Most owls are nocturnal creatures, more often heard than seen. There are exceptions of course; burrowing, snowy and even barred owls come to mind.
Great horned owls, though occasionally encountered on their nest or roost site, are most often seen at dawn or dusk as they begin or complete their night of hunting. Recently, however, I have been fortunate to observe one of these "flying tigers" throughout the day since he has chosen to roost in a large cottonwood on the southern edge of our farm. While he is secluded from most directions, I have clear visibility of the owl from our driveway and have noted that his slumber, like that of most humans, is regularly disturbed.
In addition to the background din of human activity, he is occasionally awakened by the harassment of blue jays or magpies. At other times, he adjusts his position on the limb, turning around, fluffing his feathers or even delivering a hoot or two. Though his attention is surely drawn to cottontails at times as they scamper about our "lawns," he is either too full or too tired to make a strike. I'll do my best to let him sleep.
Great horned owls, though occasionally encountered on their nest or roost site, are most often seen at dawn or dusk as they begin or complete their night of hunting. Recently, however, I have been fortunate to observe one of these "flying tigers" throughout the day since he has chosen to roost in a large cottonwood on the southern edge of our farm. While he is secluded from most directions, I have clear visibility of the owl from our driveway and have noted that his slumber, like that of most humans, is regularly disturbed.
In addition to the background din of human activity, he is occasionally awakened by the harassment of blue jays or magpies. At other times, he adjusts his position on the limb, turning around, fluffing his feathers or even delivering a hoot or two. Though his attention is surely drawn to cottontails at times as they scamper about our "lawns," he is either too full or too tired to make a strike. I'll do my best to let him sleep.
