This is a Great Horned Owl (Bubo
virginianus) from Canada, although I took this photo at a steam fair in
Oxfordshire. Several bird of prey enthusiasts had brought their captive birds
with them to show them off in demonstration flights, and this magnificent
specimen was having a well-earned rest between spells in the arena.
Great Horned Owls are found throughout the
Americas, but their plumage varies depending on their region. As you can see,
this one has mainly grey and white feathers as befits a bird of northern, snowy
regions.
Great Horned Owls lay between two and six
eggs which take 28-35 days to hatch. The young take flight after ten to twelve
weeks.
© John Welford
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