Happy Thursday Everyone! I trust all of you are enjoying the week so far and are ready to learn about an cool bird called the Blakiston’s Fish Owl.  This particular owl is obviously a fish owl which just happens to be specialized in hunting riparian areas (the area around waterbodies).  This is great news for us as this means we get to spend the day on the banks of some pretty sweet lakes and rivers.  Hmmm… I think I might bring my fishing rod for today’s Wild Fact field trip.

The Blakiston’s Fish Owl just might be the largest owl out there with the males weighing in at an amazing 3.75 kg (8.3 lbs) and getting as tall as 75 cm (30″).  Believe it or not the females are typically larger than their male counterparts and will weigh up to 10 lbs and can be up to 37.5 ” tall.  Now, you may not think these numbers are all that impressive but you have to remember that this is a bird.

Like other owls, the Blakiston’s Fish Owl is a hunter but instead of chasing after mice and voles, they prefer to go fishing.  I know that it is shocking that the Fish Owl likes to eat fish… I probably should have warned you about this incredible surprise.  Typically their seafood preference is for pike, catfish, trout and of course the ever tasty, salmon. The Blakiston’s Fish Owl has two different hunting strategies for catching these fish. No, they don’t hop in the boat with their fishing gear and sit out on the water all day.  Instead this Fish Owl will wade out in the shallow water looking for a scrumptious snack.  Alternatively, they will just perch themselves on a tree near the waters edge and simply wait for movement.  This really isn’t fair for the fish since they won’t even get to see their attacker swooping in.

Blakiston’s Fish Owl Fast Fact – Unfortunately this magnificent bird is endangered as a result of habitat destruction.  I guess this is what happens when you live in prime real estate with a river or lake view.  Development along lakes and rivers including hydro dams are basically evicting our feathered friends from their homes.

Look at that, another Wild Fact down and only one more to go for the week.  Time sure flies when you are having fun.  See all of you tomorrow.