Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Free Press (2009), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 256 pages
Description
Biography & Autobiography. Nature. Nonfiction. HTML: On Valentine's Day 1985, biologist Stacey O'Brien met a four-day-old baby barn owl---a fateful encounter that would turn into an astonishing nineteen-year saga. With nerve damage in one wing, the owlet's ability to fly was forever compromised, and he had no hope of surviving on his own in the wild. O'Brien, a young assistant in the owl laboratory at Caltech, was immediately smitten, promising to care for the helpless owlet and give him a permanent home. Wesley the Owl is the funny, poignant story of their dramatic two decades together. With both a tender heart and a scientist's eye, O'Brien studied Wesley's strange habits intensively---and provided a mice-only diet that required her to buy the rodents in bulk (28,000 over the owl's lifetime). As Wesley grew, O�Brien snapped photos of him at every stage like any proud parent, recording his life from a helpless ball of fuzz to a playful, clumsy adolescent to a gorgeous, gold-and-white, macho adult owl with a heart-shaped face and an outsize personality that belied his eighteen-inch stature. Stacey and Wesley's bond deepened as she discovered Wesley's individual personality, subtle emotions, and playful nature that could also turn fiercely loyal and protective---though she could have done without Wesley's driving away her would-be human suitors! O'Brien also brings us inside the prestigious research community, where resident owls sometimes flew freely from office to office and eccentric, brilliant scientists were extraordinarily committed to studying and helping animals; all of them were changed by the animal they loved. As O'Brien gets close to Wesley, she makes important discoveries about owl behavior, intelligence, and communication, coining the term "The Way of the Owl" to describe his inclinations: he did not tolerate lies, held her to her promises, and provided unconditional love, though he was not beyond an occasional sulk. When O'Brien develops her own life-threatening illness, the biologist who saved the life of a helpless baby bird is herself rescued from death by the insistent love and courage of this wild animal. Wesley the Owl is a thoroughly engaging, heartwarming, often funny story of a complex, emotional, nonhuman being capable of reason, play, and, most important, love and loyalty. It is sure to be cherished by animal lovers everywhere..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member elliepotten
I am a huge barn owl fan, so I knew I had to buy this book as soon as I saw it! I've already adopted a barn owl called Gilbert from the National Falconry School, and see him most weekends at their display outside our bookshop (and yes, I do talk to him!), so a whole book about someone who raised a
Stacey O'Brien's life changed forever the day she was given the opportunity to adopt a baby barn owl from Caltech's owl research department, where she had been working for about a year. The owl was only four days old, looked a bit like a baby dinosaur and hadn't even opened its eyes yet, but she fell head over heels in love and agreed to take it home. Although Wesley had an injured wing and could never be released into the wild, he settled right into life with his new mum. This is their story...
Wesley is a wonderful character, and the intense bond between human and owl shines out from every page. I giggled at so many of O'Brien's stories - of Wesley's first attempts to fly and his outrage when she dares to laugh at his tangled crash-landings, of his unprecedented love for water (which gets particularly interesting when he decides he wants to share her bath), of his attempts to woo her by building her nests and trying to feed her mice - and teared up a few times too. O'Brien really knows her stuff, so on top of the Wesley's story there is a whole lot of interesting information about owls, as well as a few wider titbits from the natural sciences as a whole and a tantalising insight into what it's like to work for a big research institute like Caltech.
Wesley and Stacey learned a lot from each other over the nineteen years they spent together, and their close partnership helped bring about a new understanding of elements of barn owl life that had never been accessible before. It is a charming, heartwarming and amusing story, as well as an informative look at the world of the barn owl, and it might just be one of my favourite books this year!
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barn owl from a baby sounded wonderful! Stacey O'Brien's life changed forever the day she was given the opportunity to adopt a baby barn owl from Caltech's owl research department, where she had been working for about a year. The owl was only four days old, looked a bit like a baby dinosaur and hadn't even opened its eyes yet, but she fell head over heels in love and agreed to take it home. Although Wesley had an injured wing and could never be released into the wild, he settled right into life with his new mum. This is their story...
