This 15-cent Great Horned Owl stamp was part of a handsome block of four designed by Walter D. Richards, which also featured the Saw-whet, Barred, and Great Gray owls. The Great Horned Owl is one of North America's most common and powerful owls, recognizable by its large size, prominent feathered tufts, and deep, resonant hoot. They are incredibly adaptable, found in a wide variety of habitats from dense forests to city parks across the continent. The first day ceremony in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, provided a rustic, appropriate setting for the release of stamps honoring these woodland creatures. The issuance of this series reflected a growing public appreciation for predators and their role in the ecosystem, moving beyond simply focusing on conservation for game animals or critically endangered species. The stamps were praised for their artistic merit and for bringing the silent, mysterious world of owls into the light.