The Owlet Mall and more : February 2014

A new trend is growing, one that long time owl lovers of all ages can very well understand. I, for one, say, "its about time people wake up and give a hoot!" Maybe we have the best-selling book and movie, Harry Potter, and the character's beautiful white and mystic agent to thank for, or maybe not. Regardless, we cannot deny that owls have, somehow, deep in the night, swooped into our hearts and into our pop culture!

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Let's begin with an introduction to three of the most popular owl species, along with awesome posters featuring the individual specie.

Snowy Owl

One species of owl that is very popular and making the headlines lately is the Snowy Owl. This beautiful yellow eyed owl with the distinctive color feathers, normally only inhabit the Arctic. However, every few years during the winter months, they migrate south to what is known as an irruption. No one seems to know why they do, but it is a special treat indeed when they do. Those of us living south of the Arctic may get a rare glimpse of this amazing bird during this time and photographers from all over do good to capture this opportunity. Snowy Owls have recently been spotted as far south as Bermuda.

Snowy Owl Print by CapturedPics
The female Snowy Owl stay mostly in the brown tones with some darker markings, whereas, the male is all white and get whiter as they get older. This is one of the few owls specie that is active and hunts during the day. Still, the best time to spot them is at dawn and dusk.

Barn Owl

The most common species of owls is the Barn Owl as it inhabits most of the southern countries and loves to nest in barns and church steeples. The most distinctive feature of the Barn Owl is its flat, but heart shaped face, white with a brown edge. Like the Snowy Owl, the Barn Owl does not have ear tufts as the other specie do. The Barn Owl is generally nocturnal, but can sometimes be seen during daylight. Sadly, the life expectancy of this specie is usually only between 1 and 2 years in the wild. Captive Barn Owls, on the other hand, have been know to live up to 20 years.

Handsome Barn Owl Posters by PattiJAdkins
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is a large and well known bird with eerie yellow eyes and long ear tufts.Their deep hooting voice is very familiar and thought of as the typical owl sound. The Great Horned Owl is very powerful, able to bring down other birds and animals larger than itself. Yet, it also prey on smaller animals, such as scorpions, frogs, and mice.

GH Owl 2 - Poster by dgeneve
They are mostly nocturnal, but can sometimes be spotted at dusk. They inhabit woodsy areas, swamps, rainforests, deserts, as well as, in cities and suburban areas.