Great Grey Owl

Catalogue Number: PW011

I photographed this handsome bird in northern Scotland, although is not a native of the British Isles, and is be found in abundance in the larger continents of the northern hemisphere. This particular bird was brought up into the Cairgorm mountains by a falconer, and this enabled us to photograph it in its natural environment.

This bird is one of the world's largest owls, with a wingspan on the male of some 5 feet. However, they do appear to be rather bulky when perched due mainly to their fluffy plummage and large head.

It flys low, sometimes only a couple of feet off the ground, especially when hunting. It will prey on small mammals such as squirrel,mice etc.