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I heard the local barred owl calling, and ran over to the window with my cell phone to play a call back at it from the Cornell birding app. I was hoping to spoof it into coming closer, but instead it stopped calling. it would probably be more convincing-sounding if I went outside--more natural acoustics--but then I'd be vulnerable to an owl attack, and NO THANK YOU.
barred owls are fiercely territorial at this time of year. I've been buzzed (owl flew close enough that it brushed my hair), but not directly attacked. one very descriptive account said being attacked by an owl was like "being hit in the back of the head with a bag full of scissors." this is not an experience I would care to have personally.