Just had a group of robins and blue jays go after a barred owl in my yard--

[Mrs. Overall]

This was earlier this evening--still a lot of daylight. I heard commotion outside and as I walked out on the porch, a huge barred owl flew by with probably 5 or 6 robins and blue jays screaming behind him. They chased him until he landed in another part of the yard and they perched on nearby branches still scolding loudly and occasionally trying to dive-bomb at him. I was able to walk right beneath the owl and get close enough to see his beak and his eyes. Absolutely stunning. I stood and looked up at the owl until my neck grew too tired. It was probably at least 20 inches tall. Just amazing!

Is it usual for smaller birds to chase owls? Why was the owl out during the daylight hours?

Barred Owl:

[elleng]

GREAT story, Mrs!

I have NO IDEA, and sure hope some here do!

[elleng]

1. dupe

[semillama]

2. It's very common for groups of small birds to harass birds of prey

It's called "mobbing" and when birders hear a bunch of different songbirds making a ruckus, you know to look for a raptor or owl!

Probably what happened is that the owl was roosting, trying to catch some zzzs, when some jay happened on him and started yelling, bringing in other birds, and finally the owl had enough and took off for calmer pastures.