By Jared McNabb. Photo from the Arnold Arboretum website, taken by Lucy Merrill-Hills
As the sun sets and the sky darkens over Chandler Pond, a distinctive, resonant hoot often fills the cool night air. Have you heard it? It's the sound of a great horned owl—one of nature’s most iconic nocturnal hunters. Known for its deep, eerie calls and formidable presence, the great horned owl is a true marvel of the wild, and this particular owl has become a familiar figure (mostly in sound only) around Chandler Pond, especially in the quiet of the early mornings and late nights.
The Great Horned Owl: A Nocturnal Hunter
Great horned owls are large, powerful birds of prey easily recognized by their tufted “horns” which are actually feathers on the top of their heads, giving them an almost mythical appearance. These feathers aren't actual horns but are thought to help with camouflage or communication. These owls are also known for their keen hearing, excellent night vision, and strong, silent flight.
Typically, great horned owls are active during twilight and nighttime hours, making their distinctive hoots a common sound in the evening and early morning. Their hoot is deep and resonant, often heard as a "who-who-who-who" or sometimes a "ho-ho-ho-hoo." This call serves various purposes, including marking territory and attracting mates. A few residents, including myself, have had the privilege of spotting this nocturnal neighbor however it’s the resonant hoot echoing through the air around Chandler Pond which signals that the area is well within the owl's domain.
Habitat and Diet
Great horned owls are highly adaptable birds that can live in a wide range of environments, from forests to deserts and even urban areas like ours. They nest in tall trees, cliffs, or even abandoned buildings, where they can watch over their hunting grounds. Around Chandler Pond, these owls likely roost in the trees lining the water's edge, using their keen eyesight to spot potential prey.
As carnivores, great horned owls are highly effective hunters, preying on a variety of animals, including rodents, rabbits, and even small mammals like squirrels. Their diet also includes birds, such as doves and waterfowl, and sometimes even reptiles during warmer months. Thanks to their powerful talons and strong beaks, they can take down prey larger than themselves.
However, the owl's preferred diet often includes smaller mammals, especially rodents like mice and rats, which are sometimes abundant around urban wilds like Brighton. Their ability to control local rodent populations is one of the many reasons they are valued as a natural pest control method.
The Importance of Non-Toxic Pest Control
While the great horned owl is a highly efficient predator, its role in managing rodent populations is often overlooked. Rodents like mice and rats are not just a nuisance—they can cause significant damage to property, and even pose health risks by spreading disease. Many homeowners and businesses turn to traditional pest control methods to manage rodent populations, but the use of toxic chemicals can have dangerous consequences for wildlife.
In particular, rodenticides can be harmful to owls and other animals higher up the food chain. When an owl consumes a rodent that has ingested poison, it too can be affected by these toxins. This is why using non-toxic, eco-friendly pest control solutions is so important. Options such as traps, natural predators, and habitat modifications (like securing trash and sealing entry points) can help reduce rodent numbers without putting the owls and other wildlife at risk.
By promoting natural pest control methods, we can help maintain the health of our animal neighbors and the local ecosystem. The great horned owl, with its incredible hunting abilities, plays an invaluable role in keeping rodent populations in check. Ensuring that these birds remain safe from harmful chemicals is essential for preserving their role as natural predators and keeping the balance of nature intact.
The great horned owl of Chandler Pond is more than just a nocturnal hunter—it is a symbol of the delicate balance between humans, wildlife, and the environment. Its distinctive hoot echoes across the pond, reminding us of the wonders of the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with it. By using non-toxic pest control solutions to manage rodent populations, we can support the owl and other wildlife in maintaining the health of their ecosystems while ensuring that nature’s predators can continue their crucial work. As you hear the owl's hoot echo in the night, remember that this powerful creature is more than just a sound in the darkness; it's a vital guardian of the environment.