands. The Great Horned Owl’s deep, gravelly hoots command attention from forest edges.
In suburban areas, listen for the Eastern Screech-Owl’s haunting whinnies, perfect for their stealthy hunting style.
The rare Burrowing Owl adds its unique "coo-coooo" to southern Illinois grasslands.
Each species has adapted to specific habitats, from dense forests to open plains, making their calls as diverse as their hunting grounds. Understanding these sounds helps protect these remarkable nocturnal hunters.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Illinois Owl Species
- Common Owl Sounds in Illinois
- Where to Look for Owls in Illinois
- Owl Call Identification
- Owl Behavior and Communication
- Attracting Owls to Your Yard
- Owl Conservation in Illinois
- Owl Watching Tips and Tricks
- Illinois Owl Sightings and Reports
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many types of owls are there in Illinois?
- What does an owl call sound like?
- Are horned owls common in Illinois?
- Where can you see owls in Illinois?
- Are long eared owls hard to spot in Illinois?
- What does a long ear owl sound like?
- What is the most common owl in Illinois?
- What are the six sounds of the owl?
- What does it mean when an owl is hooting outside your house?
- Which owls hoot at night?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- You’ll hear four main owl calls in Illinois: the Barred Owl’s "who cooks for you?", the Great Horned Owl‘s deep hoots, the Eastern Screech-Owl’s haunting whinnying, and the Burrowing Owl’s "coo-coooo" sound.
- You can spot owls best at dawn and dusk in locations like Shawnee National Forest, Starved Rock State Park, and urban parks with mature trees, especially during winter months when visibility improves.
- You’ll increase your chances of attracting owls by creating a habitat with native trees, installing nesting boxes, limiting outdoor lighting, and maintaining natural food sources rather than direct feeding.
- You can contribute to owl conservation by reporting sightings through eBird or iNaturalist, participating in volunteer monitoring programs, and maintaining owl-friendly spaces that protect them from habitat loss and pesticide exposure.
Illinois Owl Species
Illinois is home to a fascinating variety of owl species, each with unique calls and habitats.
You’ll find these birds in places like forests, grasslands, and suburban areas, showcasing their incredible adaptability.
Barred Owl Habitat and Distribution
Barred owls are right at home across Illinois, often surprising you with their adaptability.
You’ll find them in these habitats:
- Woodland habitats: Mature forests are their favorite spots.
- Wetlands: Swamps and riverbanks provide ideal nesting areas.
- Urban nesting: Your backyard can be perfect if trees are around!
- Forest ecology focus: They thrive in protected, intact ecosystems.
Listen for their "Who cooks for you?" call!
Great Horned Owl Habitat and Distribution
You’ll spot the great horned owl all over Illinois, from forest ecosystems to urban parks and wetlands.
These adaptable hunters perch on tree edges in grasslands or roam wildlife corridors, calling their signature “hoo-hoo-hoo.”
Illinois owl habitats, like forests and wetlands, help these nocturnal birds thrive despite habitat loss.
Their deep hoots—classic Illinois owl sounds—often feature paired calls, females higher-pitched than males.
Truly iconic!
Eastern Screech-Owl Habitat and Distribution
Eastern screech owls, masters of blending in, call Illinois home year-round.
You’ll spot them in woodland habitats, forest edges, and even urban nesting sites.
Known for adapting, they nest in mature trees or backyard boxes.
Their haunting calls add charm to Illinois owl sounds.
Here’s where they thrive:
- Mature forests: Ideal for nesting and breeding patterns.
- Urban areas: Nest boxes bring them closer.
- Forest edges: Perfect for hunting during screech owl migrations.
Burrowing Owl Habitat and Distribution
Burrowing Owls in Illinois are trying to hold their ground, despite challenges like habitat loss and urban sprawl.
These quirky little owls love grasslands, open plains, and spaces with cozy burrows—perfect spots for their nesting sites.
Here’s a quick look at their world:
- Owl Migration Patterns: They stick to southern Illinois but move across borders.
- Burrowing Techniques: They might use existing burrows or dig their own.
- Habitat Loss: Urban expansion threatens their survival.
- Conservation Status: Programs focus on restoring grasslands and public involvement.
