Why Owls? What is it about an owl that captures our fascination? Is it their silent flight, or their amazing night vision, or keen hearing? Is it their killing talons that so efficiently dispatch their prey? Owls are all around us yet are rarely seen. They sit still on tree tops moving their heads ever so slow, camouflaged, blending in, while viewing the landscape below, searching for prey. When one strolls along a pathway in the night, their eyes are upon you, yet, you see and know them not – mysterious raptors of the night. Some think them wise as in "wise old owls". They are the subject of myth and legends and Halloween tales, feared by some, cherished by others.
In The Great Owls Field Guide these mysterious raptors are brought into clarity. Each of the nineteen North American owls is reviewed in depth. Also included is the Eurasian Eagle Owl, the largest owl in the world at 9.25 lbs and the Elf Owl the smallest owl, weighing in at 1.2 oz. Each owl is a formidable predator and their stories are told here.