By: Madison Eagle

MADISON – The barred owl, a threatened species in New Jersey ecosystems, was recently photographed by Drew University senior Daniel Magda in the university woods.

He shared his findings with Friends of the Drew Forest so that the nonprofit could document the biodiversity of the 53-acre Forest Preserve, helping to make its case for a conservation sale.

“The Barred Owl relies on Forests like Drew’s to survive, building nests in tree cavities and helping keep the rodent population in check,” said Judy Kroll, co-chair of the Friends of the Drew Forest. “The role of owls in the food chain is specific and irreplaceable, as is the beauty and the fascination they hold.”

Magda, a double major in biology and environmental science, is in the Drew Forest often as part of his work on a senior honors thesis on bird migration.

“I have seen and heard Barred Owls before,” he said. “But this was the first time I was lucky enough to photograph one. Owls are nocturnal, which makes it harder to catch one in a picture. The picture is dark because the sun had already set and it was nearly dark out.”

On his many walks, he has recorded unique species of birds including hummingbirds, Great Egrets, Green and Great Blue Herons and Red-tailed Hawks. Other species he has documented include foxes, raccoons, groundhogs, flying squirrels, turtles, and several species of salamanders.

The photograph of the Barred Owl appears to be a close-up, but Magda was careful to keep his distance and use a telephoto lens.

“It’s important to give wildlife as much space as possible,” Magda said.

According to the Raptor Trust, which is located in the Great Swamp Federal Wildlife Refuge, there are five owl species in northern New Jersey: great horned, barn, northern saw-whet, barred and eastern screech owls.

Three more species can be spotted during the winter on their migration paths: snowy, and long-eared and short-eared Owls.

“By supporting the preservation of forests and swamps, New Jersey can continue to boast a thriving owl and bird population,” Kroll said. “The Drew Forest offers exceptional natural resources because it has 22 acres that are deer fenced and have undergone a 15-year ecosystem restoration.”