From World Bird Sanctuary
Great Horned Owls, like many raptor species, do not show sexual dimorphism in their plumage between males and females. There is often a size difference, with females generally being larger than the males, but this is not a guaranteed way to tell them apart as there is a overlap in the weight ranges. 23-571 weighs in at 1300g at a healthy weight, which puts them in the weight range of a larger male, but not outside the realm of possibility of a smaller female.
You can compare 571’s size to the 11 surrounding babies that they are currently fostering. Some are smaller and others larger. At this age, you can start to see some mature plumage coming in amongst the fluffy body feathers of the babies. This indicates that the babies have reached their full size and all that remains to grow is the rest of their plumage.
Our team has suspected that 571 was male, both based on their size and their less aggressive demeanor. The DNA test results are now back and 571 is… Male!
23-571 joins Murphy in our club of elite foster dads and needs a name that exemplifies how exceptional he is!! Put your suggestions for a fitting name in the comments below. We will pick our favorite few and then return for a vote. Suggestion period is open until 5/21.
I must have seen it at least once then, I did see Monsters, Inc when that came out, but maybe only once or twice since.
I have seen that XKCD before though, and as I get older, sometimes I enjoy getting to try things again for the first time as I forget about things I’ve apparently already done! 😆
It’s always fun to see all the references you guys share when I post some of these pics. I never know what you all will share in return. We’ve had some great laughs and some real tangential conversations during a few of these posts, and it’s always a pleasant surprise where we can end up.