(Great Horned Owl)
The Great Horned Owl perched upon a naked maple branch, carefully watching the last of the autumn leaves fall and stick to the wet ground. He was cold and hungry. Stripped Skunks and Northern Short-tailed Shrews and Eastern Cottontails would soon vanish under powdered snow, caking the ground in a light glaze of white. The owl called out (http://www.owlpages.com/sounds/Bubo-virginianus-6.mp3), vaguely attempting to attract a mate before the first snow. Mating season would begin after the next two full moons, and the Great Horned Owl, undecided about raising offspring, wished for just one more lunar cycle. He was tired, living for a decade in the wild and outliving most other owls from his generation. Stealing a Red-Tailed Hawk nest for his eggs also did not bode well for his confidence toward fatherhood. The decision was too much - at least for now. At least a few elms and one birch he knew quite well still had a few leaves left on their branches. So the Great Horned Owl flew silently into the forest, ignoring a nearby owl call to look for a Striped Skunk he knew would be hiding near the familiar birch tree. What did he care of its foul odor? He couldn't smell a thing.
(Barred Owl)
I adore owls! Barn, Barred, Eastern Screech, and Great Horned - it doesn't matter. These birds of prey are the ultimate hunters, sporting serrated feathers that produce absolutely no sound during flight. They mainly feast on rodents and small birds, but devour skunks whenever they find them. Although they are beautiful birds, they are illegal to own unless a Rehabilitation or Falconry License is obtained. But owls should not be considered cuddly pets to showcase to family and friends. They are complex, wild animals demanding respect and dedication. I'm lucky enough to volunteer at a wildlife care clinic where I work with different owls. Even though they are captive birds, use to changing staff and volunteers, I still treat them as I would any other wildlife: with practiced caution and controlled reverence.
I adore owls! Barn, Barred, Eastern Screech, and Great Horned - it doesn't matter. These birds of prey are the ultimate hunters, sporting serrated feathers that produce absolutely no sound during flight. They mainly feast on rodents and small birds, but devour skunks whenever they find them. Although they are beautiful birds, they are illegal to own unless a Rehabilitation or Falconry License is obtained. But owls should not be considered cuddly pets to showcase to family and friends. They are complex, wild animals demanding respect and dedication. I'm lucky enough to volunteer at a wildlife care clinic where I work with different owls. Even though they are captive birds, use to changing staff and volunteers, I still treat them as I would any other wildlife: with practiced caution and controlled reverence.
(Eastern Screech Owl - Gray Phase)
(Barn Owl)
(Leopold - Long-Eared Owl)