Other Owl Species in Illinois
While Illinois’ common owls grab most of the attention, rare species add a touch of surprise.
Snowy owls, often part of winter’s owl migration patterns, visit open fields or airports.
Long-eared owls hide in wooded areas, their camouflage making rare owl sightings thrilling.
Listening for illinois owl sounds might reveal their presence.
For more details on these fascinating birds, explore this guide to Illinois owl species.
Here’s a quick look:
Owl Species | Habitat | Fun Fact |
---|---|---|
Snowy Owl | Open fields, airports | Arctic visitors during winter |
Long-eared Owl | Wooded habitats | Masters of silent flight |
Barn Owl | Grasslands, farmlands | Known for eerie screeching hiss |
Keep exploring Illinois owl diversity and calls!
Common Owl Sounds in Illinois
When you’re out in Illinois, listening for owl calls is one of the best ways to identify these fascinating birds.
Each species has its own unique sound, from the Barred Owl’s rhythmic hoots to the eerie trill of the Eastern Screech-Owl.
Barred Owl Calls and Meanings
The Barred Owl’s call is like the soundtrack of Illinois woodlands at night.
Their signature phrase, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” is one of the most iconic Illinois owl vocalizations you’ll hear.
It’s not just repetitive hooting—these owls pack personality into their calls.
Barred owls are pros at bird communication, often mimicking hawks or even barking dogs!
Their duet performances are a thrill, with mates trading hoots, deep cackles, and bubbling gurgles like nature’s own sound waves orchestra.
When defending their patch of forest, they’ll dish out softer hoots or even snap their bills.
Barred owl calls in Illinois travel surprisingly far through dense woods.
If you’re curious about these amazing sound-makers, their rhythmic call patterns are like nature’s voice echoing through the treetops.
- Key Sounds: Deep, rhythmic hooting phrases.
- Mimicry Skills: Can imitate hawks and dogs.
- Social Behavior: Pairs call in duets.
- Territorial Alerts: Use faint hoots or snaps.
- Acoustics: Calls carry far through wooded areas.
Great Horned Owl Calls and Meanings
Great Horned Owls rule the night with their deep, gravelly hoots, often compared to a distant foghorn.
Their calls are a hallmark of nighttime sounds in Illinois, echoing through forests, parks, and even backyards.
You’ll notice their owl communication happens in duets, with females starting and males answering—a rhythmic back-and-forth of shorter hoots that sound like nature’s secret song.
These unmistakable owl vocalizations mark their territory and communicate within pairs.
If you’re outdoors at dusk, listen closely—these horned owl sounds might just reveal their hidden presence.
Eastern Screech-Owl Calls and Meanings
How does something so little create such haunting sounds?
The Eastern Screech-Owl’s owl vocalizations include a ghostly whinny that slides downward, capped off with a soft trill.
These screech patterns echo across Illinois’ quiet nights, blending into suburban parks and backyards.
You’ll notice males sounding slightly lower than females, using these call frequencies to claim territory or reassure nestlings.
If you’re in Illinois, these eastern screech owl sounds are unmistakable, adding an eerie magic to the mystery of owl calls Illinois.
Burrowing Owl Calls and Meanings
Burrowing owls may be small, but their voices leave a big impression.
Their signature "coo-coooo, coo-coooo," often ending with a wheeze, is as distinctive as it’s purposeful.
These clever sounds mimic rattlesnakes to spook predators, a handy trick for a ground-dwelling bird.
Burrowing owl vocalizations vary for communication, defense, or alerting their colony.
Found along Illinois’ southern border, they’re rare but unforgettable in both sight and sound.
- Fun fact: The creative mimicry in burrowing sounds shows just how adaptable these little owls are, making their calls a fascinating addition to Illinois owl sounds.
Where to Look for Owls in Illinois
If you want to spot owls in Illinois, focus on places that match their natural habitats.
Check wooded areas, grasslands, or even urban parks where these fascinating birds often roost or hunt.
Best Places to Spot Barred Owls
Illinois’s woodlands are perfect for spotting Barred Owls.
These fascinating birds thrive in mature forests with thick canopies and wetlands nearby.
If you’re looking to see one, head to Shawnee National Forest during dawn or dusk in spring, or try the Illinois River Valley on warm summer nights.
