Owl identification - Souther California (1 Viewer)

[Hawkdl2]

Hi all. This owl has been visiting our property for the past several weeks and beginning around an hour after sunset travels between 4-6 spots in the neighborhood making a loud screeching sound at each spot for a few minutes before moving on to the next spot in rotation. I happen to be an avid photographer so I set up my camera and flash and got this image with a remote trigger. I cannot identify the owl. It's a fairly large bird with large talons and an impressive wing span I would guess at close to a meter (3 feet).

He seems too big to be Western Screech Owl (and with a very different sound than I can find online), does not look like a white faced barn owl, and too big for some of other owl species that have been suggested by friends. I don't see any "horns" so probably not a Great Horned Owl, so I'm lost as to what species he might be.

Larry

 

[Butty]

If I saw it in the Afrotropics I'd probably say it was spotted eagle owl. But given that it's in the Americas and I'm not looking at any books, I assume it's great horned owl.

 

[rkj]

It is a Great Horned Owl. The "horns" are just partially lowered.

 

[Hawkdl2]

Thanks very much. I'll keep trying to get a shot of him with his horns up.

Larry

 

[KC Foggin]

Great Horned Owl for me.

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

Great Horned. No other North American bird like it.

 

[Microtus]

Welcome to the Forum, Hawkdl2. I like your Great Horned Owl photo!