Owls are so stealthy. A powerful predator, owls can take down birds and mammals even larger than themselves. But what makes me understand their power is the fact that they can kill porcupines!
I would never have noticed this Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) in the back yard if it didn't swoop off the nearby branch. It was mid morning and I'm sure this bird was asleep, so I think we both surprised each other. Lucky for me...I had the camera in tow.
- When clenched, a Great Horned Owl’s strong talons require a force of 28 pounds to open. The owls use this deadly grip to sever the spine of large prey. Because
- Great Horned Owls respond to intruders and other threats with bill-clapping, hisses, screams, and guttural noises, eventually spreading their wings and striking with their feet if the threat escalates, I'm so glad it left without hurting me for invading it's space.
While I do love owls...I sure don't want one to pounce on my head!