A Visit from the Little Owl

Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Dierenmaatjes

Where the Stones Remember

Oh! You spotted me, didn’t you? Perched on an old fence post or peeking from a hollow in the barn wall. I may be small — only about the size of a starling — but I carry the wisdom of the dusk and the stillness of the open field.

I’m the Little Owl (Athene noctua). Curious by nature, brave by necessity, and often closer to humans than you might expect. Let me tell you a little more about my world…

A Little Owl’s Life

I wasn’t always part of the British countryside. I was introduced here in the 1800s, and ever since, I’ve made myself quite at home in farmlands, orchards, meadows, and even gardens with a good tree or two.

You’ll often find me surveying my territory from a post or branch — I do love a good vantage point. I may be out during the day, especially on cloudy afternoons, but I’m most active at dawn and dusk.

Despite my size, I’m a fierce little hunter. I’ll swoop down on beetles, mice, worms, and even the odd frog. Quick, silent, and precise — that’s me.

Not Your Average Owl

People often imagine owls as deep forest dwellers or ghostly figures of the night. But I’m different.

I live low, fly low, and nest in places close to the ground. You might hear me calling with my soft “kiew kiew” or a sharp “che-weep!” that echoes across fields in the twilight.

My wide golden eyes and expressive brows give me quite the serious look, but don’t be fooled — I’m a playful spirit at heart.

Let Me Introduce You to My Cousins

We owls are a varied bunch. You might already know some of my relatives. Each of us has our own way of living, hunting, and calling the night home.

The Barn Owl — Pale, ghostly, and silent as moonlight. She glides over open countryside, her heart-shaped face glowing in the dark. Unlike me, she avoids human chatter — preferring the quiet of old barns and meadows.

The Snowy Owl — A true northerner. She lives in the Arctic tundra and is built for snow and space. With bright white feathers and a powerful build, she’s as much at home on the ground as in the air.

The Great Horned Owl — My cousin from across the ocean. She’s big, bold, and known for her feathered ear tufts. A strong predator, she’s not shy about taking on large prey — even other owls, sometimes.

The Tawny Owl — The classic woodland owl of the British night. With warm brown feathers and a haunting “twit-twoo” call, she’s often heard but rarely seen. She nests in tree hollows and hunts silently through forests, parks, and even quiet graveyards. She’s secretive, soulful, and perfectly at home among the trees.

A Shared Thread

Though we come from different lands and lead different lives, owls share something ancient: a connection to mystery, silence, and watchful presence. We help keep ecosystems balanced — feeding on rodents, insects, and creatures that would otherwise grow too many in number.

But our homes are changing. Hedgerows vanish, old trees fall, and quiet spaces become loud. Like many of my kin, I’m facing a more uncertain future. Awareness — your awareness — is a kind of protection.