Barn owls
The barn owl is one of the most widespread species around the world. You can find them in all continents with the exception of Antarctica.
It is uncommon to observe or hear a Barn owl during the day, considering that they are nocturnal hunters.
However, it is not impossible to see one active during the day. If you ever experience this wonderful event, it means that the owl is having a hard time finding food in the evenings.
When a nocturnal animal is energetic at daylight, it is because something could be wrong. Barn owls could be active at day because they are starved, they feel endangered, or they want to protect their habitat.
The sound of this species is not like the characteristic hooting of owls; it is more like a screech. In fact, it may sound like a baby’s scream. Hear it yourself by clicking here.
Prepare a large box lined with newspaper or clean towels for the mother dog to deliver her puppies. When the mother starts delivering her litter — also known as whelping — keep an eye on the process but dont interfere unless there appears to be a problem. Each puppy arrives in a sac, part of its placenta. The mother dog usually will chew through the sac enclosing each puppy — if it didnt break during the birthing process — and nibble off the umbilical cord. If she doesnt do this, you must step in to clear the fetal membranes from the puppys nose and mouth and remove the cord.
If your dog is expecting puppies any minute, you might be a nervous wreck. Even though nature likely will take its course and everything will turn out fine, theres always the chance that something could go amiss during labor. Some preparation beforehand can help you deal with birth issues, such as the need to cut the newborn puppys umbilical cord. In addition to having certain supplies on hand, keep your veterinarians contact information handy.
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in “Horse News,” “Suburban Classic,” “Hoof Beats,” “Equine Journal” and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.
In preparation for cord cutting, have on hand unwaxed dental floss, clean scissors, cotton swabs, a bottle of rubbing — isopropyl — alcohol and a bottle of iodine. Prior to cutting the cord, disinfect the scissors with the rubbing alcohol. Pour a small amount of iodine into a bowl so you have easy access to it when needed.
While the mother dog nips off the umbilical cord, you must tie it. The American Kennel Club recommends tying the umbilical cord with dental floss and cutting it approximately 1/2 to 1 inches from the puppys abdomen. Rather than making a straight cut across the cord, try to crush it in half with a slight motion of the scissors, so that it appears more chewed than cut. This resembles the way a mother dog detaches the cord. During the procedure, hold the puppy in the palm of your hand and hold the cord between your thumb and forefinger. If the cord bleeds a bit after cutting, light pressure from your fingers should stop the bleeding. After cutting the cord, daub iodine on the end for infection prevention.
What sounds like an owl during the day?
There are some animals that you can hear during the day that seem similar to the hooting of owls.
For example, some frogs make sounds that are mistaken for an owl’s hooting. Also, the mourning dove makes a sound very similar.
Many people have believed that they have an owl outside their home, and it is actually one of these birds.
Another bird tends to be confused with the owl, and that is the Wilson’s Snipe. The confusion comes with the male’s flight to draw females.
The flow of his wings makes a sound that is similar to the chirp of a boreal owl. The Wilson Snape makes this type of flight at nights too, so it’s not unusual to get confused.