The Grand Duke arrives

Great Horned Owl -- the Ramble
Photo by Beth Bergman -- 11/06/07

The French once called the bird Le Grand Duc, and small wonder: the Great Horned Owl is way up there in the avian hierarchy. Only a Red-tailed Hawk might stand a chance in combat with the biggest and most ferocious of local owls.

This bird was seen, and photographed by Beth Bergman somewhere between the Azalea Pond and the Oven yesterday. Maybe it's still there today. In any event, Central Park has been visited by royalty. How to find it? Follow the shrieking bluejays, who function as the Royal Announcers: Thieeeef! Thieeef! Thieeef!