As dusk falls over the Anza Valley, insistent “whhooo, whooos!” echo through the still air. These are the haunting calls of the male Great Horned Owl.When residents picture an owl, the Great Horned Owl often comes to mind. This large, sturdy bird has enormous eyes and two distinct feather tufts on its head that resemble horns. Great Horned Owls are common throughout California and North America, thriving in deserts, forests, meadows, wetlands, grasslands, and even suburban areas.These powerful raptors hunt birds and even insects, but prefer mice and other small rodents.Bubo virginianus, the Great Horned Owl, is the Anza Valley’s most common year-round owl. It inhabits all types of woodlands and open scrublands, and the valley provides ideal habitat.These fascinating b
