Stupid Owl

This is one of my feathered friends at work.

He doesn’t see to be affected by the cold, although he is dead, perhaps that makes the difference.  He is on the wall between the main entry foyer and the Heritage Room.  I think he needs a name..any suggestions?   He doesn’t actually have “horns” but his ear tufts can give him the appearance of horns.  My bird book says he is heavily barred underneath..that must be the almost striped appearance..and that he should have a very conspicuous white throat bib..indeed he does.

This is why I think he was a little on the stupid side..but perhaps it was a really hard winter with lots of snow and not many little critters running around for meals.  He would have eaten just about anything that moved mice, rats, voles, rabbits, skunks, squirrels, bats, frogs, toads, fish and weasels.  He will also eat song birds, ducks, geese and yes even an occasional kitty cat..for those of you who let your kittahs out of the house.  He hunts usually at dawn and at dusk.  He is normally a food hoarder and will have a stash..but apparently this one forgot to read the Owl handbook.  He is very common in this area..and can in fact be seen in most of North America..from just south of the Arctic Tundra to South America.

I have to speak with Bill on Monday.  Bill is a Taxidermist that carves with us.  He gave Far Guy and I excellent advice on how to care for our deer mount. I will have to pick his brain about the correct care for feathered mounts.

To answer some of your questions.  The small antique electric heater I have is near my desk..not under it because there is hardly room for my feet.  It takes a long time for the room to warm up, and if I am off in some other part of the Museum I turn it off.  They gave me two antique heaters..I am afraid if I plugged them both in..I would be without electricity for a little while.  There is no air conditioning, but they have assured me that they will bring me a fan, as they do not want the windows opened.

I have eight bosses…and they come in and out throughout the day..each one with different instructions, needs and wants. I am a people juggler.

I am familiarizing myself with the entire building..exploring on my own and cleaning out the office.  Yesterday I did inventory in the gift shop, between interruptions and phone calls. Oh yes, the five phones..they all ring at once, it is just one phone with four extensions throughout the building..and two of them do not work.  I think they need new batteries..and I still cannot figure out the answering machine…but neither can any of my bosses:)