This one could get interesting! We’ve got some undeniably to tier owls in both of the contests today. This one features 2 of the best North American owls, while the other are likely the 2 most ubiquitous on the planet.
First up, the owl that’s not afraid to get down and dirty. They’ll even collect dung to put at the entrance to the burrow to cover their own scent or to deter animals from entering. They also incidentally do us some big favors. Just by being there hungry little selves, a family of Burrowing Owls can eat almost 7000 bugs and 2000 rodents each year.
Up second, the king of the night skies, the Great Horned Owl. This mighty hunter gives nightmares to que a number of it nocturnal forest brethren. Even other raptors like Osprey, Peregrines, geese, and even just about any other owl can become dinner if they aren’t alert! They are the second most massive American owl, only the Snowy is heavier. What do they do with this size and power? The use it to hold down their turf. Average home range for a GHO is 1.5 square miles / 960 acres (3.6 sq km / 388 hectares). While a whole family of Burrowing Owls can eat 2000 mice a year, a single GHO can take 4000 squeakers out of action.
The little joker has a large and vocal fan base. Burrow is a charmer and has endless numbers of cute and funny photos. GHO on the other hand, is distinguished and classy looking during the day, but at night it mercilessly patrols the area it calls home. When Watchmen needed a version of Batman, there is a reason it was Nite Owl they went with. GHO is Bruce Wayne by day, but Batman of the forest by night!
Upvote your favorite owl now!
I always see things calling it the “sky tiger” online (though never once in person fwiw) and it does sound fitting. GHO is a beast, but oh so beautiful as well.
This guy is my favorite bird of all time, and I love cats. Maybe there’s a connection, ha. Although IMO he also has the most iconic hoot of all time so that also gets him big points in my book.
The one I visit at the park near my job even sits there and hisses at me like an angry cat.
I don’t know if we’ll get GHO vs Eagle Owl in the final, but that’d be a toughy. I’d have to go with the home team, but those orange eyes of the Eagle are my fav color.