The Owl’s World Part 1
Although there are many varieties of owls throughout the world, we are not very aware of them because most of their activities are carried on after dark. Many people just think of owls as “wise old birds,” a term given to them perhaps because they see a great deal and say very little.
Most owls spend much time perched on the branch of a tree at dusk or through the night, but some hunt in the day as well, yet manage to keep well hidden. In many ways they are useful to man, helping to control rats, mice, insects, etc., 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 a mouse or other rodent down below. They fly directly to it, capture it and then devour it.
Their eyes see remarkably well in almost total darkness, but they are not able to move them sideways.
Instead, they swivel their heads to follow a moving object. Their heads turn so quickly that a person watching would not know it was happening. This has resulted in the mistaken idea that the owl can turn its head completely around.
There are a great number of varieties, all the way from the smallest 6-inch elf owl to the largest 24-inch great horned owl. We will look at a few different ones in this and the two following issues.
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, they usually nest in barns or other farm buildings and live peacefully with nearby pigeons. They have long slender legs and wings that spread three feet in flight.
They are pretty birds, with heart-shaped faces and dark eyes. Bodies are snow-white below with spotted back and wing feathers in tones of golden or chocolate brown. Like all owls they have strong, sharp beaks and pointed, vicious talons (or claws) on their four-toed feet, with which they catch their prey.
In the evening and night they hunt for mice, rats, frogs, lizards, fish, insects, etc., never seeming to satisfy their huge appetites.
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 to you?
ML 07/15/1990