July 2008

THE GNOME OF THE FOREST

EAGLE OWL (Bubo bubo)

The Eagle Owl is a mysterious and still very common denizen of the forest. Many have heard it, but few have seen it. It is a timid and vigilant bird that hides in the depths of the forest.

An eagle owl lives all year round on the territory it has chosen. It has adapted remarkably well to even quite drastic changes of the forest. For preying it prefers felling areas.

The Eagle Owl is a versatile predator. In winter, rabbits are important food, in summer the food is more versatile, including moles, squirrels and birds.

Nesting starts already in March. The younglings hatch in May, go on their first flight in July, and are taken care of by their parents until fall.

The younglings leave the nest long before they are able to fly. During the day they nap in hiding, and in night time they loudly beg for food from their parents.

This picture shows a fiery eyed eagle owl youth after first flight, on the second week of July.

Canon EOS V, 28-70mm, Fuji 400 Provia, Kuusamo, Oulanka