Science is Fun Fridays!

 

Studies have found that barn owls with white plumage hunt better when the moon is full, which confused researchers because that would mean the bird is more visible to prey.

But that may be their secret weapon.  A team of biologists in Lausanne, Switzerland believe that the sight of such a phantom actually stuns animals such as rodents, who have a natural aversion to bright light.

Using non-invasive GPS systems, they found that not only did brown owls have less success in the moonlight, but the white owls seemed to prefer facing the moon, so the light shines directly on them.

Reproduced in a laboratory, the researchers found that voles would freeze in the presence of any predator, but the time of inaction varied.  They remain in shock much longer when the moon is full and the owl is white.

While we're on the subject, I've been meaning to check in with some nests.

From what I gather, there are 3 owlets about 50 days old, and one is clearly youngest.

IFL Science