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Shapeshifter (lemmy.world)

From Badger Run Wildlife Rehab

Owls are shape shifters. They routinely make themselves look bigger or smaller depending on the situation. Sometimes they make themselves look long and thin in order to camouflage (look more like a branch when sitting in a tree). Other times, they puff up to look huge and scary when threatened.

The pictures below (*above now!) are of an African owl, the White-faced Scops owl. And no, this is not photoshop. They absolutely can skinny-up like this.

(Photo posted by Avian Conservation & Education Network back in 2018)

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[-] ignotum@lemmy.world 10 points 1 day ago

We have skinwalkers, they have... featherflyers?

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago

Oh no! Owls don't need even more evil powers! 😰

[-] ignotum@lemmy.world 4 points 22 hours ago

Even more? Now i'm scared, what other evil tricks do these feathery demons have up their sleeves?

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 10 points 22 hours ago

Silent flight, able to hunt in pitch black, immensely powerful vision, three-dimensional hearing that can often enable them to "see" through objects, tremendous grip strength for their talons that spring shut automatically on contact and lock in place with a ratcheting mechanism, and exceptional camouflage. I'm sure I've left out a thing or 2, but owls have a lot of tools at their disposal.

[-] probable_possum@leminal.space 18 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Left: Larry! No, please. Not again.
Left:..
Left: I don't know that guy.

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

This is probably going to again be the owl to beat this year. People love this little guy!

[-] rigatti@lemmy.world 6 points 1 day ago

Damn, is it almost time for Owl of the Year again? I'm stoked.

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

We've gotta figure out some new challengers soon and I need to figure out what I'm doing. Usually OotY is a quiet time for me other than the event, but this year I've got my wedding, honeymoon, a hunting trip, and I'll (hopefully) be changing jobs, so I need to get my old OotY stuff off this computer.

Most of the stuff I was prepared for, except the work stuff. Another company took over out contract, so I'm either going to be rolled over to them....oooooor I'll have ample free time to do OotY but I don't know which it is yet. Someone's always got to be putting my emotions on the rollercoaster.

[-] LadyButterfly@piefed.blahaj.zone 7 points 22 hours ago

I nominate myself for owl of the year.

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 5 points 22 hours ago

I'm going to need at least 3 pics per round that show off your best owlish qualities.

[-] LadyButterfly@piefed.blahaj.zone 5 points 21 hours ago

Will do! Just as a warning, you will be entranced by my feathery beauty

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 5 points 20 hours ago
[-] LadyButterfly@piefed.blahaj.zone 4 points 19 hours ago

That is the most beautiful gif I've ever seen!

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 3 points 19 hours ago

That is Owl Jolson from Looney Tunes "I Love to Sing-a."

Lots of good owl musical action!

[-] rigatti@lemmy.world 2 points 15 hours ago

I used to get this stuck in my head all the time as a kid. Must have influenced my love for owls.

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 3 points 13 hours ago

I'm always amazed at the random stuff I remember from being a kid. Old one liners, discontinued snacks, bits of conversation, but not stuff I need to do now! 😄

[-] JetpackJackson@feddit.org 8 points 1 day ago
[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 9 points 1 day ago

It's just working out those core muscles.

[-] homesweethomeMrL@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

I dunno, you guys look like you've had enough for one . . . huh. Well, I guess a few more won't hurt ya.

this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2025
186 points (100.0% liked)

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For owls that are superb.

Also visit our twinned community for wholesome content: https://lemmy.world/c/wholesome@reddthat.com

US Wild Animal Rescue Database: Animal Help Now

International Wildlife Rescues: RescueShelter.com

Australia Rescue Help: WIRES

Germany-Austria-Switzerland-Italy Wild Bird Rescue: wildvogelhilfe.org

If you find an injured owl:

Note your exact location so the owl can be released back where it came from. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist to get correct advice and immediate assistance.

Minimize stress for the owl. If you can catch it, toss a towel or sweater over it and get it in a cardboard box or pet carrier. It should have room to be comfortable but not so much it can panic and injure itself. If you can’t catch it, keep people and animals away until help can come.

Do not give food or water! If you feed them the wrong thing or give them water improperly, you can accidentally kill them. It can also cause problems if they require anesthesia once help arrives, complicating procedures and costing valuable time.

If it is a baby owl, and it looks safe and uninjured, leave it be. Time on the ground is part of their growing up. They can fly to some extent and climb trees. If animals or people are nearby, put it up on a branch so it’s safe. If it’s injured, follow the above advice.

For more detailed help, see the OwlPages Rescue page.

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