Expert: Julia Booth - 9/8/2008

Question
Hello Julia. I live in northwest Ohio, south of Toledo. We live on one acre surrounded by thousands of acres of farmland,about a quarter mile from the Sandusky River. At night I hear a gentle "whooo-who-who-whooo", (sometimes followed by the rustling sounds of a 'large' bird in the trees nearby). I'm guessing that this is an owl of some kind, but I spent the day listening to every "Owl" entry at AnimalBehavorArchive.com, and couldn't find it. I'm *sure it's not a pigeon or mourning dove. Can you help identify this guy ? I'm glad to have him around, just wish I knew who it was. Thanks.

Answer
Time of day and description of the call points to Great Horned Owl. It's really the only owl that says "whoo" like is depicted in movies and whatnot. The Barred and Long-Eared owls make noises similar to a "whoo" but I wouldn't necessarily call them that. You might listen to those two and see what you think. You said you already listened. But sound bytes vary from site to site. Bird calls also vary.

Also the fact that you hear that much rustling points to something large.

Mourning dove does sound similiar, but is unlikely to be heard at night.