Great Horned Owl chicks | Canva
Every spring, something magical happens in Seward Park. Among the old-growth trees, Great Horned Owl pairs court, nest, and raise their young. Visitors can watch fluffy owlets peek from their nests, take their first awkward flights, and call to their parents for food.
This year, that magic ended in tragedy. The mother and three owlets from Seward Park’s Great Horned Owl family died after eating prey contaminated with rodent poisons (rodenticides). The very food these devoted owl parents worked so hard to provide to their young became the cause of their deaths.
When rodents consume anticoagulant rodenticides, the poison accumulates in their bodies. Owls and other raptors are then poisoned when they eat them. These toxins destroy their ability to clot blood, causing internal bleeding, organ failure, and often death.
This is not unique to the owls at Seward Park. More than 85% of urban raptors in the Seattle area test positive for these toxic rodenticides.
Members Are Taking Action
In May, I was delighted to witness a Great Horned Owl family in Seward Park. When I saw one of the owlets, I nearly cried! I worked in the Seward Park for 13 years and had never seen a Great Horned Owl in it, let alone a whole family. It was magical. These magnificent creatures were raising their family in this urban park.
When I learned a couple months later that the mother owl and her three owlets had died painful deaths after eating rat poison, I did cry. This was preventable. A senseless loss. I felt helpless. What gave me hope and purpose was learning that Birds Connect Seattle was working on a campaign to engage the community in preventing the use of these anticoagulant rodenticides. It was empowering to be able to make a donation towards this effort for the owls, the eagles, and the hawks.
How You Can Help Us Protect Washington’s Raptors
Birds Connect Seattle has long advocated against toxic pesticides that threaten birds and wildlife. Now, we are working to advance statewide restrictions on anticoagulant rodenticides, and we need people like you to help make it possible.
We encourage our community to take action by making a gift. These funds will help Birds Connect Seattle:
- Advocate for statewide restrictions on these deadly poisons
- Build a coalition of wildlife organizations and community advocates to push for change
- Educate the public through Owl Prowls, raptor talks, bird outings, and other programs
- Continue monitoring vulnerable owl and raptor populations through community science
Remembering the Seward Park Owls
The Great Horned Owl family at Seward Park deserve to be remembered for raising their young, not for becoming victims of a poison they never had a chance to avoid. With your help, we can work toward a future where people can once again watch owl families grow in Seattle’s parks without worrying that a poisoned meal could mean their death.
Great Horned Owl owlets at Seward Park | Jen Yu
Donate AND Advocate
In early 2027, the Washington State House considered legislation to restrict the use of anticoagulant rodenticides (House Bill 2516-25-26). We are urging our members and the community to take action and tell their Washington state legislators to pass this bill that will protect Washington wildlife, including raptors.
Related Articles
Seattle’s Urban Birds Take Flight in Our Expanded Mural
Our Seattle shop mural is growing! Meet the newest birds brought to life by local muralist Tori Shao in this behind-the-scenes look.
Cats and Birds: Finding a Way Forward
We’re cat people, too. But as a conservation organization, we have a responsibility to consider how free-roaming cats affect wild birds. Explore what the research tells us about outdoor cats, wildlife, and the choices we can make to protect both.
Scoop the Poop for Cleaner Water
Pet waste is one factor that can contribute to nutrient run off, algal blooms, and declining aquatic habitat—and why picking up after your pets helps protect birds and local waterways.