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December 2017
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SPOTLIGHT
(L to R)- Danville Councilmembers Robert Storer, Lisa Blackwell, Karen Stepper, Mayor Renee Morgan and Councilmember Newell Arnerich participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Rose Street Parking Facility.
New free parking available in downtown Danville
On Monday November 20, The Town of Danville unveiled and cut the ribbon on the newly completed Rose Street Parking Facility project. The Danville Town Council along with
ECRWSS
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
See PARKING page 6
On Friday November 24, Danville residents and friends who attended the annual “Lighting of the Old Oak Tree” sponsored by the Danville area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville were entertained by SRVHS Choral groups and Danville Girls Chorus directed by longtime instructor Ken Abrams with holiday songs and carols to kick off the season in Danville. This year was again a seasonal delight with downtown merchants providing refreshments.
Meet The Barn Owl (Tyto alba): The Silent Nocturnal Hunter
Postmaster: Dated Material
by James Hale
Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. 542 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Ste A P.O. Box 1309 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is found worldwide in most regions, except polar and desert areas, and is the most widely distributed species of owl. The Latin name literally means “white owl”. Phylogenetic evidence suggests that there are at least three major lineages of Barn Owl, five species, and approximately 28 subspecies, that exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics. Barn Owl genetics are currently under detailed study to fully understand their phylogeography. The white face is heart-shaped, forming a parabolic disc that functions to funnel sound to the asymmetrically placed ears at the top of each lobe, which allows for acute hearing. It also gives rise to its sometimes locally common name of monkey-faced owl. It is also known by a variety
of other names including white owl, silver owl, demon owl, ghost owl, death owl, night owl, rat owl, church owl, cave owl, stone owl, hissing owl, hobgoblin or hobby owl, dobby owl, white-breasted owl, golden owl, scritch owl, straw owl, delicate owl and others. Mottled shades of cinnamon brown and grey comprise the plumage of the head and back, while the underparts vary from white to brown, sometimes speckled with darker markings. Darkest birds are always females, with males being the palest or white. These owls do not hoot. A raspy, hissing screech is the most common call, with bill clacking being common communication between pairs during the breeding season.
Barn Owls are medium sized birds, typically about 12 to 16 inches in length, with a wingspan of up to 36 inches. They vary in weight from 9 ounces to about 20 ounces. Island dwelling owls are usually smaller and lighter. The squarish tail, light color, and raspy, screech are a means
This month’s Special Sections:
Holidays pages 7-9
Senior Living
page 10
for identifying this owl. The undulating flight pattern and the dangling, feathered legs are also diagnostic. When captured or cornered, the Barn Owl will sometimes fall on its back and defend itself with flailing talons. See OWLS page 14