Wesley is a wonderful character, and the intense bond between human and owl shines out from every page. I giggled at so many of O'Brien's stories - of Wesley's first attempts to fly and his outrage when she dares to laugh at his tangled crash-landings, of his unprecedented love for water (which gets particularly interesting when he decides he wants to share her bath), of his attempts to woo her by building her nests and trying to feed her mice - and teared up a few times too. O'Brien really knows her stuff, so on top of the Wesley's story there is a whole lot of interesting information about owls, as well as a few wider titbits from the natural sciences as a whole and a tantalising insight into what it's like to work for a big research institute like Caltech.
Wesley and Stacey learned a lot from each other over the nineteen years they spent together, and their close partnership helped bring about a new understanding of elements of barn owl life that had never been accessible before. It is a charming, heartwarming and amusing story, as well as an informative look at the world of the barn owl, and it might just be one of my favourite books this year!
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LibraryThing member dk_phoenix
Wow. Wow, wow, wow. Several people told me this book was amazing, and I'd even read about it months before that and thought it looked interesting, but nothing, and I do mean nothing, prepared me for how much I would learn and be awed by in this book. Every single page taught me some other
I strongly believe that many people have lost their sense of connection with animals and nature, and take these things for granted. There is an intelligence and personality in so many animals that we interact with or see from afar, on a daily basis, and we think nothing of their presence in our lives. The story of Wesley the owl, and how he learned - interacted - changed - developed - LOVED - and connected with the world around him is truly stunning. You will never look at birds, owls in particular, the same way again, and I hope that this book will help others reconnect with that childlike sense of amazement at the natural world around us.
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incredible thing about barn owls (which I promptly shared with whoever was closest to me - I think my husband is sick of barn owl stories at this point, hah!), and although I don't entirely buy all of O'Brien's philosophical speculation in the final chapters, by the end of this book (and Wesley's life - and that's not a spoiler, because all animal books have this at the end) I was bawling like a baby: Out of emotional attachment to the owl I'd just read about, out of a deep sense of loss for the author who'd spent 19 years with this remarkable creature, and out of a sense of amazement and wonder toward one of this earth's creatures that I would have otherwise simply taken for granted.I strongly believe that many people have lost their sense of connection with animals and nature, and take these things for granted. There is an intelligence and personality in so many animals that we interact with or see from afar, on a daily basis, and we think nothing of their presence in our lives. The story of Wesley the owl, and how he learned - interacted - changed - developed - LOVED - and connected with the world around him is truly stunning. You will never look at birds, owls in particular, the same way again, and I hope that this book will help others reconnect with that childlike sense of amazement at the natural world around us.
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LibraryThing member frisbeesage
Be prepared to fall in love with Wesley the Owl! I'm an animal lover, but I've never before been all that interested in birds. But Wesley is so funny, affectionate, and protective! I just never would have guessed that an owl could have so much personality!
The story starts when Wesley, so young his
In the end I learned a lot about barn owls, the most important thing being that they are fascinatng creatures. I listened to this book on audio. Quietly chuckling to myself over Wesley's antics made my workday and household chores fly by. The reader is good and the audio version includes a cd with pictures of Wesley and Stacey. I highly reccomend this book, just be careful, you might find yourself looking for an owl to adopt!
The story starts when Wesley, so young his
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eyes aren't yet open, falls out of his nest and damages his wing so badly that he will never be able to survive in the wild. Stacey O'Brien, a young wildlife biologist, adopts him. Her stories of raising and living with Wesley are heartwarming and often very funny. When he is little she carries him everywhere wrapped in a blanket like a baby to keep him warm. People who coo "Can I see the baby?" are in for a shock! She has many stories of the trouble with keeping enough mice on hand to feed Wesley and what happens when Wesley confronts his first live mouse is hysterical. I laughed more reading this book then I have in a longtime!In the end I learned a lot about barn owls, the most important thing being that they are fascinatng creatures. I listened to this book on audio. Quietly chuckling to myself over Wesley's antics made my workday and household chores fly by. The reader is good and the audio version includes a cd with pictures of Wesley and Stacey. I highly reccomend this book, just be careful, you might find yourself looking for an owl to adopt!
