The peculiar occurrence of owls dying unexpectedly was initially met with a sense of irony. Their presence in the environment, typically unnoticed, became evident only after they had perished. This bizarre situation highlighted how often commonplace elements in life can go overlooked, particularly when they are associated with a certain time, like twilight for the owls.
In the story, the contrast between the owls' fluffy white appearance and their sudden demise adds a layer of dark humor. It serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of life and the way creatures can slip under the radar of human awareness, only to become starkly visible in death. This observation resonates with broader themes surrounding existence and perception present in Philip K. Dick's work.