Forensic Evidence
Forensic Evidence - A male Great-horned Owl strikes a pose while looking for an evening meal. Take a look at those mean talons with dried blood from a previous meal! Great-horned Owls are some of the most powerful raptors out there, and they have my vote as the most terrifying of raptors in North America (to prey). They are quite intimidating to me too. They feed on pretty much everything and have even been known to kill species such as Barred Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks and Great Gray Owls in territorial skirmishes or predation.
The only two raptors known to regularly dispatch Great-horned Owls in territorial defense or irregular acts of predation are Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles, likely due to the massive size advantage.
A remarkable species that embodies power to me. Happy Easter, and hope the bunnies are able to stay safe from this guy!
Species: Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Location: Santa Clara County, CA, USA
Equipment: Nikon D850 + Nikkor 500mm f4G + Nikon 1.4x Extender II
Settings: 1/13s, ISO: 640, f/5.6 @700mm, +0.7 EV
Forensic Evidence
Forensic Evidence - A male Great-horned Owl strikes a pose while looking for an evening meal. Take a look at those mean talons with dried blood from a previous meal! Great-horned Owls are some of the most powerful raptors out there, and they have my vote as the most terrifying of raptors in North America (to prey). They are quite intimidating to me too. They feed on pretty much everything and have even been known to kill species such as Barred Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks and Great Gray Owls in territorial skirmishes or predation.
The only two raptors known to regularly dispatch Great-horned Owls in territorial defense or irregular acts of predation are Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles, likely due to the massive size advantage.
A remarkable species that embodies power to me. Happy Easter, and hope the bunnies are able to stay safe from this guy!
Species: Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Location: Santa Clara County, CA, USA
Equipment: Nikon D850 + Nikkor 500mm f4G + Nikon 1.4x Extender II
Settings: 1/13s, ISO: 640, f/5.6 @700mm, +0.7 EV