(by Lucy Murayda)
Happy International Owl Awareness Day! – August 4th, 2026
Did you know that the Barred Owl (Strix varia) can turn its head up to 270 degrees? Unlike humans, owls cannot move their eyes because they are fixed in their sockets. Instead, they have 14 neck vertebrae, twice as many as we do, allowing them to rotate their heads to scan their surroundings. This remarkable adaptation helps them locate prey, navigate through forests, and remain aware of potential dangers while keeping the rest of their body perfectly still.
Our female Barred Owl ambassador reminds us that every owl experiences the world a little differently. After being struck by a vehicle in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, in 2011, she sustained significant injuries, including damage to her right wing that required amputation, leaving her non-releasable. Over the years, her vision has declined due to cataracts, and in recent years, a torn retina was discovered that may also be connected to the injuries she sustained during her original vehicle collision.
While we don’t know exactly how much vision she still has, we are always looking for ways to help her navigate her environment with confidence. One approach we are exploring is placing high-contrast visual markers throughout her enclosure to determine whether they help her distinguish landmarks and better orient herself within her habitat. By carefully observing her responses, we hope to learn more about the vision she still possesses and continue adapting her environment to meet her individual needs.
Every day she teaches us something new. Her resilience reminds us that even after significant injuries, animals can continue to adapt and thrive when given compassionate care, enrichment, and the opportunity to make choices. We are honored to care for her and share her story as an ambassador, inspiring others to appreciate and protect New Hampshire’s wildlife.
Who says owl awareness is only for one day? Visit the McLane Center on Wednesday, August 5 11am-3pm to learn about owls and meet our ambassador Barred Owl.