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LibraryThing member missysbooknook
I have owned this book for quite awhile. I let it sit on my shelves, every once in awhile picking it up, then putting it back, knowing that I would cry when I read it. Earlier this week I felt strong enough to give it a try, and I am so glad that I did. This is such a remarkable story! I learned so
~"The one thing I hate about animal stories is that after you've almost read the entire book and you really care about the animal, they go and tell you all about how the animal died. In fact, I often read the end of these books first so I can at least brace myself for the inevitable. So you should stop reading now if you don't want to hear about Wesley dying. But I need to tell you."~pg. 215
After I read that excerpt it bolstered me up for what was to come. Wesley lived 19 years! An exceptionally long time for a barn owl. The longest known lifespan of a barn owl in the wild is eight years. What a long full life Wesley had! The love between Stacey and Wesley was real. Wesley thought of Stacey as his mother when he was young, and his mate when he grew older. He had different sounds that he made when he was excited, hungry, sleepy, scared; Stacey knew every one of those sounds. He even made sounds that had never been heard before. Wesley continued to amaze Stacey and her colleagues at Caltech with the things that he did. I was especially moved by this moment between Stacey and Wesley:
"One evening, however, as I was lying down and rubbing him under his wings, Wesley pushed with his feet so that he was lying on my chest with his head up under my chin, his beak sleepily nibbling my throat. Then he rustled a bit and slowly began to open both delicate golden wings, stretching them as far as they would go, and laying them across my shoulders. He slept that way for a long time and I stayed awake in awe. It was an owl hug. I hoped he would do it again. He did, and this vulnerable position became his new way of cuddling. I never got over the wonder of it and I often felt tears stinging my eyes. This complicated wild soul had stretched his golden wings over me in complete trust. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything in the world." page 205
If you love animal stories, you need to read Wesley the Owl. Even if you don't, it is a book worth reading, just to learn about this exceptional relationship between a woman and an owl. The photos of Stacey and Wesley are so special...it is a nice touch having the pictures along with the story. Wesley the Owl is informative, funny, thought-provoking and heartbreaking. I will never forget it.
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much about owls and their habitats. Over and over while reading, I kept thinking how lucky that Stacey was to have experienced what she did; having an owl as a pet, but not only a pet - a kindred spirit, a life-long friend. Stacey raised Wesley from the time he was five days old. She learned all there was to know about barn owls from him. He also did things that were totally uncharacteristic for owls, like playing in the water. Wesley loved to take baths in the bathtub! With each passing chapter, my love for Wesley grew stronger, and my heart felt a little heavier, because I knew what was coming. The Dreaded End. However, Stacey hones right in on it and says:~"The one thing I hate about animal stories is that after you've almost read the entire book and you really care about the animal, they go and tell you all about how the animal died. In fact, I often read the end of these books first so I can at least brace myself for the inevitable. So you should stop reading now if you don't want to hear about Wesley dying. But I need to tell you."~pg. 215
After I read that excerpt it bolstered me up for what was to come. Wesley lived 19 years! An exceptionally long time for a barn owl. The longest known lifespan of a barn owl in the wild is eight years. What a long full life Wesley had! The love between Stacey and Wesley was real. Wesley thought of Stacey as his mother when he was young, and his mate when he grew older. He had different sounds that he made when he was excited, hungry, sleepy, scared; Stacey knew every one of those sounds. He even made sounds that had never been heard before. Wesley continued to amaze Stacey and her colleagues at Caltech with the things that he did. I was especially moved by this moment between Stacey and Wesley:
"One evening, however, as I was lying down and rubbing him under his wings, Wesley pushed with his feet so that he was lying on my chest with his head up under my chin, his beak sleepily nibbling my throat. Then he rustled a bit and slowly began to open both delicate golden wings, stretching them as far as they would go, and laying them across my shoulders. He slept that way for a long time and I stayed awake in awe. It was an owl hug. I hoped he would do it again. He did, and this vulnerable position became his new way of cuddling. I never got over the wonder of it and I often felt tears stinging my eyes. This complicated wild soul had stretched his golden wings over me in complete trust. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything in the world." page 205
If you love animal stories, you need to read Wesley the Owl. Even if you don't, it is a book worth reading, just to learn about this exceptional relationship between a woman and an owl. The photos of Stacey and Wesley are so special...it is a nice touch having the pictures along with the story. Wesley the Owl is informative, funny, thought-provoking and heartbreaking. I will never forget it.
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LibraryThing member dcoward
An excellent look at a woman's life with her pet owl. This book has a nice mix of science and more personal observations.
