Owls

In the Mississagi Valley there are nine different species of owls.

Great Horned Owl, photo courtesy of Steffon McGregor

The Great Horned Owl, photo taken by
Steffon McGregor - (705) 785-3095

They all share the characteristics of being nocturnal birds with large heads, flattened faces, and large forward-facing eyes. Most have yellow eyes, and some have horns or "ears". They eat rodents, birds, and other creatures of the night. The Great Horned Owl, named for the protrusions on the top of its head, is one of the largest and most well-known birds in Ontario. You can hear their hooting most nights, a constant hoo, hoo-oo, hoo, hoo. It is very rhythmic and soothing in a way. Another common owl would be the Barn Owl. Most of the farmers in the area actually have one residing in their barns. They have no horns, and have dark eyes rather than yellow ones. They also have heart-shaped, or as some say, "monkey" faces. Another owl that you may have heard of is the Snowy Owl, which is only in the area for the winter. This little creature cannot help being a favorite, with its cute stuffed-animal-like appearance.

Snowy Owl, photo courtesy of Steffon McGregor

The Snowy Owl, photo taken by Steffon McGregor - (705) 785-3095

It is show white with yellow eyes, and without horns. The Snowy Owl can be seen in prairies, fields, and marshes. The Barn Owl can be found in the same areas, but in the summer season. All others (Short-eared, Long-eared, Barred, Screech, Hawk and Saw-whet Owls) can be found in or near forests, woodlands, riversides, and thickets.