I got up to let the dogs out around 4:00 this morning. While I was standing at the door waiting for them to finish, I heard Great Horned Owls hooting back and forth.
Great Horned Owls are laying their eggs now so their young will have hatched by the time prey like rabbits and mice are making their forays out of their nests.
Although Great Horned Owls normally hunt at night, every once in a while they are out in the day.
To see well at night, owls have very large eyes. In fact, owl eyes are so large that they are fixed in their sockets. This owl has turned it’s head completely around to see what’s happening behind it. Courtesy Randy Law
These large predators have the biggest range of any owl in North America, from the arctic tundra to southern deserts to semi-tropical forests, although they hunt better in semi-open areas. Their territory certainly includes my suburb in the foothills.
Look at how far into the owl’s feathers the handler can put his finger! No wonder they can nest in the arctic. This bird is captive because its other wing is broken, and it can no longer hunt for itself.
Amy Law is a science geek. She feels about science the way some people feel about music, or art, or sports – a total and complete emotional connection. She thinks in science.
For Amy, there’s nothing better than helping people see the beauty of science as she does. She loves to untangle a complicated subject into its parts, explaining it so that anybody can understand what’s happening. Let her show you her world...
View more posts
5 thoughts on “Great Horned Owls Laying Eggs”
Incredible owl shots!! We’re waiting for our GHO pair to show signs of babies in the nest.
Such majestic creatures of flight. I saw one in NW Denver on a very early morning dog walk and was blown away by it. I’ve heard owl sightings are a indication of pending good luck. 🦉
Incredible owl shots!! We’re waiting for our GHO pair to show signs of babies in the nest.
LikeLike
I’m excited to see your post announcing their arrival!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLike
Such majestic creatures of flight. I saw one in NW Denver on a very early morning dog walk and was blown away by it. I’ve heard owl sightings are a indication of pending good luck. 🦉
LikeLike