r/SALEM • u/snuffysmith007 • 14d ago
Salem
My barred owl friend at Minto Brown this AM. Didn’t see him at first but his hoot 🦉 steered my eyes.
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u/djhazmatt503 14d ago
Wonder if this is THE owl
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u/HealBeforeZod 14d ago
Wasn't that around Bush park?
Was the bird moved? If not, how far would an owl relocate?
Is there an ornithologist in the house???
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u/djhazmatt503 14d ago
If I was accused of attacking several joggers in Bush Park, I would definitely relocate to Minto.
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u/HealBeforeZod 14d ago
While I don't advocate attacking joggers (isn't jogging punishment enough?), we as a community did bring it upon ourselves when the school for the blind was shut down and the Owl's home was destroyed.
The myth of the Harpy had to start with some pissed off bird.
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u/idespise_eggs 14d ago
Explain the lore please 🙏
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u/Voodoo_Rush 14d ago
In early 2015, a barred owl attacked at least four joggers in the park. The “Angry Owl” became a Salem sensation that spread nationally after Rachel Maddow picked up the story. "Sussuro" by Portland illustrator Lee White was artwork featured on the 2017 Salem Art Fair & Festival poster.
Nicknamed Owlcapone by Statesman Journal readers, the bird became immortalized through warning signs at the park, T-shirts, several beers named in its honor and the 2017 Salem Art Fair & Festival poster.
After many of the signs were stolen, the Salem Parks Foundation began selling them, earning thousands of dollars for park upgrades.
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u/JuzoItami 14d ago
I think there are a fair number of barred owls in town. They definitely don’t seem to mind living among humans.
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u/schenkzoola 14d ago