card 6 BLUE

Sniper

Owl

1. Species and Family

Order: Strigiformes
Two main families:
1. Strigidae – “true owls” (e.g., great horned owl, barn owl’s relatives excluded)
2. Tytonidae – barn owls and their close kin

Over 200 species worldwide, ranging from the tiny elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) to the large Blakiston’s fish owl (Bubo blakistoni).

2. Appearance

Size varies:
- Smallest: Elf owl (~13 cm / 5 in, ~40 g / 1.4 oz)
- Largest: Blakiston’s fish owl (~70 cm / 28 in, ~4.5 kg / 10 lbs)
Large, forward-facing eyes for binocular vision.
Facial disc feathers funnel sound to their ears.
Hooked beak, strong talons, and soft-edged feathers for silent flight.
Coloration usually cryptic (brown, gray, mottled) for camouflage, but some have striking white or rufous patterns.

3. Habitat and Range

Found on every continent except Antarctica.
Live in forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, and even urban areas.
Nest in tree cavities, cliffs, abandoned buildings, or ground burrows (in burrowing owls).

4. Social Life and Behaviour

Mostly solitary and territorial, except during breeding season.
Nocturnal hunters (though some species are diurnal or crepuscular).
Courtship often involves elaborate calls, aerial displays, or food gifts.
Communication: hoots, screeches, whistles, and bill snapping.

5. Diet

Carnivorous predators.
Common prey: rodents, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish (in fishing owls).
Swallow prey whole, later regurgitating indigestible parts (bones, fur) as pellets.

6. Role in the Ecosystem

Control rodent and insect populations, benefiting agriculture.
Food source for larger predators like eagles or big cats (for smaller owl species).
Influence prey behavior, shaping nocturnal activity patterns.

7. Relationship with Humans

Culturally significant: often symbols of wisdom, mystery, or omens (positive and negative, depending on culture).
Beneficial to farmers as natural pest control.
Threats include habitat loss, poisoning from rodenticides, vehicle collisions, and illegal trade.

8. Fun Fact

An owl’s eyes are fixed in their sockets—they can’t roll them—so they rotate their heads up to 270° to look around without moving their bodies.

plant (SPADE/CLUBS)

Devil’s Club

Type: Large perennial shrub in the ginseng family (Araliaceae).
Needles: No true needles; has large, maple-like leaves with spiny stems and leaf veins.
Lifespan: Individual plants can live several decades if undisturbed.
Habitat: Moist, forested areas of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and parts of western Canada; prefers shaded stream banks and rich soils.
Uses: Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal teas, salves, and spiritual purposes.
Adaptations: Sharp spines protect from herbivores; thrives in cool, damp understories where many plants cannot compete.
Ecological role: Provides cover for wildlife; berries are eaten by birds, helping seed dispersal.
Fun fact: Despite its fierce appearance, it’s closely related to ginseng and has been called “Alaska ginseng” for its valued medicinal properties.

Amanita muscaria

Type: Basidiomycete fungus in the Amanitaceae family.
Needles: None—produces a classic mushroom cap with gills underneath.
Lifespan: Fruiting bodies appear seasonally, typically in late summer to fall; mycelium can live for many years underground.
Habitat: Found in temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere; commonly associates with birch, pine, spruce, and fir trees (mycorrhizal).
Uses: Historically used in shamanic rituals and as an entheogen; toxic if ingested raw; occasionally used in small amounts in traditional medicine.
Adaptations: Forms symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships with trees, exchanging nutrients to support both partners.
Ecological role: Helps decompose organic matter and supports forest ecosystems by aiding tree nutrition through mycorrhizae.
Fun fact: Its bright red cap with white spots makes it one of the most iconic mushrooms in folklore and popular culture, often depicted in fairy tales and video games.

hockey team (SPADE/CLUBS)

Dallas Stars

Team Name: Dallas Stars

Founded: 1967 (originally as the Minnesota North Stars), relocated and renamed in 1993)

City: Dallas, Texas (since 1993)

Background:

The franchise was originally established as the Minnesota North Stars in 1967 during the NHL expansion.
In 1993, the team relocated from Minnesota to Dallas, Texas, and became the Dallas Stars.
The move brought NHL hockey to a non-traditional southern market and helped grow the sport’s popularity in Texas.
The Stars play their home games at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
The team has been competitive since relocating, building a strong fan base in the region.

Biggest Achievements:

Stanley Cup Champions: 1 time (1999)
The Stars won their first and only Stanley Cup in 1999, defeating the Buffalo Sabres in a memorable Finals.
Notable players include Mike Modano (one of the greatest American-born players), Brett Hull, and Ed Belfour.

Activities in the City (Dallas, Texas):

Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Learn about the life, legacy, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy in this historic museum.
Explore the Dallas Arts District
Enjoy world-class art at the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and performance venues like the Winspear Opera House.
Stroll through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens along White Rock Lake, featuring seasonal displays and family-friendly activities.
Shop and Dine at the West Village or Deep Ellum
Experience unique boutiques, restaurants, live music, and vibrant street art in these popular districts.

Montreal Canadiens

Team Name: Montreal Canadiens

Founded: 1909

City: Montreal, Quebec