Eagles or Owls? Part Two

The Great Debate is on…which do you like better, Eagles or Owls?

Our last post (Eagles or Owls? Part One) showcased three of the American Bald Eagle beauties from the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. But the park is also home to four species of another bird of prey…the mysterious and wise Owl.

The penetrating stares of  Barred and Great Horned Owls seem to look deep inside our thoughts. While the elusive Screech and Barn Owls are so adept at hiding we hardly notice their presence.

During the daytime hours, you’ll likely find Owls doing what they do best…sleeping soundly!

But, once night falls, these predators come alive! They have the ability to hear a mouse from 60 feet away and to turn their head 270 degrees (a full three quarters of the way around). Owls fly silently but deliberately through the night, hunting small prey. There are over 150 species of Owl in the world, but only 19 are found in North America.

So what will it be…the Eagle or the Owl? Both are a thrill to see in the wild and a joy to photograph while rehabilitating, but everyone has their favorites. What’s yours??