Marin County, California

Northern Spotted Owlets

(Strix occidentalis caurina)

Northern Spotted Owls (NSO) inhabit old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest in North America. As a key indicator species, NSO play a crucial role in gauging the health of these forest ecosystems. Unfortunately, NSO faces significant threats, primarily from habitat loss due to logging activities and the encroachment of invasive species like the larger Barred Owl. Conservation efforts are underway to protect its diminishing habitat and ensure the survival of this iconic owl species.

Marin County is the farthest south that NSO are found. We have quite a few successful breeding pairs which are tracked diligently by various local, state, and federal agencies. These two fledglings are from a nest adjacent to a busy hiking trail and are accustomed to people and dogs walking. It’s amazing how many people walk right by, not knowing that one of our most endangered and special species are right next to them.