One of the Snowy Owl photos I took in South Dakota a couple of weeks ago shows the bird as it launched off its perch. The legs are extended with the push, and the talons on its feet are clearly visible. The second photo shows the feet of a Great Horned Owl I found several years ago dead on a trail in the woods near Lutsen. (It had been shot-gunned in the back.)

The Great Horned Owl talons were needle sharp. The Snowy Owl would be similarly equipped. They are well-armed hunters. In addition, if you look closely you can see the pebbled texture of the skin on the inside of the foot. It has a rubbery feel, another adaptation to help ensure that prey once hit do not escape.

The third photo shows the foot of a Bald Eagle, talons sharp, skin textured. This photo was taken when this bird, a juvenile, was being banded.