Inside Naturalist Marianne’s Owl

You’ve seen her outsides, now check out her insides! This Eurasian Eagle Owl has visited with many of you in my Cabin—I’ve had her for 18 years! She had x-rays yesterday. Look at how LOOONG her legs are underneath all those feathers! Owls have to have long, powerful legs in order to catch their prey. She is having some medical issues with her right leg and had to go to the veterinarian. In addition to long legs, notice those thick talons and the sheaths of her tail feathers! The very dark shapes near her feet are the metal connectors I use on the leash to hold her.

The arrow on the photo is pointing to the problem that the vet is trying to solve. I’m hoping she’ll be feeling better and back at the Naturalist Cabin soon.

Eurasian Eagle Owls are the largest species of owl in the world. They are not found in the wild in our neck of the woods, but we do have a similar owl right here in Russell Forest: the Great Horned Owl. My owl makes a lot of hooting sounds much like great horned owls do, but she makes another crazy sound too. I hear this old bird right outside of my bedroom window every night!

And don’t forget Marianne’s August events!

Wildlife Presentations

Friday, August 28 – 6–8pm
Saturday, August 29 – 10am–2pm
Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads

Guided Night Hikes

Tuesday, August 18 – 7pm
Saturday, August 29 – 6:45pm
Meet at Wilson Road Trailhead

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