In fall, Kickapoo State Park is a great pick for early morning adventures.
Listen for their iconic “Who cooks for you?” call echoing through the woods.
Keep your binoculars ready—you never know when one might peek out from a tree cavity!
Best Places to Spot Great Horned Owls
Looking for Forest Owls?
Great horned owls are the Illinois owl calls you’ll recognize—deep, gravelly hoots echoing through woodlands and rural areas.
Think Shawnee National Forest or Starved Rock State Park—prime spots for these nocturnal giants.
Check Illinois wetlands or old hawk nests in large trees, for perfect spotting tips, head out during dawn or dusk when these silent hunters thrive.
Their immense wingspan? Unforgettable!
Best Places to Spot Eastern Screech-Owls
Eastern screech-owls thrive in urban owl habitats and wooded spots across Illinois.
They’re easiest to find during screech owl migration when their trilling calls fill the night.
Here’s where to spot these charming owls:
- Neighborhoods with mature trees, especially near forest edges.
- Woodland owl sanctuaries like state parks.
- Your backyard, if you’ve got native vegetation.
- City parks with dense tree cover.
- On nighttime spotting trips, during spring migrations.
Listen for unique Illinois owl calls!
Best Places to Spot Burrowing Owls
You’ve got a decent shot at spotting a burrowing owl in Illinois if you stick to their favorite habitats.
These quirky little owls live in prairie landscapes, especially areas with open grasslands near southern borders.
Keep an eye (or ear) out in places like:
- Shawnee National Forest
- Prairie Ridge State Natural Area
- Grassland habitats around southern Illinois
- Fields with good burrowing sites
Listen for their soft, cooing call at dusk—one of Illinois’ owl sounds worth tracking! Patience really pays off here.
Owl Call Identification
You can identify Illinois owls by listening closely to their unique calls, like the Barred Owl’s famous “Who cooks for you?” hoot.
Each species has a distinct sound, helping you recognize their presence even if you can’t see them, which is made easier by listening for the unique calls.
How to Identify Barred Owl Calls
If you’re walking through Illinois woodlands at sunset, you might hear the Barred Owl’s iconic call: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”
It’s loud, rhythmic, and perfect for learning owl call patterns.
A thorough bird songs and calls guide can help you distinguish between various bird vocalizations.
Barred Owl sounds also include guttural squawks and wild pair duets during courtship—talk about drama!
Curious about their sounds? Use the table below to help:
Sound | Purpose | When Heard |
---|---|---|
Hooting | Territory marking | Year-round, especially dusk |
Cackling duets | Mating and bonding | Breeding season |
Bill-snapping | Aggression/defense | Territorial disputes |
Listening tip: Stay still and mimic! Owls sometimes hoot back to curious humans.
How to Identify Great Horned Owl Calls
Those deep, gravelly hoots you hear at night? That’s the great horned owl, one of Illinois’ most iconic nighttime hunters.
Their calls often sound like a muffled foghorn. You’ll recognize their duet-like Owl Call Patterns: females hoot first, answered by softer male replies.
For Nighttime Listening, here’s a quick guide:
- Listen for pairs hooting.
- Focus on steady rhythms.
- Use Audio Recordings.
- Practice matching Illinois Owl Calls.
How to Identify Eastern Screech-Owl Calls
If you’ve ever listened to Illinois owl sounds at night, you’ve probably heard the charming call of the eastern screech owl.
Their vocals are a mix of soft whinnies and signature trills, making them stand out in nighttime listening.
Here’s how to sharpen your owl calls identification:
- Listen for pitch: Males typically sing deeper than females.
- Notice vibrato: Their quivering tones create unique owl sound patterns.
- Catch the trill: It’s the hallmark of eastern owl calls.
- Practice: Recordings of eastern screechowl help train your ear.
How to Identify Burrowing Owl Calls
Burrowing Owls have a unique charm regarding their calls.
Their "coo-coooo", often paired with a gentle wheeze, is soothing yet distinctive among Illinois owl sounds.
Amazingly, these birds can mimic rattlesnakes to ward off threats—a clever survival trick!
For call identification, listen for short, rhythmic patterns, especially at dawn or dusk.
