FACTFILE: The eagle-owl nearly became extinct hereabouts in the 1870s

Birdlife Finland estimates that the population od Eurasian eagle-owls (Bubo bubo) in Finland is around 2-3,000 nesting pairs. The population is densest in the southwestern part of the country.
     
There was a time when a bounty was paid on eagle-owls, and the species was close to being completely eradicated from Finland in the 1870s owing to overzealous hunting.
     
The bird was completely protected in Finland from 1983. It had been protected during the nesting season from 1966.
     
Particularly in the winter months, eagle-owls are often found in the vicinity of landfill sites and close to human habitation.
     
The eagle-owl is Finland's largest owl. A fully-grown bird can have a wingspan of from 150-200cm, and can measure anything up to 75 cm in length. Females weigh 1.7-4.2 kg, males a little less.
      The population has declined somewhat in recent years, in part because of the disappearance of a steady supply of rats from landfill sites.
     
Eagle-owls have been in the news in this country for their urban exploits. The Finnish national football team has recently been dubbed "the Eagle-Owls", after the semi-divine intervention of one such bird during an international in the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. Finland won 2-0, and scored their first goal shortly after the Belgian opposition (and 35,000 spectators) had been treated to a breathtaking spectacle from Bubi, a completely fearless bird living in the stadium and enjoying the wild rabbits that live nearby.
     
Jack Russell terriers originate from England, where the breed was used to hunt game and also had the courage to chase out foxes that had gone to ground. An adult terrier can weight 5 to 6 kilos, and the dog stands 25-35cm at the withers.
     
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 3.3.2009

More on this subject:
 Terrier terrified: an eagle-owl is denied dinner

Previously in HS International Edition:
  Eagle owl visits Citykäytävä indoor walkway in central Helsinki (14.10.2008)
  Bubi wins Helsinki Resident of the Year accolade (18.12.2007)
  One big beautiful bird (12.6.2007)
  At least five eagle owls live in Helsinki (12.6.2007)

Links:
  Eurasian eagle-owl (Wikipedia)
  Jack Russell terrier (Wikipedia)