September 11th, 2024
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/241598080
Here’s a Barred Owl (Strix varia) in a tree at Sigoowu Ye (Fun Place Park) near my residence. The Tlingit word for owl is “dzísk'w.”
Nothing sends chills down my spine quite like the hoot of an owl breaking the stillness of the night. Whether I'm falling asleep under the stars while camping or taking a late-night walk, the sight or sound of these mysterious birds always fills me with awe. Since owls are relatively uncommon in Southeast Alaska, it's a real treat to encounter them. One of my favorite experiences was hearing a young owl screeching for food after leaving the nest, calling out in its hunger. Another time, I spotted a tiny owl, no bigger than a softball, perched on a branch at eye level, drowsy in the morning light after a long night of hunting. Owls are truly miraculous creatures, and I once had the good fortune of watching one fly into a nearby tree during a late evening dog walk.
Tlingit houses are smaller family groups within clans, traditionally composed of extended families who once lived together in longhouses. One such house is the Owl House, which carries special significance.
Tlingit warriors held great reverence for the Owl, often imitating its hoots as they charged into battle, using the owl’s call to boost their confidence and intimidate their enemies.
An elder from the Hinyaa Kwaan of the Tlingit [Na Dené] in Klawock, Alaska, shared the story of the Gáanax'adi, the oldest of the Raven clans. The elder described six petroglyph rocks in the clan’s territory, each representing a Raven legend. One of these myths tells how Raven sent Owl to retrieve fire from the ocean. Owl succeeded, but on its return, its long beak was burned shorter and shorter, giving the owl its distinctive stubby beak. From then on, Owl was treated with great respect. A petroglyph depicting this story, originally located on Fish Egg Island, now resides in Klawock Totem Park.
Many Indigenous groups, including the Coast Salish, Chilcotin, Gitksan, Tlingit, and Stalo, upheld strong taboos against consuming owls, reflecting the bird’s special spiritual status (Emmons 140-153).
While I struggled to find many concrete details about owls in Tlingit culture, it’s generally understood that they are regarded as connections between realms, held in high respect, and sometimes even feared depending on the specific community.
Works Cited:
The Tlingit People | History, Culture, and a Lasting Heritage (wordpress.com)
"The Meaning of Owls in American Indian Lore." American Indians, American-Indians.org, https://www.american-indians.org/195/the-meaning-of-owls-in-american-indian-lore/.
Hinyaa Kwaan elder. "Gáanax'adi Legends and Petroglyphs." Oral history, Klawock, Alaska.
Emmons, G.T. "Food and Its Preparation." The Tlingit Indians, edited by Frederica de Laguna, American Museum of Natural History, 1991, pp. 140-153.
Comments
You're so lucky to have seen one! In my 15 years of living in Alaska, I've only seen two owls, as you mentioned they're not very commonly seen. Thanks for sharing some stories connecting owls to the Indigenous cultures of the area. You tend to hear lots about bears, orcas, salmon, and ravens but I haven't heard many stories about the other animals that live in the southeast. In the coming weeks I hope to get out for some early morning deer hunts, Ill now try to keep my eyes up and find an owl for myself. What time of day did you come across this one?
Hey Izak! 9:58 PM. We were lucky because we saw it fly up into the tree. Early mornings are also a good time to catch one. Wishing you luck!
Wow this is a great observation! I have yet to see an owl here in Alaska, but I am from New Hampshire where barred owls are relatively common. I have been lucky enough to hear them calling back and forth in my backyard before, they are so wonderful. I liked the story you shared about the six petroglyph rocks that represented a Raven legend. I didn't know Owl was a significant figure in Tlingit history so this was really cool to read about. I love that they are thought to be connections between realms and held to a high respect.
Super cool observation Fisher! I didn't know about the traditional significance of owls to Tlingit peoples, but it makes sense, they are so elusive but are also such imposing and impressive animals. Thanks for sharing that info. I always feel very lucky when I see owls here in Juneau. When I was a little kid I was walking near the wetlands in the winter, and my grandpa and I found a dead barred owl in a tree. It was incredible to see one so close, even though it wasn't alive. They are such intriguing animals. It makes sense that they are historically a symbol of wisdom, because they do really seem like these old, wise beings.
I am so incredibly jealous that you got to see this owl because it is a legend within my friend group. We have gone out multiple times trying to see it because we keep hearing about it but have never been lucky enough to be blessed by its presence. I really appreciate how you added the Tlingit name to your post because it shows a great deal of respect. I also enjoyed how you talked about your experiences with hearing them in different places and then going right in to talk about the Tlingit Owl House. I had no idea how important owls are to the Tinglit people. So this was very exciting to learn about!
I think we're all envious, Fisher! :) Thanks for posting this observation so that we at least all get to vicariously see this owl, with the added bonus of learning a bit about this particular species thanks to your Journal post.
Here's to hoping we get more owls in this Project,
Prof. Brooke
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