Great Horned Owl Spotted in Stone Terrace
Residents are fortunate to share Oro Valley with an incredible variety of wildlife, and this striking visitor is one of our most impressive nighttime neighbors—a Great Horned Owl. Recognizable by its distinctive feather tufts, piercing yellow eyes, and commanding presence, the Great Horned Owl is one of Arizona’s top predators. These powerful hunters can be found throughout the Tucson area, where they quietly patrol neighborhoods, desert washes, and open spaces after dark in search of rabbits, rodents, snakes, and other small animals. Their silent flight and exceptional hearing make them remarkably effective hunters, even on the darkest nights.
Despite their fierce appearance, Great Horned Owls play an important role in maintaining a healthy desert ecosystem by naturally controlling rodent populations. They are also among the earliest nesting birds in North America, often raising young during the winter months before many other birds have even begun breeding. If you hear the familiar series of deep, resonant hoots echoing through the neighborhood after sunset, there’s a good chance one of these magnificent owls is nearby. Thank you to Kandis Kimberly for capturing this wonderful photo in the Stone Terrace neighborhood.
To learn more, click – Great Horned Owl – Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Photo courtesy of Kandis Kimberly, Stone Terrace neighborhood
Do you know an exceptionally cute critter in your community? Share the love and give your furry, feathered, or scaled friend the spotlight they deserve. Submit a photo of a critter whether it’s your personal pet or a wild animal you’ve observed on the trail. Please attach a photo and a brief description of your critter to askvca@ranchovistosohoa.com with the title ‘Critter of the Month’ for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter
A Friendly Reminder Regarding Wildlife
We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and share our neighborhoods with the wildlife that has been here long before our homes. Coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and birds of prey can pose a danger to humans and their pets. We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid confronting these animals. Maintain your distance and do not behave in a threatening manner. If you encounter a rattlesnake, please call 311 immediately to have it removed. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.