Great Horned Owl hanging out in the back yard...

I have seen Hawks on many occasions in the back yard area,

but today I saw a very LARGE Great Horned Owl sitting in the tree

which has my Bird Feeders and a Squirrel Feeder hanging in it.

I ran to the door to scare it away and it must have seen me because it flew while I was reaching for the door knob.

Unfortunately, two of my 6 month old Garden / Feral kittens were playing in the back yard at that time.

I hope the Owl was looking at the squirrels or birds instead. (I love all of the little critters obviously,

but if I had to choose her prey, I'd have to prefer one of the ones that don't have names!)

Anyone have any suggestions on how to discourage the Owl from hunting in my back yard?  

All I can think of is to get one of those fake owls. Maybe they're territorial and will leave if they see another owl. I think i'd also lock the kittens up at night, if at all possible.

Those owls will hunt small pets. Try this bird repellent tape. We use it to keep the woodpeckers off of our cedar siding on the house. http://www.bird-x.com/irri-tape-products-52.php?page_id=61 It is reflective and also makes a noise in the wind that will scare them off and not come back. You might have to move the bird feeder from the tree temporarily if you decide to try the strands of tape. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the ideas - I will check into them both.

Now, what to do about the LARGEST Fox I have ever seen

who suddenly strolled into my back yard yesterday.

I chased him off, but he ran right through the area where the Kitties love to play.

Hopefully he was too scared to notice the Kitties' scent... Always something!  

Foxes will hunt rodents, but they mostly forage berries or scavenge. They won't pick a fight against a six month old or older cat unless they are absolutely starving. Foxes have been known to take cats but only when they have no other source of food. I would suggest feeding the kittens enough to leave the rodent population to the fox. Also, do try to trap and neuter the kittens, and if possible tame them and find them homes!

I envy you for seeing so much wildlife!