Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) 

The Great Horned Owl

by Alice Delaney

Night tiger, the great horned owl has been named.

A silent hunter at night is her claim to fame!

She swoops before the prey even become aware,

And due to this fact the owl does a good fare.

Predator to small mammals and often to reptiles,

Plus insects & other birds mean food for miles & miles.

And no other predator, aside from the owl, comes near

To hunting the skunk, but Mrs. Owl has no fear.

You’ll find her through out the great Texas state;

But to see the great owl in person you must be out late.

From deserts, to woods & swamps, even city parks,

So many places you don’t know where to start - only in the dark.

And if you do catch a glimpse of this glorious gal

You could notice ears or horns upon the great fowl.

But you would be tricked for horns or ears they are not,

Only feathers comprise these no matter how hard sought.

One thing you do know and that is the call,

Sent out late at night with a great deal of gall.

Hoo – hoo, hoo – hoo, I am sure you have heard before

For Mrs. Owl is known best in fall stories and folklore.