Eagles or Owls? Part One

It’s really hard to decide which I enjoy seeing more…Owls or Eagles. The mysterious and the majestic…the wise and the proud. Luckily, there’s a place in Florida where it’s possible to get an up-close look at these magnificent creatures in their own “assisted living” homes at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

The American Bald Eagle stands as a tribute to the patriotic spirit of America. All three eagles in the park have permanent injuries which prevent them from flying in the wild, though that doesn’t seem to dampen their ferocious spirit.

Bald Eagles are found throughout most of North America and about half of the world’s 70,000 bald eagles live in Alaska. This raptor’s wingspan ranges from 72 to 90 inches and during level flight can reach speeds of 30 to 35 miles an hour!

The park is also home to Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Barn Owls and a tiny Screech Owl…all rehabilitating from injuries or simply content to return where there is ample food available.

In the next post, we’ll show some of their faces and let you decide which you like better…the Eagle or the Owl. For me, it’s a very tough choice.

Read on about the Owls, here.