Who's on eggs? Tawny owls!

Family Strigidae, Strix aluco

Tawny owls are medium sized owls found in Europe and Asia and have red, grey, and brown color morphs. They are related to the barred owl found in the US. Tawny owls prefer to live in woods and open areas with large trees for perching. Their call is the famous "to-Wit, to-Woo."

With the loss of much of their rural habitat, tawny owls are moving into cities and suburbs. Their hunting techniques have changed with their new environment. One new technique involves landing on a branch and then slowly walking sideways along the limb until it is next to a sleeping songbird. One quick snatch, and the owl has a meal!

This is Bronte, one of our tawny owls. Her mate is named Dickens. This their first egg of the season, but they are experienced parents.