Audubon's Barred Owl and Squirrel Odd Friends Playing Cards

This captivating reproduction of John James Audubon’s Plate 46 from Birds of America features a Barred Owl swooping down on an unsuspecting (and oddly cheerful) squirrel. Audubon himself was enchanted by the Barred Owl, calling it the “nightly disturber” and describing its eerie calls that echoed through the Louisiana forests in October, resembling human laughter. Though some might think the Barred Owl a dull creature, Audubon observed its lively curiosity and its ability to startle even seasoned wanderers with its calls. Audubon noted an intriguing dynamic: by day, the sudden movements of a squirrel could intimidate the owl, but come nightfall, the tables turn, and it is the squirrel who must evade the owl’s hunting prowess. This artwork blurs the line between predator and prey, leaving us to wonder if this scene captures daylight or dusk. Without understanding their natural roles, one might even imagine them as an odd, mismatched pair of friends. This piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the balance of nature, where time of day shifts the power between two forest creatures.