Owls have always fascinated man. And I am no exception! I love them. And it seems they are everywhere lately! How do you look at owls? Do you think they symbolize doom or wisdom? Are they despised or held in awe? Owls have been depicted in cave paintings dating back 20,000 years. In Greek mythology, Athene, the goddess of wisdom, claimed the owl as her favorite bird, after banning the mischievious crow. As her symbol, the owl was looked at as a protector. But in English folklore, the owl had a sinister reputation. Being called the bird of darkness, and darkness being associated with death, they were greatly feared. There are about 250 species of owls. They are predators and nocturnal. They also have special 'flight ' feathers, giving them silent flight to swoop on their prey in the dead of night. Do you like owls? How do you see them? Me... I just think they're cute. And the owls pictured are available in my shop! http://cyndiswhimsies.etsy.com