A fly on the hand is better than an owl on the arm

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus

We went to Banff because my husband was working at a conference. It was an international programming contest for university students. The students participate in regional contests and those who win travel from across the globe to compete in a grueling 5 hour challenge against the best in the world. It is a great event, with lots of energy and excitement.

As a special surprise one day before dinner, we were treated to a visit from a birds of prey exhibition. There was a Kestrel, a Golden Eagle (who had been blinded in both eyes), a burrowing owl, and a few others that I don't remember.

The star of the show was this Great Horned Owl. The owner had raised the owl from birth, and he was quite comfortable with people. Many many people held this owl that evening. When you watch the video, look for the part where the owl leans in for the photo shoot. You can also hear the Chickadee yell 'Bird!' in the background at the beginning of the video.

My sons were not present at the conference (they were staying with their grandparents) and did not get to hold the owl. They did see the video when we returned, and were disappointed that they did not get a turn. My husband consoled the Nuthatch by pointing out that a fly had landed on the Nuthatch all by itself, and the owl had to be put on Mommy's arm. So it was better to have the fly come to him of its own free will.

So, if you're feeling jealous that I got to hold an owl, you can go in your backyard and hope a fly will land on you, all by itself. You should feel better after that.