Wisdom: More info on ‘Hooter’ The Great Horned Owl…
I have become well-acquainted with this Great Horned Owl (affectionately named ‘Hooter’ by the staff at the refuge), and have grown quite fond of him!
These are a few facts that are posted outside of Hooter’s quarters:
1. The Great Horned Owl is known as “Tiger of the Woods” because of its hunting abilities, and can be found here on Long Island.
2. These owls can grow to 22 inches in length and are chiefly nocturnal. The wing span of these animals can reach five feet.
3. Their call is a series of three to eight loud, deep hoots.
4. Great horned owls begin nesting early in the winter, and they incubate their eggs during February. Two to three eggs will hatch in a month. The owlets are born blind, and will not be able to leave the nest or fly until they are three months old.
5. It is believed that the Great Horned Owls mate for life!
Now for some info on Hooter himself:
Hooter has been a resident of the refuge since September of 2004. He came from Queens College Center.
The reason he has to live under the protection of the refuge is NOT because he is injured physically. Instead, he must be protected from conditions of the wilderness because he has been imprinted. This means he was raised by humans, and therefore did not develop the proper instincts and behavior to survive in the wild. It is said that Hooter thinks that either he is a human, or that we are all OWLS! It’s no wonder he is so friendly when I approach him – even in the daytime 🙂
press this blue link to view feature photo: Wisdom « THROUGH THE HEALING LENS
press this blue link to read on the owl’s ‘soul wisdom’ The Owl’s Soul Wisdom « THROUGH THE HEALING LENS
Hooter looks resentful here that you’re not taking him out of his cage to play with him ;(
February 17, 2012 at 5:09 PM
This is probably an accurate assessment given what I have learned about Hooter so far!
February 18, 2012 at 10:55 AM
I would adopt this owl and take him home… I would spend all day talking to him and listening to his wisdom…
August 9, 2012 at 1:40 PM
You are so lovable bulldog — Hooter is too…. he sits on your arm and just talks to you… even in the daytime!!! He could not survive in the wild though – this imprinting thing is not good I’ve learned, but the people who did it were unknowing…thank gooness the Refuge takes such good care of him:)
August 9, 2012 at 1:43 PM
As youngsters we capture two black eagle as chicks and raised them.. with the help of a wild life adult we trained them to be able to return to the wild, which they did successfully, for years we could still call them back to ground when we saw them flying on high… and then they were gone never to be seen again or never to return which ever… but it was a wonderful learning curve…
August 9, 2012 at 1:47 PM
Fascinating! I wonder if Hooter could have been trained to return… really makes you think about nature and man … and what we believe to be true but what may not be … hmmmm! 🙂
August 9, 2012 at 1:49 PM