Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Why are Owls Wise?


     You hear it all the time: "Wise as an owl". You may also be familiar with the quote: 
"The wise owl sat on a oak; the more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?"
So, I asked, why is this mostly nocturnal wild bird associated with wisdom, including that of the scholar? After some research, I was surprised to find that it held these symbols for many centuries in many different cultures. Not only that, but there are many fascinating lore, stories, and beliefs about owls. Suffice to say that there are too many to share here and now, but, stick around and I will reveal some from time to time.

I will not leave you hanging, though. The owl symbolizes wisdom and scholars due to its very nocturnal watchfulness that correlates with the belief that wisdom is gain with quiet vigilance, as well, as for the late night habits of scholars.
"The fence to wisdom is silence"  -- Akiba ben Joseph

Speaking of scholars, it is about Back to School time.
Ending summer vacation is not fun, but getting new stuff for school is, especially when you have owls as the theme.  

Owl Spiral Note Book
Owl Spiral Note Book by Victoria_flowers
Design a custom notebook online at zazzle.com


Boy Blue Owl Chevron Lunchbox
Boy Blue Owl Chevron Lunchbox by Lovewhatwedo
View Blue Yubo Lunchbox online at zazzle


Barn Owl Peek Dry Erase Whiteboards
Barn Owl Peek Dry Erase Whiteboards by PattiJAdkins
Find more Owls Dry Erase Boards at Zazzle





Friday, July 11, 2014

The Secluded Crested Owl

There is one owl species that is not very well known, yet is  distinctive from the others, and also fascinating. It is called the Crested Owl. This owl is medium sized and is strictly nocturnal; hence, not much is known about it. 

 Its ear tufts are a bit more pronounced and longer; sometimes seeming to be horizontal to the head when the bird is on alert. The overall plumage is in various shades of browns, black, and tan, and they usually have dark eyes. The most characteristic part of this species is its large white eyebrows that seems to continue all the way up to the end of the tufts.

They inhabit both Central and South America within the rain forest.  The Crested Owl's diet consist mostly of large insects, such as beetles. They also hunt small vertebrates on occasion. 


The most unusual trait of this bird is the deep frog-like sound it sometimes makes.
Listen Here.  

You can find whimsical and cute Crested Owl designed gifts at Zazzle's Oneartsymomma store:      

The Blue Owl Apron
The Blue Owl Apron by OneArtsyMomma
Browse more Owl Aprons at Zazzle