You’ll commonly hear these burrowing sounds in open spaces or areas with low vegetation.
Want better audio analysis?
Focus on the pitch and frequency of their owl vocalizations during quiet nights.
Spotting a burrowing owl Illinois makes the patience worth it!
Owl Behavior and Communication
Owls communicate using a mix of unique sounds and subtle body language, helping them claim territory, find mates, or warn off threats.
Understanding these behaviors gives you a clearer picture of their lives and explains why each species sounds so different, with unique sounds and subtle body language.
Why Owls Make Different Sounds
Owls don’t make noise just to fill the night air—every sound has a purpose.
Their owl vocalizations are all about survival: warning predators, finding mates, or defending their space.
Specific patterns, like hoots, screeches, or coos, carry unique messages.
These creatures are masters of sound, using frequency variations and sonic adaptations to communicate across distances.
Think of it as their secret nighttime code, designed for function.
Next time you hear those Illinois owl sounds, remember, it’s not random—it’s call functions in action, perfected through evolution.
How Owls Use Body Language
Reading owl body language feels like decoding a secret code.
Watch for wing positions—a confident swoop or cautious tuck speaks volumes.
Feather signals, like ruffling, hint at frustration.
Facial expressions and eye contact matter too—a stare intimidates, while head tilts show curiosity.
Even tiny movements, like foot wiggles, reveal excitement.
These details decipher the mystery of owl communication.
Owl Mating and Breeding Habits
When love is in the air, owls take their mating rituals to the next level.
Picture graceful “dancing,” males wooing with courtship calls, and even food offerings—owl romance at its finest!
Most owls form monogamous pairs, staying committed year after year.
During spring breeding seasons, females pick cozy, hidden spots like tree cavities or abandoned hawk nests for laying eggs.
Understanding bird behavior mating is essential to appreciating the complexity of owl courtship.
- Broods range from 1-12 eggs, depending on species.
- Both parents share responsibilities like incubation and feeding.
- Many return to the same nesting site each year.
- Chicks (called fledglings) learn to fly in just a few short weeks!
Attracting Owls to Your Yard
You can attract owls to your yard by creating a safe and inviting habitat that meets their needs.
Simple steps like providing nesting boxes, offering natural food sources, and keeping areas quiet can encourage these fascinating birds to visit.
Creating an Owl-Friendly Environment
Creating an owl-friendly environment isn’t rocket science—it’s about making your yard welcoming to these incredible birds while boosting your local ecosystem.
Backyard owls, like Illinois natives the Barred Owl or Eastern Screech-Owl, are picky houseguests but worth the effort.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plant native shrubs and trees—these draw in prey like rodents and insects.
- Provide roosting spaces, such as dense foliage or old trees.
- Install a water feature for hydration and to attract snacks (frogs love them too).
- Limit outdoor lighting—owls rely on darkness to hunt.
- Keep pets indoors overnight for safety.
Think about Owl Nesting boxes to help with breeding.
Your yard could become a hotspot for Illinois wildlife conservation!
Using Owl Nesting Boxes can substantially enhance the local owl population by providing a safe space for them to breed and raise their young.
Best Foods to Attract Owls
If you’re hoping to attract owls, skip birdseed.
Instead, focus on foods that match their hunting instincts and natural diet.
- Rodent Attraction: Mice or voles are irresistible—let nature handle the rest.
- Insect Bait: Crickets and beetles are surefire ways to draw attention.
- Fruit Offerings: Plant berry bushes or scatter fruit to attract prey like rodents and insects, indirectly appealing to owls.
These owl food bait options guarantee your yard is ready for these fascinating hunters!
How to Build an Owl Nesting Box
Now that you’ve got owl-friendly food sorted, let’s build them a cozy home.
You’ll want untreated pine or cedar for your owl nesting box – it’s safer for these night flyers.
Cut a 3-inch entrance hole and line the bottom with wood chips.
For best results in Illinois, mount your box about 10 feet up on a sturdy tree.
Keep it simple – owls aren’t picky about fancy designs.
When considering the design, remember that nest box tips are essential for attracting the right species and ensuring their safety, which involves creating an ideal nesting environment.
Owl Conservation in Illinois
You’ll find Illinois owls facing serious challenges from habitat loss and pesticide use, but there’s good news: you can help protect these magnificent birds.
