In all the years we've lived here we've seen him twice.
A gray ghost in the night. Caught in the beam of our headlights.
But the summer days are longer and he's been hunting earlier.
With a wingspan ranging from 3.5-5.75ft, it's been fun to watch him swoop from tree to tree and down to the ground. When he fixes those yellow eyes on you, you can't help shiver.
He's too far away and the light is too low for good pictures. But I'll share a couple anyway.
The Great Horned Owl is common to almost all of North America.
Interesting fact: When clenched, a Great Horned Owl's talons require a force of 28 pounds to open. The owls use this deadly grip to sever the spine of large prey.
While these fierce predators can take down large birds like ospreys and even mammals larger than themselves, I was delighted to learn that they also eat daintier fare like scorpions. Mr. Owl you are welcome to dine on those delicacies at my cottage anytime.
Have a wonder-filled week, friends!
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday v
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