Night Animals

by
Sophie Walker

When you go to sleep, the world does not stop. Many animals wake up when it is dark. These animals are “nocturnal.” This means they love the night! Did you know that the night is full of life? Meet Nyx the owl. She is ready to start her day.

Nyx has very big eyes. Most owls cannot move their eyes like you do. Instead, they must turn their whole heads to look around! Did you know an owl can turn its head almost all the way around? Nyx watches the forest from high above.

It is very dark, but Nyx can see everything. Her eyes work like little flashlights that catch every bit of light. She can see a tiny mouse or a small bug from far away. Nyx uses her eyes to find her dinner in the grass.

Nyx has a friend named Echo. Echo is a bat. While Nyx is a bird, Echo is a mammal with wings. He spends his day hanging upside down in a cool, dark cave. When the sun goes down, Echo wakes up and stretches his wings.

Did you know that bats do not use their eyes to see in the dark? They use their ears! Echo makes a clicking sound with his mouth. The sound hits a tree and comes back to him. This is called “echolocation.” It helps Echo fly without hitting anything.

Nyx and Echo often meet near the old oak tree. Nyx uses her eyes to see, and Echo uses his ears to hear. Together, they are the kings of the night. They fly through the trees and play under the stars.

Some night animals have eyes that glow! Have you ever seen a cat at night? This is Gleam. When light hits her eyes, they shine like two bright lamps. This helps her see much better than humans can when it is pitch black.

Did you know why their eyes glow? They have a special part in their eyes that works like a mirror. It reflects the light back. This is why Gleam’s eyes look so bright. Many animals, like raccoons and foxes, have these “mirror eyes” too.

Gleam watches Nyx from the ground. The night is a busy place! While we are dreaming in our beds, Nyx, Echo, and Gleam are exploring. They find food, play with friends, and enjoy the cool night air.

Soon, the sun will come up. The sky will turn pink and orange. Echo will go back to his cave, and Nyx will find a quiet spot to sleep. Did you know that when you wake up, these night animals are just starting their bedtime? Goodnight, night animals!