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Strix nebulosa
This large owl's size is partially attributable to its fluffy feathers. Still, it is a very impressive bird of prey. Its head is large and rounded. Predominant color is gray or grayish brown.
Generally associated with boreal forests. In some winters when prey populations crash, these big birds head south in what is known as an "irruption", in an attempt to find food.
Spotted on Jan 7, 2009
Submitted on Mar 4, 2012
9 Comments
Great bird, and good shot too.
Thanks everyone for your nice comments on this spotting.
Christy, I think we got up to only 90 plus three times last summer. Mosquitos, well, yes. But they're as big as birds and relatively easy to swat....grin. Humid, yep, sometimes, but it is much worse in other places and we've always got the north woods to retreat to or Lake Superior that keeps things pretty cool. This year we only got a foot of snow or so in our area--a pathetic winter....grin. It's pretty amazing how big these owls look--they're huge, but the body is surprisingly small under all those feathers.
Love these owls! Great find!!
Absolutely wonderful photo. I just love owls.
Stunning photo, as always!
Nice...except for the summer heat, winter cold, humidity, snow, and don't forget the mosquitoes!!!! (grew up there!)
Really nice photo! Great Grey's actually are the TALLEST owl in North America...but they're all fluff! Helps keep them warm in -60F weather! ;-)
Had to chuckle at that Donna...grin. Minnesota is a great place; it can get really bitterly cold (I mean Alaska cold with temps down to -60 F), but most of the time it's really pretty nice.
Spectacular photo and magnificent bird. These are so rare in California that I have only been lucky enough to see one. Makes Minnesota in winter seem quite attractive.
Looks huge...