From Mike Kilberg

Here, the barred owl mom is forming a heart while covering the nesting hole to protect the babies from crows.

The babies are big enough that both parents leave the nest at times but never go far enough that they can’t get back quickly.

Several crows started making their way towards the nest with one perched on the nesting tree. Mom sounded some alarm calls, went into full protection mode and immediately returned a tree next to the nest. Meanwhile, dad called from a far away location to lure the crows towards him.

As soon as the crows took off mom blocked the entrance like this for a few minutes before fully entering the nest and tending to them.

I follow 6 different barred owl nests found through getting out and scouting possible locations with constant check backs to see if my possibility panned out. Please do not ask for this location or my other locations as I will not share. Usually, I would wait to post if at all until babies have fledged but I really wanted to share this magical moment of love and protection

Maryland 4/9/25