i live in a rural area of west central illinois. Recently been noticing that the owls that live in the woods behind my house have been exceptionally more vocal than normal. Even hooting periodically through the daytime hours. i've also seen them flying through the air chasing one another. My understanding is that they mate in the jan. and feb., so i was wondering if you could explain this change in recent behavior for me?

They could have young that have recently left the nest (or are close to it).