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One of my favorite types of owls is a Barred Owl and they are one of only four types of owls that have a solid dark eye. It gives them a much deeper feeling gaze and allows a viewer to better see the third eyelid which is used to wipe away dirt and debris from the eyeball.

Unlike hawks and eagles, the owl's feathers cover their feet. This allows them extra insulation to better cope with the harsh winters they often experience.

Owls come in all sizes, every one as fascinating as the next. They are also much lighter than they may appear, due to their bones being hollow and the appearance of their body really being mostly fluff and feathers. Orson, the Great Horned Owl weighs only about 4 pounds.

Native Americans have an interesting take on owls in their culture. Many believe that they speak of a death to come and carry dark magic. As an animal spirit totem, owl speaks of magic and wisdom and mystery. The Goddess Lilith is thought to be partially an owl. As a goddess she has mixed reviews; wise woman who left Adam in the Garden of Eden or demon who brings men night emissions.

Of course the popularity of the Harry Potter books and movies have brought a new glamour and fame to Snowy Owls and owls in general. Snowy Owls are simply breath taking creatures. I am sure we would all love to get our mail by owl, but sadly, that's not possible, as far as I know. Owls do make horrible pets as well. They eat their prey mostly whole and let it process in their stomachs. After digesting, they cough up an owl pellet which consists of the fur, bones, and tails that they could not digest. We teach many programs where we allow kids to disect owl pellets and try to figure out what the owl ate that day.

Adult male snowies are often pure white and blend easily into a snowy environment. Great Horned Owls and Long Eared Owls have exceptional camoflauge and blend right into the tree they perch on. Perhaps this ability to nearly dissappear into their surrounding environments is another aspect of the owls that makes them so fascinating.

Whatever the reason for you, owls are, indeed fascinating. We do not often get the opportunity to see an owl in the wild as most are nocturnal. It is for certain that you will never forget meeting an owl. It is clear that everything about an owl was created for a purpose in their life. Their amazing ability to hear the slightest sound, their silent flight, their expressive eyes and the great natural camoflauge they possess.

Full of mystery and wisdom, owls are a wonder of nature!

Learn more about this author, Beth Burns.
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