For your consideration...In Native American culture, owls are considered the harbingers of death.
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That is my understanding too, and I have been thinking of that also, blu during this whole exploration of All Things Owl.
I was walking one evening and an owl slowly swooped over me. I could see him very clearly. Every feather. He landed a short way away from me, and I observed him for quite a few minutes. Gorgeous creature.
I had been aware of that belief, but had not given any credence to it. I thought of it later when I learned a dear close relative died within two weeks of this happening.
I did not feel the owl had anything to do with the death, but I felt its appearance as a grace that all is connected through our Father and all of His creation. That owl memory I treasure as a blessing from Holy Spirit, and the beauty of it sustained me during the grief process. This relative also happened to be a bird lover.
I do not know if it is actually true, what the Native Americans believe.... but I am certainly in no position to gainsay it.