Galileo, the Great-Horned Owl

Galileo is a great-horned owl, one of the largest owls found in California. Galileo was one of the "founding fathers" of Critter Creek Wildlife Station. He has been here for over fifteen years. He was an adult when he was shot in the wing by a young boy. When asked by the warden why he shot the owl, the youngster's response was, "I wanted to see it up close." So much muscle was destroyed that Galileo is unable to use that wing making him a permanent resident and a perfect candidate for educational purposes. We are fortunate that Galileo learned to be calm around people. He doesn't like being handled but is a perfect gentleman about perching. He is the "star" of our bird of prey program allowing me to point out and demonstrate those adaptations that make owls so fascinating.

He has been entertaining classes with his ability to turn his head nearly three quarters of a circle before having to spin his head back around for a better view usually to the roaring laughter of the students. He is also use to hearing the "oooooooous" of students watching the iris of his eye respond so quickly to a small beam of light. This rapid response allows him to see no matter how quickly the lighting situation may change (cloud suddenly covering the moon for example) The shape of his body, the placement of his eyes, the design of his feathers all contribute to his prowess as a night hunter.

When Galileo isn't educating youngsters, he lives in a wood-slatted mew, a structure specially designed to protect his feathers, though he seems to never have his tail intact. At night it is easy to pick out his distinctive hoot that is so characteristic of great-horned owls. He has a lady in the neighborhood who despite her own mate, still insists on coming in at nights to pay Galileo a visit and to catch up on the local gossip. Galileo and his visiting couple produce quite a chorus throughout the night.

By beak clicking and hissing, he is quick to let you know when you are too close to him. He has powerful talons capable of crushing nerves in a hand that is even protected by a thick glove. For this reason we take careful precautions in handling Galileo--affording him proper respect.

He can be pretty grumpy about having his day's rest disturbed though he might be willing to be a part of our next open house. Look for him.

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