Special thanks to Hopkinton resident Gwen Altman for sending in this beautiful photo!

After matching the photo to that of several owls, HopNews’ guess is that it’s a Barred Owl. Though the description below could fit any owl found in this area. This handsome owl still has breakfast in his talons, on the left. (Not such a great day for the rodent.)

Barred Owls are originally from North America and primarily inhabit the eastern states of the United States, the southeastern half of Canada, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Barred Owls inhabit mature forest types with diverse undergrowth, particularly deciduous and mixed coniferous woodlands. They typically inhabit wooded terrain near rivers, swamps, and wooded ravines, where they prey on small mammals, birds, and amphibians.

Barred owls are also known residents of large trees in suburban areas, so they are relatively easy to find in city parks and neighborhoods with lots of tree cover.

While mountain biking, we (HopNews) often see owls in the woods around Hopkinton.