Snowy owl near the Canadian Rockies, Canada (© www.harshadventure.com/Getty Images)

Owls are full of contradictions. Silent wings, loud opinions. They are night hunters that somehow feel ancient. From myths to cartoons, they have always had a presence. Athena's owl symbolised wisdom, while pop culture gave us lines we still quote—remember Owl from 'Winnie-the-Pooh' always sounding sure of himself?