Why Do We Explore Owls?

Meet the Barn Owl & Related Subjects

Why Do We Explore Owls?

At 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 reasons play into owls’ mythological presence in art, literature, and folklore. There are also scientific reasons behind their mysterious behavior —behavior that helps ensure their survival in a world of predators and prey. Throughout time, certain 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 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 peculiar 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, reported in the Journal of Vision (July 2011), demonstrated the use of owls as a model to explore the advantages and mechanisms of stereo-vision (stereopsis), a capability they share with humans. [Source: Owls see in stereo much like humans do, Robert F. Van der Willigen, Journal of Vision, June 2011, Disparity sensitivity in man and owl: Psychophysical evidence for equivalent perception of shape-from-stereo, Robert F. van der Willigen, Wolf M. Harmening, Journal of Vision, January 2010] Other more common owl studies relate to owl pellets. Owl pellets are very important to science because, when we study the components of an owl pellet, we find bones of the animals that the owl has eaten. If a scientist finds small rodents and bats, it is possible to learn what species of prey live in a particular area. If a scientist picks up pellets regularly, then he or she can observe owl prey selection over time. The growth or decrease of the owl prey populations is indicated by the bones in the owls’ pellets. Studying the abundance of these prey animals reveals critical information about potential pests (mice, voles, bats, birds, etc.) for farming communities and also provides information about diseases and