A day out 11th April 2012 - Spotted "The Great Grey Owl or Lapland Owl (Strix nebulosa)"

A Day out 11th April 2012

The Great Grey Owl or Lapland Owl (Strix nebulosa)

Today a dream came true, it was an amazing encounter with the Great Grey Owl, 

or Lapland Owl (strix nebulosa) when I searched the internet for information
I found out that in some areas it is also called the Great Gray Ghost, the 
Phantom of the North, Cinereous Owl, Spectral Owl, Spruce Owl, 
Beardet Owl and Sooty Owl. 
The length ranges from 61-84cm averaging 72cm for females, 67cm for males.
The wingspan could measure 152cm, averages 142cm for females, and 140cm 
for males. The adult Owl weight from 580 to 1900g averaging 1290g for females
and 1000g for males which usually are smaller than females, as with most 
of owl species. 

The Great Grey Owl or Lapland Owl (Strix nebulosa)

They do not build nests, they use nests previously used by a large bird, 
such as a raptor. They can also nest in broken-topped trees and cavities
in large trees. Nesting may occur from March to May, and they usually
lays 4 eggs. Their food sources are; rodents, hares, moles, shrews, 
weasels, thrushes, grouse small hawks and ducks. 

The adults are normally silent, however the call of the adults is a series 
of very deep, rhythmic whoos, which is usually given in correlation to 
their territories or in interactions with their offspring. The young may 
chitter, shriek or hiss. 

The Great Grey Owl or Lapland Owl (Strix nebulosa)

In the Northern parts of Sweden groups of voluntary people makes 
nests for the owl to use when nesting, which is a great and important 
work. They are helping the owls and save them so that future generations
will have the chanse to enjoy their presence. 

I hope to be able to take more photos 

tomorrow if the weather is ok

Warm greetings and 

"whoo hooo" to you all 

Maria 

The Great Grey Owl or Lapland Owl (Strix nebulosa)