The legend of the “Lechuza” has been told in this area for years.
Now, a recent picture has sparked a discussion about whether the picture is real.
The picture believed to have been taken in Carrizo Springs shows two men holding a white owl with a very large wing span. Our Lauren Kendrick has more in our top story.
The picture has definitely got people interested whether or not they believe in the myth.
We spoke to one of the owners of Petland who tells us this picture has her baffled when it comes to classifying the type of owl.
“I think people would like to believe it’s real just like they’d like to believe big foot’s real and the loch ness monster and all the other creatures.”
Owner of Petland Laredo, Laura Hatton, gives us her take on the picture that’s been circulating social networking sites for the past few days.
The picture was taken in Carrizo Springs.
More About The Bird Here but read below for’ interesting folklore’ about Lechuza.
Lechuza
Lechuza are either shape-shifting witches or spirits in Hispanic folklore. Tales of Lechuza are quite popular in Mexico and Texas.
Appearance: A human-sized bird with a woman’s face
Lore: Lechuza are women who have sold their souls to the devil in exchange for magical powers. At night, they transform into monsters with a bird’s body and a woman’s face, similar to depictions of harpies in Greek mythology. They then fly through the night in search of prey.
When a Lechuza finds her target she will perch in a location where she can’t easily be seen and then will make either strange whistles or the sound of an infant crying. Anyone who attempts to determine where the sound is coming from is at risk of becoming Lechuza’s dinner. Lechuza will then swoop down and carry off the confused and horrified individual.
In some versions of the story, the Lechuza is the spirit of a witch who was murdered by locals. Her spirit returns in the form of the bird-monster to get revenge. In other tales, the Lechuza is the vengeful spirit of a woman who has returned from the grave to torment the living and to seek revenge.
In modern times, most reported run-ins with the witch-bird involve her swooping down at cars driving deserted roads at night.
Powers: As a witch, Lechuza possesses supernatural powers. One of the powers of the Lechuza is to summon storms. Sightings of Lechuza are believed to coincide with thunderstorms. Lechuza possess the power to shape-shift into bird-monsters at night. Lechuza also possess the ability to disguise their voices to appear as if it is the cries of an infant in order to draw it’s human prey closer. Finally, it is believed that hearing the cry of the Lechuza is an omen that someone in the household will die, a trait more commonly found in tales of the banshee. Lechuza are immune to weapons and bullets and possibly are immortal.
Defense Against Lechuza: Lechuza fear salt. Upon hearing the call of a Lechuza one should immediately began cussing her out. Doing so will drive her away. Don’t go outside to investigate hearing a strange whistle sound or the sound of a baby crying.
Lechuza As Owls: Today many mistake owls for the Lechuza and some even suggest that owls are the origin of the Lechuza myths.thedemoniacal.blogspot.com/2010/06/lechuza.html