The Great Horned Owl has been the demise of many full grown turkeys. I've found the remains of ten taken off the roost at night, in the past two years just on my 350 acres.
Bill
An Old Timer once told me an Owl will sometimes land on the Roost limb of a Wild Turkey, sidle up along side of it forcing the Turkey to take a step sideways. The Owl will continue this until the Turkey is forced into flight, upon which the Owl attacks the Turkey in flight. I have never observed this but thought it an interesting story. The guy at the post office thought it a humorous story when he was asking about some calls I was shipping out and had asked if I hunted Owls. I explained the use of Owl calls while hunting Turkeys and he had enquired if the Owls were enemies of the Turkeys, and I related that story, true or not I can't really say but plausable considering the source from which it was obtained.
The Great Horned Owl is also one of the very few predators who regularly feed upon skunks, I have one in the back yard I am more than willing to offer any Owl who may be listening in, too close for comfort in my opinion, especially after the close encounter I had last night. Luckily he left the scene quickly with no ill effects, but did cause me some concern for a moment.
Excellent pictures, thanks for sharing them!
