Athena: Great Horned Owl Bird Cam - Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Behavior, Nature, Wildlife, Biodiversity, Biological Evolution

Ed Hessler

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology has called our attention to the Great Horned Owl Bird Cam. There is a short clip of Athena, showing us her nictitating membrane - the third eyelid.

"Athena first provides us a look at "her piercing stare while incubating her eggs. Have you noticed a transparent membrane sweeping across Athena’s eye when she blinks? This is her third eyelid—also known as the nictitating membrane—and all birds have them! The nictitating membrane is closest to the eyeball, underneath the bird’s normal eyelid.It helps keep the eye lubricated and closes to protect the eye when the owl is hunting."

Athena is making her debut on the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology bird cam project. Here is an introduction. 

There are highlights from the season so far. 

 

And it is free.