There is a predator lurking in New York State that is ready to pounce in the coming weeks. As we transition from late January into February, the skunk population begins to emerge from winter inactivity in search of a mate. This is the time of year when skunks are most vulnerable, and a specific predator is watching from above.
An Early-Morning Encounter With an Owl
I was walking our dog early one morning before sunrise when I noticed something unusual in the backyard. The sun was not up yet, and it was still quite dark outside. As I walked farther, I realized the shape in front of me was a very large bird.
When it took off, it was massive. I could immediately tell it was an owl.
Owls are beautiful birds, and not everyone gets the chance to see one up close. I’ll admit, though, it was a little unnerving encountering such a large bird while walking our nine-week-old puppy in the dark.
The Sound of Owls in a New York State Winter
One of my favorite outdoor experiences happens in the fall, when the sun is setting, the air is crisp, and everything is quiet. That’s when the sound of an owl carries through the woods.
It’s a majestic yet eerie call, one that feels perfectly timed with dusk. Hearing an owl just as the sun dips below the horizon is one of those uniquely New York State moments that sticks with you.
Seeing Owls Up Close in New York State
When was the last time you saw an owl in action out in the wild?
If you haven’t, New York State is home to several wildlife rehabilitation centers that offer the public an opportunity to see owls and other birds of prey up close. These facilities do an excellent job educating visitors about raptors, their behaviors, and their role in the ecosystem.
Why Skunks Should Watch the Skies
As skunks begin searching for mates, owls begin paying closer attention. Many people are surprised to learn that great horned owls, which are found throughout New York State, will actually prey on skunks.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, owls find skunks to be a perfectly acceptable meal. Their keen eyesight, silent flight, and strong talons make them highly effective nighttime hunters—even against animals most predators avoid.
“Great horned owls are fierce predators with an appetite for skunks (an unusual yet regular part of their diet), birds (hawks and waterfowl), and mammals (usually mouse to rabbit-sized)”.
What You Might Notice Over the Next Few Weeks
Skunk mating season is underway across New York State. Chances are, you’ll smell them before you see them, whether it’s while heading out to your car early in the morning or taking an evening walk.
Read More: Massive Bucks Taken in Western New York
Don’t be surprised if you also hear or spot an owl in your neighborhood during this time. Increased skunk activity often coincides with increased owl activity.
Owl Nesting Season Is Approaching
This time of year also marks the beginning of owl nesting season. Great horned owls are among the earliest nesters in New York State, often laying eggs while winter weather is still very much in play.
Pay attention to what’s happening in your backyard and the surrounding woods. If you’re lucky, you just might catch an owl putting on a quiet but impressive show this winter.
Look At The Hidden Owl in The Tree in Lancaster
Look At The Hidden Owl in The Tree in LancasterÂ
Gallery Credit: Rob Banks