Why are owls affiliated with wisdom?

[oceanauk]

Does anybody know why owls are linked with wisdom and storks with new births? I'm sure there must be other birds associated with other things too!!

[Lonnie]

We wet to a bird display in the New Forest, and the chap in charge, said that a group of Owls are called a 'Parliament', because they look so wise, however, he also said. that in reality, they are one of the stupidist birds around. he said that, not me, I have an open mind on it. Haven't a clue about Storks.

[logman]

I think its just the way owls look, eyes on the front of the head makes them appear almost human, truly a bird of mystery, silant flight,able to turn their head 180 degrees. Native Americans on the west coast called the Northern spotted owl Wawona,gardian of the ancient groves of redwoods, also known as Wawona.

As for the storks, Idont have a clue either..

[Clanad]

On source states: The ancient Greeks revered owls and believed them sacred to Athena. Affiliated with the goddess of wisdom and learning, the owl was considered wise and kind. While another: Storks are migratory, which means they could be fetching the babyfrom some mystical place.
They like to live on rooftops, perfect for delivering a baby down the chimney.
They mate for life, the same as humans do (not).
They are big enough to imagine them carrying an infant.
Storks are fertility symbols and are associated with springtime and birth.
And many more, but, fact is, no one seems to know exactly how the myth originated...

[oceanauk]

Wow!! Some fab answers - thank you all so much!!

[Robinia]

I know a lady who looks after sick/abandoned birds &, as Lonnie says, owls are far from wise.

[smudge]

I adore Owls & collect rustic looking ones.