Brukner Nature Center's presentation this month was on Ohio's Beautiful Owls. Residents learned that owls are birds because they have feathers, wings, are warm-blooded, have hollow bones, beaks and feet. An unusual fact is that you cannot determine the sex of an owl, and that their bones weigh less than their feathers. They go to the bathroom every 20 minutes and their feet are used for catching food.Being displayed are two common Ohio owls: the small Eastern Screech Owl and the larger Barred Owl. The Eastern Screech Owl has a sharp beak and claws called "talons" for capturing their prey. They are nocturnal predators with very large and fixed-in-socket eyes so as to see clearly in the dark. They can turn their heads 280 degrees and have 14 bones in their necks in order to be more flexible. In captivity they have an 8-10 year life span, unlike "life in the wild." Their ears cannot be seen. They have little tucks of feathers on the top of their heads to use when they seem threatened. Leg feathers keep them warm at night.
Screech Owls stay here in Ohio year-round and their mating begins in Winter. The female lays 3-5 eggs on different days so they don't all get hungry at the same time. Dad finds enough food for mom and babies. After 30 days the young ones leave the nest and are not allowed to come back. Then mom and dad live solitary lives for the rest of the year, but will find each other again next year. They have the same mates for life!
The Barred Owl is larger, but only weighs a little over a pound. It has asymmetrical hearing, large black eyes which attract moonlight so as to be able to see at night, strong feet, are solitary animals and have a 10-12 year life span. They are not to be used as pets.
And then there is the Great Horned Owl, which weighs 3 pounds and has a 6-year life span.
A group of owls is called "Parliament" even though they are not really that wise.
The time spent with our Brukner guest was time well spent and enjoyed by all.
~submitted by Sister Christine Doerger~
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