A White Faced Scops Owl. He's fun sized!

He's no bigger than a softball and will be making all the programs.

Things were terribly slow during the dempanic, but I think he will be able to boost bookings. I am going to see if I can book a program at the local sporting goods store up the street. It's always packed with families.

Looks incredible!

I’ve never seen that type of owl before.

Wow! Beautiful bird!

Owls are really cool....hard to tell, how tall is it?

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:
Owls are really cool....hard to tell, how tall is it?

Around 8 inches.

He can stretch out like a stick when environmental concealment posturing.

Reminds me of the burrowing owls I used to see at UC Davis in CA. They were super cool. He'd be a great cosplay accessory.

He's adorable.

That’s a good looking little fella.

How does he compare with a little owl?

He’s in gorgeous feather! I’m curious, I’m assuming he’s nonreleasable. What was the injury that made him so, if you don’t mind me asking?
Can we see an image of the stick version of him when you get a chance?

quote:

Originally posted by irreverent:
He’s in gorgeous feather! I’m curious, I’m assuming he’s nonreleasable. What was the injury that made him so, if you don’t mind me asking?
Can we see an image of the stick version of him when you get a chance?

He was purchased from a breeder as a program bird. He is considered an exotic, but still requires a wild animal permit to posses.

His species is endemic to Africa, so he can not be released here.

Northern or southern?

What is the reddish thing sticking out by his left claw?

Wow, he is just beautymous! Some of those hackles and other feathers would be useful in a fly tyers kit. I gather he will always be a captive bird but since he cannot be released what happens in case of escape? What is a program bird?

quote:

Originally posted by 229DAK:
Northern or southern?

What is the reddish thing sticking out by his left claw?

They are from mid-to south Africa.

That red thing is one of his jesses for keeping him on the glove.

quote:

Originally posted by clipper1:
Wow, he is just beautymous! Some of those hackles and other feathers would be useful in a fly tyers kit. I gather he will always be a captive bird but since he cannot be released what happens in case of escape? What is a program bird?

His feathers that he sheds are legal to sell and that is part of his job.
We hope he doesn't escape, however he is an imprint and and hasn't been taught to hunt. He wouldn't fare well in the wild.

A program bird is one that travels to a hired place to hold and take pictures with. There is a $10 charge to hold the bird and take photos. It beats trying to beg for donations. The photo gives an exchange for the gift. MUCH more effective.

Mars, I saved the pic so it could pick me when I'm down. A very happy pic that I need today.

What a cutie Mars!

Because he was purchased and kept as a “pet”, does that mean he cannot be rehabilitated for release? Or does the geographical habitat prevent that?

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
What a cutie Mars!

Because he was purchased and kept as a “pet”, does that mean he cannot be rehabilitated for release? Or does the geographical habitat prevent that?

Both. He can't survive because he is an imprint. He trusts people.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
What a cutie Mars!

Because he was purchased and kept as a “pet”, does that mean he cannot be rehabilitated for release? Or does the geographical habitat prevent that?

Both. He can't survive because he is an imprint. He trusts people.

That’s both sad and awesome, guess it’s a best of the situation type scenario. Would love for him to be “wild” but he’ll also be nearly guaranteed a full life of luxury huh?

I’m a sucker for orange anything so those eyes are amazing.

Thanks for the info Mars. I never knew there were such things as program birds. What a fun idea. We have some small owls around here but they are not near so colorful as your guy.

Nice looking bird.

You do a good work with a camera.