2009 Owl, Screech

A parent Eastern screech owl on the hunt, sitting on a favorite branch.
July 2 was the first a young screech owl came with parent to the redbud. Other young owls were nearby in the edge of the woods.
Notice the owl's aim--leading a moving mouse.
Screech owl catching a luna moth.
Screech owl with luna moth it has just caught.
Note the feet are vertical to avoid snag of wood on stump.
I believe I just found my lunch!
Look how camouflaged the extended talons are!
Note the fringe-like feathers. These dampen sounds during flight by reducing air turbulence.
Screech owl along country road. Highland County, VA 2-14-2009
This screech owl is sitting on a bird feeder outside the Nature Friend office window.
This screech owl is sitting on a bird feeder outside the Nature Friend office window.