Why Do We Study Owls? by Chris Anderson
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t night we sometimes hear owls without catching a glimpse of them. Owls are mysterious to us day-walkers and, let’s face it; this piques our curiosity. There are reasons for our cryptic curiosity, and these ideas play into owls’ mythological presence in art, literature, and folklore. There are also scientific reasons behind their strange behavior — behavior that helps ensure their survival in a world of predators and prey. Throughout time, individual animals have captivated the human imagination. Tales of these iconic animals are told around campfires and in places of learning — even showing up in pop culture via movies, cartoons, advertising and gift shop merchandise. Predators in 54
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particular – be they lions, bears, wolves or owls — hold a distinct fascination for people of all ages. We are drawn to these mysterious animals. We have much to learn about these wonderful creatures. Understanding owls’ ecological role in our present world and understanding the value they bring to both urban and rural environments is of vital importance. Kidwings hopes to broaden current understanding of predators by taking
a scientific approach to looking at owls. The study of owls can lead to a raised awareness of critical environmental issues, such as how we approach nature and how we live within a balanced ecosystem in a way that ensures future generations will enjoy the same flora and fauna that we presently enjoy. The study of owls can also yield practical applications. For example, one study (1), reported in the Journal of Vision (July
The large eyes of an owl do not move within the socket. Instead, the owl rotates its head to the world around it, as if it were looking through a pair of binoculars.
