Barn owls, distinguished by their white heart-shaped faces, are one of the world"s most widespread birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in woodlands, farms, and on cliffs, but barn owls also enjoy roosting in places like bell towers and barns—hence the name. They are nighttime predators that fly over open lands to hunt rats and mice. During heavy rain, they are unable to hunt because their feathers aren"t waterproof, leaving them vulnerable to starvation during long periods of wet weather. Although some see them as a symbol of wisdom and fortune, their haunting cries and ghostly appearance mean they have often been seen as bad omens in rural areas.
Barn owl, England
Today in History
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International Surfing Day
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American Wetlands Month
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World Meteorological Day
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Happy anniversary to the National Park Service!
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Black History Month
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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
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A place fit for the gods
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It’s not a pinecone, it’s a pangolin
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St. Patrick s Day
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World-class art comes to Arkansas
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Spring comes to the Palouse
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Big Bend National Parks birthday
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Light show in the forest
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Fire-damaged forest near Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
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National Hummingbird Day
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Groundhog Day
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National Take a Hike Day
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Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
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St. Patricks Day
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Kirkilai lakes, Biržai Regional Park, Lithuania
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Sailing across the ice
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A day to take a moment
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The puffin-rabbit connection
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Celebrating Helsinki’s birthday at the Kiasma Museum
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Vale of Edale, Peak District, England
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Joshua Tree National Park
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Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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Happy Birthday, Eiffel Tower
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Looking back on 150 years of rail travel