That's exactly right---the owls followed those thinned areas çause that's where the varmits are. Owls don't live in the deep woods since they can't even get a good shot at the ground not to mention a varmit that might be down there. The floor in old growth is covered with Krap that nothing but bugs live in.
I like your use of the word "varmit" which Greens refuse to use.
Old growth is neat and all but it does not have to be surrounded my miles and miles of the same.
My sentimental favorite forest is like your pen name, the Cherokee National Forest and I know well sections of it both north and south of the National Park.