LibraryThing member Lisa2013
recommended for: those who like owls, biology, nature, science, biographies, heartwarming & funny stories
When several of my Goodreads’ friends claimed that everyone would love this book, I assumed that statement was hyperbole, even though I was interested in reading it, but now I see why they
Oh my goodness. This book is written by the niece of Cubby from the original Mouseketeers. ;-) And when she was a child her father was friends with Richard Feynman. And from the age of eight, she regularly heard Jane Goodall speak and was inspired by her.
I’m 100% fine with barn owls eating whole mice, no qualms at all, but I’m not destined to be an owl mommy. I couldn’t have taken those thousands of mice (given or alive to be killed) or some of the injuries inflicted. So, I’m glad I got this chance to have some of the experience vicariously through reading this book. As I read a part of me was envious of Stacey but I think as far as sharing my life with animals, dogs and cats are what I long for; if I knew horses they might be included.
So much of this book was hilarious, and some was touching. This is such an engaging and delightful account, I could have inhaled the book all at one time; it took me 3 days to read only because I had to (very reluctantly) put it down to do other things.
She mentions the word vegan (definitely not for owls!) and one of my all time favorite books Never Cry Wolf, and the Harry Potter books too, the latter several times.
It’s generally beautifully written so the rare grammatical error was really glaring, but I happily skipped right over those and didn’t care a whit because the true story was so riveting.
I was a bit perplexed a few times, as the author/owl mother seemed to not know certain things about owls but seemed to be learning on the job so much of the time, more as an adoptive mom than as a professional who I’d have thought would know the biology. Once again, I didn’t really care.
In addition to Wesley and Stacey’s story, there are many fascinating bits of information about owls and other creatures, including facts gotten from biology research, historically and currently. I love biology, but even if I hadn’t had an interest, I can’t imagine not being interested in Wesley. I was fascinated by all the extra information. There was just the right amount about Wesley and Wesley and Stacey (most of the book), Stacey, other animals domestic and wild, general biology and research information, history, etc. etc. I don’t think it could have been done better.
I have to take the author’s word. All the photos were wonderful, but I can’t read Wesley’s expressions or body language. But, the photos throughout the book are wonderful, though I’d have loved them in color. Only the 2 cover illustrations are in color.
I’m completely sympathetic re never releasing infirm birds but uncomfortable with her anti-animal rights movement stance, especially with regard to experimentation on animals for human benefit, when I believe there is negligible benefit. Also, the God/spiritual stuff was not my cup of tea. However, none of that matters: I like the book too much.
And I’m glad to hear someone who’s had a positive experience with Kaiser.
This is a special book. I’ve already recommended it to a few friends, and my book club has talked about reading it and I think it would be a good choice for us so maybe someday. It’s poignant and sweet, but I was especially taken with how amusing it is. I frequently laughed out loud.
I’m so glad some of the members of my Goodreads’ Comfort Reads group decided to read this as a buddy read because I finally got it off my to read shelf. I loved it more than I’d anticipated.
I’m gushing and not completely coherent, but you get the idea.
Some additional notes to self: Love the not for owls/not for babies, and rare use of the word no. Mouse in mouth/having to pretend to eat a mouse a day. the trust and love were amazing, in both directions.
There are so many priceless scenes. The time when Wesley waits (not so patiently) for Stacey to open the door for him will certainly feel like a familiar scene to anybody who's ever had a dog or cat companion.
When several of my Goodreads’ friends claimed that everyone would love this book, I assumed that statement was hyperbole, even though I was interested in reading it, but now I see why they
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said that. I’m sure there are many readers who, in fact, would not like this book, but I think most people will appreciate and be smitten by it. I’m surprised that there aren’t more 5 star ratings at Goodreads; only 33% gave it 5 stars and only another 37% gave it 4 stars. I loved it and it definitely deserves 5 stars from me.Oh my goodness. This book is written by the niece of Cubby from the original Mouseketeers. ;-) And when she was a child her father was friends with Richard Feynman. And from the age of eight, she regularly heard Jane Goodall speak and was inspired by her.
