The Great Gray Owl is an elusive creature. So much so that it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that experts even knew that they bred in the US. Then, in the 1960s, a couple of breeding pairs were discovered near Fort Klamath. Though rare, experts now know the Great Grays breed throughout the Southern Oregon Cascades at high elevations and throughout the Siskiyous at all elevations. The Dead Indian Plateau (east of Ashland, Oregon) supports one of the largest populations south of the Canadian border and is perhaps the most dependable place to find one. Birders from all over the U.S. visit this area every year hoping to encounter this bird and add its sighting to their birding “lists.”
Interesting specifics on this fascinating creature: It is huge (although not in weight). Great Gray’s bodies generally measure from 24 – 33 inches with wing spans of 4 1/2 – 5 feet (yes, FEET) and weigh only 1 1/2 – 3 pounds. Their faces have been described as a “satellite dish with two yellow eyes and a small white bow tie of feathers.” This unusually large facial disk of feathers helps it register minute sounds of scurrying mice under snow, and gophers and moles burrowing near the surface.
Other interesting facts about this evasive bird:
– Great Gray Owls can hunt for prey under snow cover by using their keen sense of hearing. The owl will plunge feet first into the snow to catch a rodent that it never saw.
–Great Gray Owls are considered the largest of North American owls, but the Snowy Owl and Great Horned owls are heavier and more powerful.
–Because of its secretive living and hunting habits, it is often referred to as the “Great Gray Ghost” or “Phantom of the North.”
–Female Great Gray’s are slightly larger than males.
–After the first couple weeks of life, owlets either fall or jump from the nest. As they are not yet ready to fly, they must climb back up the tree to the nest. It takes them another week or two to learn to fly. Mama Great Gray keeps a watchful TWO eyes on her owlets during this period.
