Meanwhile, mother owl perches in one of the huge pecan trees on the courthouse lawn, watching over her young. Owls, being nocturnal predators, have large eyes, enabling them them see better at night. The orbs are directed forward, giving them binocular vision. In fact, their eyes absorb light to such an extent that they are quite uncomfortable during daylight hours. Since they're birds of prey, it seems the courthouse's pigeon population has dwindled dramatically.
Rabbits are another menu item.
Julia McCray, administrative secretary to the county judge, said the mother owl once brought a young cottontail rabbit for her offspring to eat. It is known that owls usually tear their prey to pieces and then swallow the parts - fur, feathers and bones. A little later, after the meal has been digested, the bones, fur and feathers are coughed up in small pellets. The young owls are expected to leave their nesting place in June, developing their flight skills during the summer, then becoming independent by early October. Sandra Chittum Mother horned owl keeps watch from limbs of pecan tree.