Howl at school was teased as a child because his name sounded like Owl!!

Howl: Boo Hoo Boo Hoo

Oscar: Oh! What's the matter little bird did you fall out of your nest?

Howl: I am not a bird! Some mean kids at the school made fun of my name and took my clothes and made me grow these wings!

Oscar: Are you Prince Howl? I heard through the forest animals of what happened. But your the Wizard King's son so you have powers more then they do. Just focus and the wings will disappear.

So Howl concentrated to make the wings disappear

Howl: Wow! I had no idea I could do that, Father said I could do magic, but I was always afraid I would mess up. Thank you so much.

Oscar: What about the leaves? Don't you want to make those go away and get some clothes back on?

Howl: No I like these I will change when I get back home. Besides it helps disguise me so I can play longer in the forest. Thanks Oscar!

Oscar: Weird Kid!!

Howl: I heard that!
So even as a child Howl loved nature, it just wasn't always excepted.