From Alex Vazquez
Apex energy
Great horned owl with prey
Central Florida
Great shot!
this post was submitted on 06 Mar 2026
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I like it because it actually looks like the owl is using 3 toes in the front on both feet.
Everyone tends to draw them like this, but I feel I rarely ever see them use their feet in that manner.
For those new to owl toes, this diagram highlights the outer toe, which can swing forward or backward. When hunting, there are always 2 forward and 2 rearward. This lets them spread out the toes in the largest X shape to give maximum grabbing area, the way the ligaments running the legs causes the talons to snap closed automatically when they hit their target, and by having 2 toes on either side of the object they are able to apply even grip to prevent prey being squeezed out by uneven pressure or they gain solid purchase on the place they are trying to perch on.
