Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The "GHOW," to use the mellifluous alpha code for this species, is an American treasure. Of course, it's a large nocturnal raptor renowned for its haunting hoot, but did you know that the Great Horned Owl also prefers to eat its prey whole, as one scrumptious melange of pelage and nutty gizzards? A few hours later it will regurgitate a finished pellet of remnants.

This individual caused quite a stir when it parked itself in a tree near the Central Park boathouse this winter.

"Squirrel, it satisfies" - your neighborhood GHOW, [owl wink]