Pageant News Bureau

What Batman did for the bat, Hooters Restaurants have done for the owl.

It is the wisest of all birds (at least according to folklore) and its unique beauty is undeniable. It is a symbol of the primeval mystery of the forest. But the owl has too often been needlessly feared because it is a creature of the night. And many people have failed to realize how much we are losing through the wanton destruction of owl habitat around the world.

Ashley Smith

Ashley Smith has that '40s glamour.

Rich Atlas of the Venus organization meets the Hooters international winners. In the front (from left) are Melina Fasiana, Ms. Sunrise, Fla., second runner-up; Cody Dupry, Ms. Southern Louisiana, first runner-up; Ashley Smith, Ms. Orlando, international winner; Vanessa Benitez, Ms. Daytona, Fla., third runner-up; Martina Andrews, Ms. Arizona, fourth runner-up. In back (from left) are Jessica Canizales, Nicki Porter, Stacie Jarzombek, Jennifer Hargis, Caren Crangle.

Thank heaven for the folks at Hooters, who have brought the owl back to the center of our consciousness. Every time we glimpse the Hooters logo, or hear someone say, "Let's go to Hooters," our minds are filled with large, delightful images: horned owls, barred owls, spotted owls, screech owls. We see them hunting their prey at twilight, or perched on lofty limbs, their great eyes surveying the sylvan landscape.

Vanessa DeForest is Ms. Hawaii.

Jennifer Hargis is Ms. Louisville.

Kristen Crowley is Ms. Southeastern Virginia.

Speaking of limbs. Speaking of Hooters. Many people may not realize that this unpretentious restaurant chain offers more than tempting food and nifty bird images. It has some of the most dazzling waitresses to be found anywhere, all clad in distinctive Hooters uniforms. Ornithologists may be surprised to know that these "Hooters girls" are the main reason some customers drop by so regularly.

Maggie Heinen is Ms. Boca Raton, Fla.

Kelly Miles is Ms. South Georgia.

Crystal Downs is Ms. New Mexico.

The "summer of the owl" helped raised awareness of these hard-working women. In July 2001, Hooters girls from the four points of the compass converged on Las Vegas to compete against one another. Perhaps some in the audience brought their binoculars, expecting to see real birds.

But if these people were surprised, they were not disappointed. The women onstage were as lovely as anything the forest has to offer. And thanks to the famous hospitality of the Hooters organization, PNB was there.

So the next time you see a Hooters billboard, think of something besides an owl. If you concentrate, you can do it.

Also see our latest Hooters coverage

Fine feathers