Hello, It's Me
Ready For Take-Off
I stood in awe of this magnificent Great Grey Owl. We looked at each other in silence and I felt privileged that she allowed me be so close for a few minutes. When she decided to continue her hunting, she spread her wings and with one downward wing motion, she silently glided away.
I had no idea that owls were such graceful fliers. It was amazing how slowly and effortlessly she flew and... most astonishing to me... how silently.
I've seen eagles up close and there is no comparison between the flight of a Great Grey Owl and a Bald Eagle. At take-off, eagles expend much effort and flapping of wings to get going, while owls just seem to barely flap a wing and they glide away with no wasted energy.
Of course, being a light bird with a 150 cm wingspan helps but owls also have quite unique wings and feathers. The leading edge of the owl's primary feathers is comb like, while the opposite edge has soft fringes. The fringing breaks up the turbulence and reduces sound, making owl flight near silent.
Eagles dive at their prey at high speed, making it difficult for the prey to escape. Owls, on the other hand, silently glide in on their prey.
It is a beautiful thing to see an owl in flight.
Ready For Take-Off
I stood in awe of this magnificent Great Grey Owl. We looked at each other in silence and I felt privileged that she allowed me be so close for a few minutes. When she decided to continue her hunting, she spread her wings and with one downward wing motion, she silently glided away.
I had no idea that owls were such graceful fliers. It was amazing how slowly and effortlessly she flew and... most astonishing to me... how silently.
I've seen eagles up close and there is no comparison between the flight of a Great Grey Owl and a Bald Eagle. At take-off, eagles expend much effort and flapping of wings to get going, while owls just seem to barely flap a wing and they glide away with no wasted energy.
Of course, being a light bird with a 150 cm wingspan helps but owls also have quite unique wings and feathers. The leading edge of the owl's primary feathers is comb like, while the opposite edge has soft fringes. The fringing breaks up the turbulence and reduces sound, making owl flight near silent.
Eagles dive at their prey at high speed, making it difficult for the prey to escape. Owls, on the other hand, silently glide in on their prey.
It is a beautiful thing to see an owl in flight.