On Saturday morning, while eating breakfast, I happened to look out and realize that there was an owl in the neighbor's Norway spruce.  Once I checked with my binoculars, I could see both owls were together on the same branch.  It was a perfect daytime roost for them.  Limbs above to protect them from Blue Jays, pendulous branches surrounding them and a bit of sun to warm them in the early morning as they faced east.  But, I still wonder why they are not nesting.  The female should be sitting on eggs by now.

Barred Owl pair in Norway Spruce 4/2/16

One of them turned around and they started preening each other.  They clearly have a strong bond.  Why can't they settle?  We've had a lot of work being done in the neighborhood with noisy machines.  Could that be part of the reason?

Barred Owl pair in Norway Spruce 4/2/16 Barred Owl pair in Norway Spruce 4/2/16

The winds began to pick up and they both decided to face west, into the wind.

Barred Owl pair in Norway Spruce 4/2/16

 I think they might have stayed all day but the winds were gusting strongly.  Or could there be another reason?  

Barred Owls 4/2/16

In studies done by the National Park Service, it has been found that man-made noise does have direct effects on natural peace and tranquility. Birds and other animals need to hear each other to communicate, find a mate, catch prey and in general, live their lives. 

http://www.nature.nps.gov/sound/effects.cfm

The noise sure bothers me when I try to work in the garden or photograph these beautiful creatures. But, what about them? They need peace and quiet, too.  

Food for thought...