Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Goggly Eyes

Did you know that most birds have three eyelids?

The third eyelid is called a nictitating membrane and it helps protect and moisten the eye. And it's SEE THROUGH! So birds can keep flying, swimming, or even stay on the lookout while blinking. It's like having a built in pair of goggles.

What a cool photo, thanks Laurie!

4 comments:

  1. Hi - I'm new here, so please forgive me if this is a silly question, but...

    What's the deal with his leg? I see one leg (that he's standing on), but is that darker colored thing his other leg? Or is the other leg tucked up and that darker thing something else?

    Very confused, but curious! Love the site! (And thanks!)

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  2. He's actually standing on one leg, that's a tether you see. (So the owl doesn't fly off when you are showing him)

    You'd have to expect a good third eyelids pic, I take so many pics of the owls!! (Although I didn't actually know they had third eyelids until I downloaded the picture... GASP! So much more for me to learn!)

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  3. ditto what Laurie said. the leather straps are called jesses and they are the same things that falconers use on their birds. Sort of like a dog collar, but for birds!

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  4. wow he already needs to be tethered?? spry little bugger! go george & stay close to your mom & dog!!

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