Home of the Great White Owl

By Elizabeth Rogers
Published: 09/16/18 Topics: Comments: 0

Many, many years ago a great owl species was discovered to be popular in the Pacific Northwest - the great horned owl. Who knew, that there would be a chance to discover such a rare one right among a most popular valley in Washington state.

The bird watching opportunities out in Oroville can really tell a tale, as this one will.

Eden Valley Guest Ranch has recently been home to the Great White Owl. Within the last year, this divine white great horned owl has made itself at home over at the Eden Valley Guest Ranch out in Oroville.

He seems to be all around the ranch, year round. Robin Stice, owner and operator of the Eden Valley Guest Ranch, notes, "He fledged around July of 2017 and has made the ranch his home, for the last year or so."

This feathered beauty is about 15-17 inches in size and has a very defining look to him. With mustard yellow eyes and glistening white feathers, he soars around the guest ranch only going within a mile distance of the place. "He's definitely marked his territory, it's only about a mile in length. He'll fly about a third to a half mile in distance and then make his way back.", Stice states.

After doing extensive research on the type of great horned owl that he might be, a discovery has been made - the great white owl of the Eden Valley Guest Ranch happens to be a rarity. At first glance, one would think he was an albino owl, but then his eyes become noticeable. They are striking and noted to be a vibrant mustard yellow color - Again, something that is rare for this type of species.

If you're an avid animal lover, you may know of the term, "leucism". This a condition in which an animal suffers a full (or even a partial) loss of skin pigmentation, resulting in why the great white owl might be so very white. As stunning as he is, leucism seems to be the cause of his striking white feathers.

Stice tells me that, "When we first noticed him, he seemed to be a bit more afraid of the guests [or people in general.] But, now he has gotten used to them, probably knowing they won't harm him, but rather gaze at his beauty."

Although, the thought of any being - bird or not, losing pigmentation can be inspiriting, the discovery of the great white owl of Eden Valley has been a special addition to the ranch for the owners as well as guests that are visiting.

Avid bird lovers will enjoy the rarity of the great white owl, while gazing into his deep yellow eyes. Stice mentions, "He seems to be a pleasant owl, living in his own little world and care free among the valley of Oroville."

Bird watching and wild life viewing are always popular in the state of Washington. The valleys and mountains that line the state are home to many different species, specifically of owls and birds, like the great white owl of Eden Valley Guest Ranch. Visitors come from all over to view special species as such.

The great white owl has been around for over a year now, making Eden Valley Guest Ranch is territory.

Author: Elizabeth Rogers – Great White Owl of Eden Valley, Eden Valley Guest Lodge
Blog #: 0605 – 09/16/18