Athena is a female gray phase Eastern Screech Owl. She is often mistaken for a young Great Horned Owl because, like Great Horned Owls, they have ear tufts and golden eyes. Weighing only about the same as a stick of butter, her attitude is as fierce as a Great Horned Owl! Nocturnal and making their home in cavities, you might be unaware that an Eastern Screech Owl is living in the woods behind your home until you hear its vocalization, which sounds like a horse whinny. Regardless of her “owlitude” we often hear audiences murmur, “Awww, she’s so cute!”
