owls are common creatures and rather stunningly unexpected when you encounter them. It always seems to be a surprise.
the idea that 'owls' are spies is something that people 'put on' the owl. It's called 'conflation'.
Owls are awesome.
Spies, sometimes, ya, sometimes cool.
but only if they're good spies . . . and not bound to evil . . . but if so we unsnare them and they fly off to a tree or a rooftop.