The last line is usually given as "Why aren't we like that wise old bird ?" But as I think the writer was that famous poet Anon., we aren't in a postion to check with him. I do hope he's still around though. Regards, Mike.
Ma&Pa, I think you're right about the rhyme, I checked it on the net and your version was the one that came up, but this was the one I remembered. And I'm still not sure about its message. It would be a dull world if the owl did't give a hoot.
The owl in the upper pic is, I think, a Great Grey Owl, Strix nebulosa, one of several boreal owls not found further south. Pallas Athene's owl was a species called Little Owl, hence its scientific name, Athene noctua.
I also know the Hungarian for "airbrakes" (it's legfek). You have no idea how awful it is to have a brain like mine, cluttered like a cobwebbed attic with random useless information.
9 comments:
Handsome creatures; wasn't the owl sacred to Palas Athena, goddess of wisdom?
I find owls fascinating - as one wise? old bird to another.
Very wise!
The last line is usually given as "Why aren't we like that wise old bird ?" But as I think the writer was that famous poet Anon., we aren't in a postion to check with him. I do hope he's still around though. Regards, Mike.
P.s. And please can you tell us a bit more about the owls in the two photographs? Especially the top one. Regards, Pa.
HAndsome and sacred all of them, Crowbard.
Exactly Pat, but I was thinking of myself and not having time to comment and anyway you're not so old, just very wise for your years.
Thanks for commenting Casdok, you inspire me.
Ma&Pa, I think you're right about the rhyme, I checked it on the net and your version was the one that came up, but this was the one I remembered. And I'm still not sure about its message. It would be a dull world if the owl did't give a hoot.
The top picture I took at Skansen, in the owl enclosure. I'll have to ask Miss T if she remembers what sort it was.
The bottom one was taken at the Natural History Museum in Stockholm.
The owl in the upper pic is, I think, a Great Grey Owl, Strix nebulosa, one of several boreal owls not found further south.
Pallas Athene's owl was a species called Little Owl, hence its scientific name, Athene noctua.
I also know the Hungarian for "airbrakes" (it's legfek). You have no idea how awful it is to have a brain like mine, cluttered like a cobwebbed attic with random useless information.
God bless.
Post a Comment