Great Horned Owl family in south Charlotte

In a county park in south Charlotte, there lives a great horned owl family. These photos were all taken in April and both babies have since left the nest. Eurasian eagle owls are the largest owls but great horned owls are second largest owls and are the only animal predators to barred owls.  Their wing span is about 5 feet (versus 4 for barred owls) and they are known as the bad ass owls and can be very aggressive.  It really is amazing that we have these creatures living in our area. Enjoy the photos.
Copyright Marsha Gaspari

Baby great horned owl-last day in the nest

First day out of the nest.

Do you know the OMG cat? This is the OMG owl.

Babies about 6 weeks old. So fluffy!

So ferocious yet adorable.

Notice the wing striations.

Although a baby, look at the talons.

Mom is alway nearby and often tired.

Mom standing guard over her babies.

Hunkered down in the nest.

Mom giving the stink eye.