I’m 100% fine with barn owls eating whole mice, no qualms at all, but I’m not destined to be an owl mommy. I couldn’t have taken those thousands of mice (given or alive to be killed) or some of the injuries inflicted. So, I’m glad I got this chance to have some of the experience vicariously through reading this book. As I read a part of me was envious of Stacey but I think as far as sharing my life with animals, dogs and cats are what I long for; if I knew horses they might be included.
So much of this book was hilarious, and some was touching. This is such an engaging and delightful account, I could have inhaled the book all at one time; it took me 3 days to read only because I had to (very reluctantly) put it down to do other things.
She mentions the word vegan (definitely not for owls!) and one of my all time favorite books Never Cry Wolf, and the Harry Potter books too, the latter several times.
It’s generally beautifully written so the rare grammatical error was really glaring, but I happily skipped right over those and didn’t care a whit because the true story was so riveting.
I was a bit perplexed a few times, as the author/owl mother seemed to not know certain things about owls but seemed to be learning on the job so much of the time, more as an adoptive mom than as a professional who I’d have thought would know the biology. Once again, I didn’t really care.
In addition to Wesley and Stacey’s story, there are many fascinating bits of information about owls and other creatures, including facts gotten from biology research, historically and currently. I love biology, but even if I hadn’t had an interest, I can’t imagine not being interested in Wesley. I was fascinated by all the extra information. There was just the right amount about Wesley and Wesley and Stacey (most of the book), Stacey, other animals domestic and wild, general biology and research information, history, etc. etc. I don’t think it could have been done better.
I have to take the author’s word. All the photos were wonderful, but I can’t read Wesley’s expressions or body language. But, the photos throughout the book are wonderful, though I’d have loved them in color. Only the 2 cover illustrations are in color.
I’m completely sympathetic re never releasing infirm birds but uncomfortable with her anti-animal rights movement stance, especially with regard to experimentation on animals for human benefit, when I believe there is negligible benefit. Also, the God/spiritual stuff was not my cup of tea. However, none of that matters: I like the book too much.
And I’m glad to hear someone who’s had a positive experience with Kaiser.
This is a special book. I’ve already recommended it to a few friends, and my book club has talked about reading it and I think it would be a good choice for us so maybe someday. It’s poignant and sweet, but I was especially taken with how amusing it is. I frequently laughed out loud.
I’m so glad some of the members of my Goodreads’ Comfort Reads group decided to read this as a buddy read because I finally got it off my to read shelf. I loved it more than I’d anticipated.
I’m gushing and not completely coherent, but you get the idea.
Some additional notes to self: Love the not for owls/not for babies, and rare use of the word no. Mouse in mouth/having to pretend to eat a mouse a day. the trust and love were amazing, in both directions.
There are so many priceless scenes. The time when Wesley waits (not so patiently) for Stacey to open the door for him will certainly feel like a familiar scene to anybody who's ever had a dog or cat companion.
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LibraryThing member -Cee-
Stacey O'Brien adopted a 4 day old barn owl and raised it with the tenderness and joy of a mother. A biologist at CalTech, she knew about birds but was unaware of the deep affectionate acceptance she would experience with Wesley, her owl. This story details an unexpected relationship between owl
Stacey joyfully writes about every nuance of behavior, antic and emotion that she and Wesley share. She teaches us what she calls (in her own words) "The Way of the Owl" with insights into owl perception and behavior. From Wesley's embarassment over missed landings to owl sex and lifetime mating, from owl hugs to recognizing himself in the mirror - there are no dull moments! You'll find lots of humor and fun in this book, e.g., Wesley's learning to fly and his adventures in the bathroom...
"When I opened the door, I could hardly believe my eyes. I had accidently left the toilet lid open, and Wesley had jumped in. He was soaked to the skin, with little wet punk rock feather spikes sticking out everywhere. He looked up at me happily with one wing slung casually over the seat."
...and there is much more!
You will undoubtedly enjoy this beautiful love story. One of Stacey's thoughts while looking back on Wesley's life and how it affected her own:
"Wesley made me realize that if all I had to give was love, that was enough."
Recommended to all animal lovers.
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and human over the course of Wesley's 19 years.Stacey joyfully writes about every nuance of behavior, antic and emotion that she and Wesley share. She teaches us what she calls (in her own words) "The Way of the Owl" with insights into owl perception and behavior. From Wesley's embarassment over missed landings to owl sex and lifetime mating, from owl hugs to recognizing himself in the mirror - there are no dull moments! You'll find lots of humor and fun in this book, e.g., Wesley's learning to fly and his adventures in the bathroom...
