Rodenticide and Owl Poisoning

While going through some old photos, I came across these of Mom Great Horned Owl with her little ones. On this particular day, the owlets were all in the same tree as her while she distributed the pigeon meal. One owlet flew next to her and placed his talon on her back, earning a disapproving glance.

Six months later, she succumbed to rodenticide poisoning, leaving her longtime mate to mourn for months—hooting all day until his voice cracked. The following year, he found a potential mate, but she perished in an attack by hawks, who always seemed displeased with the owls’ presence near their old nest. Only her loose feathers remained, scattered on the ground.

His stuttered hoots remind us that he is still around, searching for another companion.