In the palaeolithic caves of southern France the remains of snowy owls have been found, showing signs not of butchery, but preservation. In the Grotte Chauvet in the Ardèche region, there is a carving of an owl. It seems we have always been entranced by these birds. Harbingers of death, night creatures on eerily silent wings, associated with moonlight and darkness and cries in the churchyard but also bringers of wisdom, sacred to Athena, beautiful and otherworldly.
Eagle Owl
Its large size (length about 28") and long conspicuous ear-tufts distinguish it from other owls. It has a fierce expression and an upright attitude. When perched on the bough of a tree it will draw itself up, with plumage tightly compressed, close to the trunk, much like the long-eared owl. It hunts by preference at dusk, but does not mind daylight. It is a rare vagrant in Ireland.