It’s owl dive-bombing season at Point Defiance Park. Here’s what to know
Hang on to your hats, morning joggers, it’s barred owl dive-bombing season again at Point Defiance Park. They’ve done it before, and they’re at it again.
Or, you could call it nesting season.
In a social media post, Point Defiance announced on Tuesday that a barred owl is swooping at hikers along 5 Mile Drive near the Outer Loop. “This is a natural, territorial behavior as owls protect their young during nesting season,” the statement goes on to say.
Alex Holmes, a park guide at Point Defiance and self-professed “avid birder,” told The News Tribune on Tuesday that it’s not uncommon to have owls dive-bombing after people in the park. “Specifically, this time of year,” he said. “They get a little bit territorial. When people jog by, they perceive that as a threat and will swoop after them.”
Great horned owls and barred owls are both found in the park, but barred owls are usually the swoopers, Holmes says.
A trip report posted on the Washington Trails Association website on April 2 mentioned swooping barred owls as well. “There’s a large owl swooping at hikers,” a user named “Oldwhiner” posted. “We met several hikers who told us they had a close encounter.”
The high-conflict owl zone seems to be a specific spot along 5 Mile Drive, but Holmes didn’t think it was wise to get too specific, to protect the owls.
“We’re in the breeding season right now. In March and April is when they lay their eggs, which makes them extra territorial and aggressive,” he said.
“We have a park volunteer who used to run early in the morning with his dog, and a barred owl would swoop down and steal his hat,” Holmes continued. “He had to modify his running time to a little bit later.”
Holmes says people often show him pictures of owls in trees, hoarding hats because they steal so many around the park. Please let it be known that The News Tribune attempted to track down a picture of an owl in a tree with a hat, but was unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Tacoma resident and ardent Point Defiance bird photographer, James Crandall, told The News Tribune that he feels unfortunate to have never witnessed a dive-bombing, himself. Even though he knows they’re happening all around him.
“I’m always looking for them, so naturally I can never find them,” he said. “But my wife has had a neighborhood owl dive bomb her while walking the dog in the morning in the North Slope. I’ve heard a number of stories from people getting swooped, and it always seems to be the barred owls. They seem to really have a grudge against joggers in hats.”
Crandall also noted that barred owls tend to hang out on lower branches than great horned owls, and to look for them there. “Great horned owls are pretty shy and usually stay higher up. So, if you were on the lookout for a barred owl, I’d focus on tree branches about 10-20 feet off the ground.”
As for how Tacomans can help protect the owls, and themselves, Holmes says to give the owls space. And to pay attention. “Sometimes barred owls give warning calls–little hisses and shrieks. So, be mindful and listen as you’re running.”
He also recommends that park goers wear hats. “You might need a little bit of extra protection around here right now.”
Maybe bring a few extras while you’re at it.
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