The Owlman of Mawnan
A creature with wings, owl-like features, and glowing eyes was seen hovering over a church tower. Called 'Cornwall's Mothman,' the Owlman continues to be reported near Mawnan Old Church.
The Owlman of Mawnan is a winged creature first reported in 1976 near Mawnan Old Church in Cornwall. Often compared to America’s Mothman, the Owlman has been seen multiple times over the decades.
First Sighting
According to documented accounts:
On April 17, 1976, two young girls (June and Vicky Melling) were on holiday with their family. They saw a large winged creature hovering over the church tower. They were so frightened the family cut their vacation short.
Their father reported the sighting to paranormal researcher Tony “Doc” Shiels.
Description
Witnesses describe the Owlman as:
- Man-sized (about 5 feet tall)
- Large wings
- Pointed ears
- Owl-like face
- Glowing red eyes
- Grey or brown coloring
- Clawed feet
- Making a hissing sound
Subsequent Sightings
July 3, 1976: Two 14-year-old girls (Sally Chapman and Barbara Perry) camping near the church saw the creature. They described it as “a big owl with pointed ears, as big as a man” with “black claws.”
1978: A young woman saw the creature near the church.
1989: A young man reported seeing it while walking near the church.
1995: A female student saw the creature hovering near the church tower.
2009: Sightings were reported, suggesting the creature remains active.
The Location
All sightings cluster around Mawnan Old Church:
- An ancient church dating to the 13th century
- Built on a prehistoric mound
- Possible ley line convergence
- Overlooking the Helford River
Some researchers note the church’s location on an ancient site may be significant.
Theories
Unknown Species: A large owl species or unknown creature.
Eurasian Eagle-Owl: These large owls match some descriptions and occasionally appear in Britain.
Hoax: Tony “Doc” Shiels, who publicized the story, was known for elaborate hoaxes.
Misidentification: Normal owls seen in unusual circumstances.
Supernatural Entity: Some believe it’s connected to the ancient church site.
Comparison to Mothman
The Owlman is often compared to Mothman:
- Similar appearance (winged humanoid)
- Both appeared in the 1970s
- Both associated with specific locations
- Both have glowing red eyes
- Both seen before disasters (Mothman before bridge collapse; some claim Owlman before the 1976 drought)
Criticism
Skeptics point out:
- Tony “Doc” Shiels was a known hoaxer
- No photographs exist
- All witnesses were young or female
- Sightings could be barn owls (which look large and ghostly at night)
- The story fits “monster narrative” patterns too neatly
Legacy
Regardless of authenticity, the Owlman has become:
- Part of Cornish folklore
- A cryptozoological research subject
- Featured in books and documentaries
- A tourist attraction for Mawnan