Whether you’re interested in building nesting boxes or joining local conservation efforts, your actions will make a real difference in keeping Illinois owls safe for future generations, which is a crucial step in addressing the issue of habitat loss.
Threats to Owl Populations
Illinois owls face critical challenges in their fight for survival.
Watching these magnificent creatures struggle hits close to home for many bird enthusiasts.
Here are the key threats affecting owl populations:
- Habitat fragmentation from urban development pushes owls from their nesting sites
- Climate change disrupts traditional migration patterns and prey availability
- Pesticide contamination in the food chain weakens owl populations
- Human activities like vehicle collisions and lead exposure cause direct harm
Understanding the impact of chemical threats is essential to addressing these environmental issues and conservation efforts.
Conservation Efforts in Illinois
Right now in Illinois, conservation efforts are soaring with innovative habitat restoration projects and wildlife preservation initiatives.
The Illinois Audubon Society maintains essential owl sanctuaries, while state-wide conservation strategies focus on protecting vulnerable species.
Leading-edge satellite tracking helps researchers monitor owl populations and their habitats, while local farmers partner in conservation efforts by fighting invasive species and improving wildlife corridors .
Targeted restoration projects guarantee owls keep thriving in our state’s diverse ecosystems.
How to Get Involved in Owl Conservation
Nature’s nighttime guardians need your help! The Illinois Department of Natural Resources welcomes volunteers to join their owl conservation efforts .
Turn your love for illinois owl sounds into meaningful environmental action through community engagement. By participating in bird conservation volunteer work efforts, individuals can make a significant impact on the well-being of owl populations.
There are several ways to contribute to the conservation of owls, including:
- Join wildlife preservation teams at local state parks to monitor owl populations
- Create an owl-friendly environment by planting native trees in your backyard
- Partner with the Illinois Conservation Foundation for hands-on volunteer work
- Record and report owl sightings through citizen science programs
- Support conservation tips education by mentoring young naturalists
Together, we’re making Illinois a safer home for our nocturnal neighbors.
Owl Watching Tips and Tricks
You’ll need a few essential tools like binoculars and a night vision device to spot Illinois owls during their most active hours at dawn and dusk.
With proper equipment and quiet movements, you can observe these magnificent birds in state parks and forests, where they’re often perched silently in mature trees, especially in areas with mature trees.
Best Time to Go Owl Watching
Your best chance to spot Illinois’ nocturnal birds comes during twilight hours – 30 minutes before sunrise or after sunset.
Winter months bring extra opportunities, especially during seasonal changes when owl migration peaks.
During a bright moon phase, you’ll catch more owl calls at night.
Listen for illinois owl sounds during dawn patrol, when these hunters are particularly active.
December through March offers prime viewing of Great Horned Owls.
Best Equipment for Owl Watching
Modern binocular selection starts with 8x magnification for clear views of perched owls.
Pack night vision gear like the X-Vision XANB35 to spot nocturnal hunters in action.
For dedicated nighttime viewing, explore night vision binocular options.
Your audio recorder captures those mysterious owl calls in Illinois for later identification.
Mount a spotting scope on a tripod for scanning distant fields.
A red-filtered headlamp keeps your night vision sharp while moving between spots.
Remember spare batteries – owls don’t run on schedule!
How to Approach Owls Without Disturbing Them
You’ve got your gear ready – now let’s make sure you don’t spook these magnificent birds. Respectful owl viewing starts with knowing how to approach them safely.
Here’s your field-tested guide to minimize disturbance:
- Walk like you’re tiptoeing through fallen leaves – slow, deliberate steps keep owl sounds undisturbed.
- Keep at least 50 feet back for ethical photography and natural owl behavior.
- Stay still and quiet – become part of the landscape.
- Use red light or minimal lighting to protect their night vision.
- Consider a red light flashlight to preserve their night vision without disturbing them.
Remember, patient owl watching rewards you with incredible Illinois wildlife moments.
Illinois Owl Sightings and Reports
Most Illinois owls are found in the northeastern region, where citizen scientists have reported frequent sightings of Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls near forest preserves and wetlands.
