We interrupt our usual Sunday Alphabet series for this special presentation. Today we give some attention to all things owl. Pictures and some links intended to be informational or simply entertaining. Houston may be drawing the attention of the sporting world (at least in the United States), but instead let us turn our eye to that (usually) stealthy nocturnal raptor — the owl.
Google searches will also turn up additional owl-related content. Including a number of groups dedicated to the conservation of a particular type of owls (burrowing owls, barn owls in the UK, etc.) as well as general conservation. Though many species of owls are not considered threatened a number are under pressure due to habitat loss and other factors and might well be considered threatened in a particular country or state.
And though less famous than Smoky The Bear the Forest Service has Woodsy Owl as a promotional icon for conservation. His current catchphrase is “Lend a hand — care for the land!”. (I recall the old one of “Give a Hoot. Don’t Pollute.” from my youth.)
Readers are invited to add more examples in the comments. (Bonus points for “I” owls since they would also eligible for today’s expected Alphabet Daily Bucket diary too.)
Some samples of American Owl Calls
The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds and/or flowers. All are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
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True Facts About the Owl (YouTube) — I personally find this series of videos entertaining.
Owl Pages - information on owls
Secrets of the Snowy Owl - NPR (story on tracking Snowy Owls)
Video of an Owl Cafe in Japan
A Collection of OWL GIFs
Owls are also used as namesakes or mascots in a number of places.
Temple, Kennesaw State, Florida Atlantic and Rice Universities are the Owls. Brandeis University is the “Judges” but their mascot is an owl — after Oliver Wendell Holmes.
And the Owl of Athena is fairly famous as well.
Plus at least one owl was a great promoter of the Scientific Method — “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?”
HE-219 Uhu (Wikipedia) — A German WW2 night-fighter nicknamed "Eagle-Owl”.
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"Spotlight on Green News & Views" will be posted every Saturday at noon Pacific Time and every Wednesday at 3:30 Pacific Time on the Daily Kos front page. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.
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My only personal picture of an owl in the wild. Only seen due to a wildlife officer posting signs along a trail indicating where two owls where hiding out that day.
Now It's Your Hoot
What owlish things have you noted happening in your area or travels? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.