| Owlman | |
|---|---|
 A sketch drawn by June Melling | |
| Background | |
| Type | Cryptid |
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | England |
| One-Time? | No |
| Theories | · Spirit · Cryptid · Misidentified bird |
The Owlman, also known as the Cornish Owlman or the Owlman of Mawnan, is a purported owl-like cryptid that was supposedly sighted around mid-1976 in the village of Mawnan, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is very similar to the famous cryptid Mothman in appearance.
Appearance[]
The creature is described as being humanoid in appearance and standing 6-7 feet tall. It is described as being covered in either feathers or fur, which are silvery-gray or grayish-brown in color. It possesses massive bird-like wings and eyes that glow either red or yellow.
Possible Explanations[]
There are several explanations as to what the creature could be. Theories include:
- An undiscovered species (a Cryptid)
- A spirit
- A misidentified bird
Trivia[]
- The Owlman story began when paranormal researcher Tony "Doc" Shiels was approached by a man, Don Melling, who had been visiting the area on holiday from Lancaster. Melling said that on April 17, 1976, his two daughters, 12-year-old June and her 9-year-old sister, Vicky, were walking through the woods near Mawnan church when they saw a large winged creature hovering above the church tower. The girls were frightened and immediately ran to tell their father. According to Shiels, the family had become so perturbed by the sighting that they had abandoned their holiday three days early and that the father would not allow either of his daughters to be interviewed. Sheils was, however, provided with a drawing of the creature made by twelve-year-old June.
- Two months later, on July 3, 14-year-old Sally Chapman was camping with a friend, Barbara Perry, in woods near the church. According to her account, as she stood outside her tent, she heard a hissing sound and turned to see a figure that looked like an owl as big as a man, with pointed ears and red eyes. The girls reported that the creature flew up into the air, revealing black pincer-like claws. Sightings of this figure continued to be reported on the following day (when it was described as "silvery gray") and on two occasions two years later, in June and August 1978, all within the vicinity of the church.
Gallery[]
Photo Gallery[]
A sketch drawn by June Melling
An artist's depiction