Owls have a way of catching our attention. Some stare straight ahead with enormous round eyes while others turn slightly to the side. In this picture, different kinds of little owls are arranged together, each with its own expression and plumage.
The question sounds simple: How many owls can you see? Yet a crowded animal picture is a perfect place to make a counting mistake. A pale owl may blend into its neighbor, and a smaller fluffy chick can be overlooked among the larger birds.
How to solve the challenge
The best method is an old fashioned one. Divide the image into rows. Start in the upper left corner and move across, counting each visible bird only once. Then repeat for the next row until you reach the bottom. It is especially helpful to count the gray chicks as carefully as the brown and white adults.
If you want an extra test, count again from the bottom. Did you get the same total twice? A good observation puzzle should reward patience, not speed.
The answer
There are 16 owls in the picture. They form four rows of four birds each, so 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16. The little faces make a delightful distraction, but the row method keeps the count clear.
Share the challenge with a friend and see whether they reach the same answer before reading the explanation.
