It's Christmas time! The biggest holiday of the year; for most humans, that is. Owls, I'm afraid, just don't care. To them, its just another day of living. But, that's ok. Let's just wish them a safe season with plenty of food. As a Christmas gift to you, my human readers, I have listed what I considered to be some of the best free owl themed downloads for you to use and enjoy as you wish.
Well, for those of us living in the US, Thanksgiving is just about here. My, but how time flies! We'll soon again be enjoying our day with family, filling our bellies, and watching football. But, we should not forget that this holiday is about giving thanks; to pause and contemplate all that we are thankful for. I'm thankful for many things, and like you, one of the things I'm thankful for is that there are still owls in the world. Sadly, for some owl populations, like the Barn and Spotted Owls, that may not be the case in the not so distant future. Their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate due to increased severe weather conditions, loss of habitat, and consequently, food, as well, as from rodenticides poisoning.
Some of the owl species that are already extinct are: Laughing owl, Forest Spotted owl, Maruituis owl, and the Andros Island Barn owl. So, again, lets be thankful for the owls still in our world, and for all those conservation organizations and individuals who are working so hard in trying to save these magnificent and important birds.
Well, summer vacation is over, school has resumed, and the days are getting shorter. Soon we’ll be driving home from work in the dark, or close to it, and turning house lights on much sooner. However, for the majority of the owls species, shorter days are not a problem, being that they are mostly nocturnal. These birds of prey hunt deep in the night and are seldom, if ever, seen during the day. If you do, it could be because it was chased out of its roost, or the poor thing is starving. There is an exception, some nocturnal owls might be seen during cloudy days. Now, for some other owl species, hunting time may began a little earlier or end later, and you could spot them at dawn or dusk. In any event, owls have superior vision, regardless whether they are night or day owls. Their eyes are very large to allow more light to get through, which is especially beneficial for the nocturnal species as it helps them see well in the dark. The eyes are also face forward which we associate with the "wise owl" look. However, their eyes are stationary and they can only see straight ahead of them, with only a 70 degree binocular range (seeing an object with both eyes). In comparison, humans have a 140 degree binocular range. Therefore, for owls to see the sides, they must move their whole head. That accounts for their awesome ability to turn their heads around up to 270 degrees, and up to 90 degrees up and down.
Owls have three eyelids: an upper and lower lid, and a third one called a nictitating membrane, which is used to clean and protect the eye. One interesting fact about owl eyes is that they are not 'eye balls' as we know it, but elongated tubes. The anatomy of the owl eyes makes it very sensitive to light and movement, but colors are limited and are mostly in monochrome. Nevertheless, some owls see better than humans in daylight, as well as, in bright light. So, unlike humans, owls don't need light to get around in the dark. They don't ever have to worry about running into a door, or, stumping their toe on a chair, or stepping on the cat's tail like we do. Luckily for us, lamps and nightlights are readily available and, if designed with owls, then all the better!
Since Halloween is just around the corner, this is an good time to talk about the connection between owls and witches. Much superstition has long surrounded the owl; some good, some bad (unfortunately, mostly bad), and one of the most popular is that owls were familiars to the witches.
Animals as familiars stems from Medieval European folklore where it was believed that, not only witches truly existed, but that there were supernatural entities in forms of animals that protected and assisted them with their magic. It was believed that familiars were not owned by the witches; that they held total free will and intellect, and even had their own magical powers.
In ancient Rome and Greece, it was also believed that a witch could transform herself into an owl and that when the hoot of an owl was heard, it meant that a witch was coming.
We all now know better, yet, legends of the familiars, including the owl, still lives on in our modern day holiday, O' Halloween.
In Shamanism, it is believed that all wild animals' spirits have the power to aid and heal us along our life journey, including the owl. They are known as "power animals" and the belief is that everyone has one primary, or totem one; the one they are most often drawn to, and others that come and go based on your needs, as well, as for playing the role of messengers. This is very much like the Christian beliefs of guardian angels.
Each power animal has their own unique characteristics and message to provide us with guidance and healing. Our totem animal also reflects our own character, and are there to help us grow as an individual. The cool thing is you can actually ask your power animals questions by mediating on them. The answers would be revealed at that time, or later as you go your through your daily life; often by other unexpected power animals showing up in your life with their own specific messages.
What is your Power Animal?
If you are very drawn to owls, almost to the exclusion of other wild animals, than you may certainly have an owl as your totem animal. But, then, it may also be that the owl is a power animal for the moment, here to provide you with some life challenge guidance. How long a power animal remains in your life all depends on the individual. It can be a few days or several years.
Owl Symbolism:
- A major upcoming change or life transition. - The ability to see past deceit and illusions (what is untrue). - Wisdom - Strong intuition. - Enthusiast for the unknown. The owl is a great power animal to call forth when you are in a state of confusion or suspicion, or for help to discover your hidden potential and talents.
If you have an owl as your totem animal, you are very intuitive and love to explore the unknown. To learn more, check out this great Kindle book available at Amazon: The Owl Spirit Animal Guide
This week, let's learn about another owl species: the Barred Owl.
The Barred Owl is medium sized with brown and white striped plumage, large brown round eyes, a yellowish bill, and a short rounded tail. It has a round head with no ear tufts. Take a look:
This fellow is commonly found all through the eastern United States, and through southern Canada. Although it lives mostly in dense forest and near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and swamps, it is also sometimes seen around populated areas, such as parks. This is one species of owl that you can see during the day, thought mostly at dusk, or on cloudy days. Also, they are known to be attracted to campfires and lanterns where large insects can be readily seen.
The Barred Owl's diet is similar to other owls; consisting mostly of small mammals, with the occasional reptiles, fish, and invertebrates (snails, scorpions, etc.).
Their only natural predator is the Great Horned Owl.
The Barred owl is well known for its series of hoots that sounds like it's saying "Who, cooks, for you? Who cooks for you?". Listen: Barred Owl Call
However, like other owls, they have a large range of sounds, such as shrieks, grumbles, and squeaks.
The Barred Owl is a truly an interesting fellow and I am happy to report that this is one owl species that, at present, appears to be doing well in numbers.
