Cover by Cynthia Scott, Reno, Nevada, USA (Not for sale).

Owls have flown this Earth for nearly 50 million years. Humans have always been fascinated with this ancient bird of prey with an upright stance, round face and large eyes that blink like people. Another reason for our interest could arise from the fact that owls inhabit the night, a time period and place that most humans are not familiar with. Stories of indigenous peoples relate interesting episodes on Owls. Some people adore them; others are terrified by their very call. The Greeks, Romans and Indians (North and South American and Oriental) attribute supernatural powers to them. Similarly, Aboriginal people relate many rich stories and myths about this wonderful bird and its connection with the Land and Nature.

The Owls of Australia have been sending out their calls for centuries. But we have not heeded their urgent calls to live and let live. We are now so enveloped in our own little world that we have lost touch with what is going on around us. In the process we have also lost touch with ourselves. Unlike the Owl, which has retained its keen sense of sight and sound, we seem incapable of seeing without prejudice and distortion. The hoots of the
Night Watchman have become progressively louder and more agitated. The message is clear - Wake Up Australia! Wake Up!

Noel Almeida, a member of the Australasian Raptor Association, Melbourne, Australia, is very interested in the cultural significance of owls. The following products combine his interest in owls and philately.