A large owl has been perching/hunting from a pecan in the backyard. I have seen the usual barn owl make carnage of small rabbits, rats, mice, and squirrels. this guy is pretty large (bigger than the normal barn owls I see around here) . I like the added majestic feature to the landscape. I don't mind the "wooing", either. I do mind the way he looks excited at the sight of my dogs. french bulldogs and a miniature schnauzer all around 13lbs. I have been closing the dog door at night. the owl has been around for about a week. is there a chance that there may be a problem? google says "maybe" I think no, but I am on a land rover forum asking advise.......so, obviously, I am not sure. also, any chance there could be a daytime attack?

 

My research has led me to this. funny
but I'd really like another solution.

 

Saw an Owl carry off a rabbit once. Just sayin .
Most likely hunting birds and mice.
???

 

yeah, hoping he is just cutting in on the squirrel and dove population. i'm prolly just worrying cause i'm leaving for vaca tomorrow. they will be under the watch of a sitter, but the image of one of my dogs becoming a meal is horrifying.

 

wonder if more yard lighting might deter or encourage an owls ability to hunt in my yard...

 

 

I can see it, now. I get home and owl dinner is served. Dogs adorned in oven mitts and aprons.
I put some temp photocell lights up.maybe that will deter.

 

I wouldn't be overly concerned in your case. My gf's parents own two yorkies about 5lbs max and they have had a couple large owls in their backyard. Lol 5lbs would be pretty easy for the owl to swoop down and make a snack out of

 

Thanks dpedraza, that is reassuring. Yeah 5lb yorkie would be like that lollipop commercial 1....2.....chomp

 

so, an update= the owl (actually owls) are still here and are, apparently, cool with the dogs, me, and my late night music and auto work. I noticed the second, smaller, presumably female, a while back. but today I saw the two perched upon my garage gable, tearing into who knows what.............and about 30 feet behind them, I watched 2 spring babies, doing figure 8's, with their heads, and crying for food. I tried to photo, as the larger owl, carried food to them. very cool, considering I am less than 2 minutes from the dead center of downtown.
now, I am more concerned with getting good photos, rather than losing small 4 legged family members (they are mostly carving up snakes, rats, small squirrels, baby coons and possum). so, what is the best low light/night set up for photography.....no flash. I prefer nikon.