Welcome to Owl Awareness Day where we celebrate a group of animals that can be found all over the world and come in all different shapes and sizes. At the Lehigh Valley Zoo we have several species of owls including the Barn Owl, Barred Owl, and Snowy Owl. Let’s start by learning some general information and then “meet” some of our resident owls.
Can owls really turn their head all the way around?
Although they cannot turn their head all the way around, they can move it about 270° which is still impressive! Most owls have eyes in a fixed position which means they can’t move them in different directions like we can, so being able to rotate their head helps them spot prey and explore their environment.
Where can I find an owl and how can I see it?
Owls are found all over the world in a variety of habitats including prairies, rural areas, deserts, and even the arctic tundra! Finding owls in their natural habitat can be difficult especially since they may be nocturnal, are nearly silent, and have excellent camouflage, but with a little patience and research, you just might spot one. If you are lucky enough to see one, make sure to keep your distance and observe from afar.
It’s Lindbergh here and welcome to the barn owl habitat! I share this habitat with my son Soren, and it can be a bit difficult to tell us apart. Soren has lighter feathers, while I can usually be found in my favorite spot, on top of the nest box. If you take look at our faces, you may notice the feathers are shaped like a heart; this is not just for looks! It helps funnel sound towards our ears to help us hear even the slightest sounds. Our screeching call isn’t the prettiest, but it sure is effective for keeping other owls safe.
“Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” It’s Gordon here and this can be used to remember the barred owl’s distinctive call. My name stems from this reminder as I named after a popular chef that can sometimes be a little grumpy, just like me. I share my habitat with Marshmallow, a fellow barred owl. In the warm weather we are often misted with the hose to help us cool down. By the way, you don’t want us to cook for you, it will be a healthy serving of mice!
Hi everyone, it’s your resident snowy owl at the LVZoo! My name is Yeti, which is perfect for my striking white feathers that, if I may say so myself, makes me one of the more handsome owls. As a juvenile I had black and white feathers, but as I grew up and matured, only my white feathers have stayed! Having LOTS of feathers to keep me warm causes me to be one of the heaviest owl species. In the summertime my keepers will set up misters and just like our barred owls, I enjoy sitting in the spray.
Written by Cassidy Amerman
Education Specialist
Lehigh Valley Zoo | Schnecksville, PA