When you spot an owl, you can help researchers track their populations by submitting your sighting details, including the species, location, and behavior, to platforms like eBird or iNaturalist.
How to Report Owl Sightings
You’ve spotted an owl – now what? Turn your sighting into valuable data that helps protect Illinois owls. Both eBird and iNaturalist welcome your observations, with eBird focusing specifically on bird data.
Platform | Data Type | Verification |
---|---|---|
eBird | Checklists | Honor system |
iNaturalist | Single observations | Photo/audio proof |
Both | Location, date | Community review |
When reporting, provide species details, behavior notes, and exact location coordinates.
Add photos or sound recordings when possible – they’re golden for verification. Your careful documentation helps scientists track owl populations while respecting ethical considerations.
Remember: citizen science works best when observers like you share detailed, accurate sightings.
Owl Sightings by Region in Illinois
Regional owl trends show distinctive patterns across Illinois.
Northern Illinois sightings of Snowy Owls occur in winter fields. Central Illinois hosts year-round Great Horned Owls.
- Chicago owl sightings feature Long-eared Owls in the South Loop.
- Southern Illinois welcomes Northern Saw-whet Owls in Shawnee Forest.
- Eastern Screech-Owls call suburban parks home statewide.
- Rural owl sightings peak during winter migrations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many types of owls are there in Illinois?
You’ll find five main owl species in Illinois: the Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Burrowing Owl, and Snowy Owl.
These feathered residents each bring unique characteristics to the state’s wildlife.
What does an owl call sound like?
You’ll hear various owl calls: the Barred Owl’s "Who cooks for you?" chant, Great Horned Owl’s deep hoots, Eastern Screech-Owl’s descending whinny, and Barn Owl’s eerie screams in the night.
Are horned owls common in Illinois?
You’ll encounter Great Horned Owls everywhere in Illinois, from city parks to rural woods.
They’re a permanent resident and one of the state’s most common owls.
Their population has declined recently.
Where can you see owls in Illinois?
You’ll discover owls at Shawnee National Forest, Palos Forest Preserve, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
The Cache River State Natural Area’s mature forests also offer prime spots for watching these magnificent birds.
Are long eared owls hard to spot in Illinois?
Ever tried spotting these elusive hunters? Long-eared owls are challenging to find in Illinois.
They’re secretive and well-camouflaged. They also prefer dense coniferous forests.
You’ll need patience and expert guidance to locate them.
What does a long ear owl sound like?
The long-eared owl’s call is a series of soft, low hoots.
These hoots are repeated about every 2-4 seconds.
The call sounds deeper and more drawn out than most owls, like a gentle "whooo" at night.
What is the most common owl in Illinois?
Among Illinois’s 9 owl species, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is the most frequently encountered.
These small birds favor tree cavities and nest boxes.
Their signature call, a too-too-too, fills the night.
What are the six sounds of the owl?
You’ll hear owls make six distinct vocalizations: hoots for territory, screams to warn, trills during courtship, begging calls from young, bill-snapping when threatened, and whines between mates.
What does it mean when an owl is hooting outside your house?
That mysterious hoot in the darkness isn’t bad luck – it’s just an owl doing its thing!
They’re marking their territory or looking for love.
They’re keeping watch over your neighborhood’s nighttime world.
Which owls hoot at night?
You’ll hear Great Horned Owls making deep hoots.
Barred Owls ask "who cooks for you?"
Eastern Screech-Owls trill at night. Barn Owls add their eerie screams to the nocturnal chorus.
Conclusion
Like a symphony in the night, Illinois owl sounds create nature’s most enchanting concert.
Illinois owl sounds connect you with the wild heart of our state, whether you’re exploring local forests or your own backyard.
You’ve now got the tools to identify these fascinating nocturnal neighbors, from the Barred Owl’s iconic "who cooks for you?" to the Burrowing Owl’s gentle "coo-coooo."
Start your owl-watching journey tonight – these magnificent birds are waiting to share their stories.
- https://www.audubon.org/news/learn-identify-five-owls-their-calls
- https://abcbirds.org/blog21/owl-sounds/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Owls/comments/1485bed/volume_up_is_this_an_owl_southern_illinois/
- https://dnr.illinois.gov/outreach/kidsconservation/lookatme.html
- https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/747701