My Own Private Bubo
July 18, 2023
My own camouflaged backyard Bubo, the great horned owl! Photo by Nick Thomas
The great horned owl, (Bubo virginianus) is one of the most adaptable and largest owls on the planet. It’s one of my favorite birds due to my early introduction to the movie Clash of the Titans. Athena had an owl named Bubo and sent a golden metal version of him to help Perseus instead. You can find the real life Bubo virginianus across North & South America in most any climate or terrain.
Sometimes referred to as the Tiger Owl, it mostly feeds on mice, vols, squirrels and other small mammals. They have also been known to dine on opossums, skunks, snakes, frogs, other birds and even scorpions which they swallow whole! Daily, they will regurgitate a pellet with all of the items they are unable to digest. If you ever come across one, it is fascinating to break it open like some macabre geode to discover what the local owls are feasting on. Their deep classic “whooo whooo” call is lovely to hear even if you aren’t able to spot them in the trees with their camouflaged feathers.
If you’d like to learn more about Bubo virginianus, the Great Horned Owl, contact your local National Audubon chapter or spend some time in the forest. You may just come across one when you least expect!
Tracey Bartel
Insurance Agent & Bird Nerd