If you haven’t done so already, make sure you sign up for Jennifer Ackerman’s October 19 talk on her new book, "What An Owl Knows." The book addresses owl science and culture. Simon Worrall of The Guardian writes, “One of the most fascinating chapters is on the cultural significance of owls, from their first representation in France’s Chauvet cave to ancient Indian folklore, where they feature as symbols of wisdom. But in many cultures, they are considered bad omens: in Zambia, the appearance of an owl on your roof presages bad news or death. In Honduras, one species is believed to suck the blood of infants. Ackerman also introduces us to the many celebrities who have kept owls as pets, such as Florence Nightingale, who carried a little owl in her pocket; or Picasso, who also adopted one that he then depicted in various drawings and ceramics. One of the most famous portrayals of an owl occurs in Goya’s haunting engraving The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters.” Register here.
