Hi - Tucker again - this appears to be a juvenile red-tailed hawk, not an owl. Nice to be able to see these critters in the wild, though, isn't it?
Tucker

It's not a juvenile red tailed hawk because the spots are on the top of the breast, not the bottom, as on the hawk. Also, when we saw the bird, it could rotate its head all around, like an owl or Linda Blair in the Exorcist.

Definitely not an owl. I agree with Tucker that it appears to be a juvenile Red-Tail Hawk.

Definitely a hawk....not a owl.

I in no way an expert, But from studies in my science classes of Hawks and Owls, I can say that this isn't and owl and is in the Hawk family and the reason I mention I am in no way an expert, Because I did a little quick research for Hawks with spotted breast and this is what I found. Hope this helps out... If you don't mind me asking thou, Where was this photo taken?

Here is a link that might be useful:

You've gotta look at a LOT more than a few speckles on the breast. I'd say that most juvenile hawks have a spotted breast. It's not an eagle and not a hawk eagle. Suero is from Virginia.

Yes, I agree. You do have to look at a lot for then just the spotted breast, But I did mention it was only a quick search. I am sorry I couldn't be of more help, Do hope you find what it is though.

its not a owl...i think its hawk

Wow ... That's a coopers hawk. They like to get our chickens around here.
I'd say I'm 99.9% positive it's a coopers hawk. Their eyes face forward so they have to turn their heads exorcist style to look for prey. I say 99.9% positive because it can be difficult to distinguish a male Cooper's Hawk from a female Sharp-shinned Hawk. But .... Yeah. Not an owl ... Coopers hawk. Plenty of owls around here too ... Big difference.