One More Owl Photo

I thought just one more owl photo. This one is another favorite. She looks so regal. And, the bark of the eucalyptus tree provides a wonderful background. Since the incubation period is long, both male and female sit on the eggs. It is very difficult to identify the sexes from their appearance. However, the female is larger, so if side by side it can be done. And, since coloration is a little different on each, once sex determination is made, it is easier to know which is which. The Great Horned Owl feeds on other birds, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons,  and is perhaps the only predator of skunks. They usually hunt from above, swooping down to pick their prey off the ground. They can carry animals several times heavier than themselves. However, they will hunt from the ground occasionally. They have amazing digestive systems that allow them to swallow smaller prey whole and later regurgitate pellets composed of bone, fur, and other parts. And, of course, they have a wonderfully soothing series of "hoo hoos."