Although there are many varieties of owls throughout the world, we are not very aware of them, mainly because most of their activities are carried on after dark. For centuries owls have been a symbol of wisdom. However, geese, crows and ravens are all smarter than owls.
People can recognize an owl by its large, broad head with a ruff of feathers around its large eyes. This ruff covers enormous ear openings.
Most owls spend much time perched on tree branches at dusk or through the night, but some hunt during the day as well, yet manage to keep well hidden. In many ways they are useful to man, helping to control rats, mice and other rodents, as well as insects that damage crops.
Their flights are as silent as a shadow, yet amazingly accurate. In the darkness their sensitive ears pick up the faint sounds of mice or other rodents on the ground below them. They fly directly to their victims, capture and devour them.
Owls’ extremely sensitive, large eyes see remarkably well in almost total darkness. Both eyes point forward, unlike the eyes of most birds. They are not able to move them sideways; instead, they must swivel their heads to follow a moving object. Their heads turn quickly, and this has resulted in the mistaken idea that the owl can turn its head completely around.
There are a great number of varieties, from the smallest six-inch elf owl to the largest two-foot great horned owl. We will look at a few in this and the two following issues.
We will begin with the barn owl. This fairly large owl is sometimes called the monkey-faced owl and makes its home in any convenient place, from a hollow tree to the top of a church steeple. However, it usually nests in barns or other farm buildings and lives peacefully with nearby pigeons. It has long, slender legs and wings that spread three feet in flight.
The barn owl is a pretty bird, with a heart-shaped face and dark eyes. Its body is snow-white below with spotted back and wing feathers in tones of golden or chocolate brown. Like all owls, it has a strong, sharp beak and pointed, vicious talons on its four-toed feet, with which it catches its prey.
Being an expert mouse catcher, a barn owl also hunts for other rodents, frogs, lizards, sparrows and even blackbirds, never seeming to satisfy its huge appetite.
As we consider these unusual birds, it is good to remember the Bible verse that says, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:99The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. (Psalm 145:9)). This includes you. Have you ever thanked Him for His goodness and kindness to you?
(to be continued)
ML-01/22/2006