By Jerry Walls

jwalls443@yahoo.com

It called from off in the distance across an open field as soon as the sun set. The five syllable call was easily identifiable as belonging to what many call the "tiger of the sky."

Many of us who study and observe birds correlate spring with mating and nesting activity. However, one of the fiercest predators of the night is currently setting up avian "housekeeping" to raise young.

Hearing a great-horned owl has always thrilled me. Their haunting, deep, resonating calls always remind me of spooky horror movies. Too much of the science fiction channel I suppose.

Starting in November, a pair of great-horned owls will begin preparing for their nesting duties. They usually set-up in the nest of a large hawk or sometimes in a crow's nest. The cut-off tops of old trees are also used frequently.

It is not unusual for young great-horned owls to fledge as early as February. Long before other species of birds have begun nesting activities.

Great-horned owls are truly bold and aggressive avian predators. When night falls, they seek out anything they feel they can feed upon. This includes skunks, opossums, large birds as big as a great blue heron or osprey, even other species of owls. They also frequently feed on rabbits, rats and other small animals.

The great-horned I heard the other night was a male. A male's call is deeper than the female's. However, in most birds of prey, including great-horned owls, the female of the species is larger than the male.

Shortly after the great-horned owl called the other night, from the adjacent woods, a barred owl called. A moment or so later from a group of trees a diminutive screech owl emitted its modest tremulous whinny-like call. It was quite an experience to hear all three species of owls call in a matter of minutes. However, I am not so sure the barred owl and screech owl should announce their presence in the close company of the "tiger of the sky."

Enjoy your nature trails.

For questions or comments, e-mail jwalls443@yahoo.com

Jerry Walls is a Naturalist and birding/nature guide who offers programs at such events as birthday parties, schools and libraries. He also presents information through the Georgetown County Parks and Recreation Department.