"When I opened the door, I could hardly believe my eyes. I had accidently left the toilet lid open, and Wesley had jumped in. He was soaked to the skin, with little wet punk rock feather spikes sticking out everywhere. He looked up at me happily with one wing slung casually over the seat."
...and there is much more!
You will undoubtedly enjoy this beautiful love story. One of Stacey's thoughts while looking back on Wesley's life and how it affected her own:
"Wesley made me realize that if all I had to give was love, that was enough."
Recommended to all animal lovers.
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LibraryThing member dele2451
Describes the fascinating relationship between a female biologist and the injured barn owl who takes her for his lifetime mate. Besides being a moving and emotional memoir of a special 19+ year bond between human and animal, this book presents a lot of interesting information regarding the
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language/communication capabilities of the animals we share our world with. (I also enjoyed seeing the pictures of Wesley progressing through his various stages of maturity). Show Less
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
A great read about the close bond of Human and animals- Wesley the owl is such a character - who knew barn owls have such personality! The author has written her story that is heartwarming, without being bogged down in too many details or cuteness. As always, the book ends in sadness, but in a very
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respectful way to who Wesley was and the readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member jlsherman
Wonderful story about a how a baby owl became an intricate part of the life of the author. Lots of wonderful and funny stories about how one woman raised a wonderful creature.
LibraryThing member NovelBookworm
Wesley the Owl, The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl is a heartfelt memoir about a young scientist, Stacey O’Brien and the four-day-old barn owl she adopts and spends almost 20 years with. Wesley teaches Stacey “The Way of the Owl”, which is how Stacey describes his personality.
Anyone who has ever loved an animal can tell you that they can communicate with us, something that science hasn’t always agreed with. I loved the interaction between owl and human, and the depth that interaction had. The book doesn’t make you want to rush right out and adopt an owl, thank goodness, since this isn’t exactly legal anymore. But it makes you feel a deeper appreciation of the animals in your own lives. It brought back to me the endings of my much loved pets time with me, and made me dread the future when our sweet little Cookie mutt is old. Yet it also makes us aware of how much our animals enrich our lives. If we chose to share our lives with an animal, we have to understand that, with a few exceptions, we’ll eventually lose them to age and death. But we do it anyway, we love our critters, dogs, cats, lizards, spiders, turtles, fish, snakes, birds, hamsters, rats, mice….all of them. If we can treat our “pets” as what they really are to us, loving companions with complex emotions, we’ll all be better people for it. And if we could all live “The Way of the Owl”, we’d have a better world for it.
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Wesley couldn’t tolerate lies, made sure she kept her promises and loved her unconditionally. The book is part biology text, with fascinating tidbits about owls, their habits and habitats, part humorous essay with stories delineating the differences between poop, sh*t and scat in scientist parlance, but mostly, all heart. Anyone who has ever loved an animal can tell you that they can communicate with us, something that science hasn’t always agreed with. I loved the interaction between owl and human, and the depth that interaction had. The book doesn’t make you want to rush right out and adopt an owl, thank goodness, since this isn’t exactly legal anymore. But it makes you feel a deeper appreciation of the animals in your own lives. It brought back to me the endings of my much loved pets time with me, and made me dread the future when our sweet little Cookie mutt is old. Yet it also makes us aware of how much our animals enrich our lives. If we chose to share our lives with an animal, we have to understand that, with a few exceptions, we’ll eventually lose them to age and death. But we do it anyway, we love our critters, dogs, cats, lizards, spiders, turtles, fish, snakes, birds, hamsters, rats, mice….all of them. If we can treat our “pets” as what they really are to us, loving companions with complex emotions, we’ll all be better people for it. And if we could all live “The Way of the Owl”, we’d have a better world for it.
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LibraryThing member drjvrichardsonjr
Wonderfully moving story of a young woman and her 15-year experience raising a barn owl, Tyto alba. Informative insights into animal behavior.
LibraryThing member DelasColinasNegras
Very touching at times. Stacey's dedication to her little friend is heartwarming, and his adoration of her is obvious. I could have done without some of the disgusting mousey meal preps though.
LibraryThing member Taphophile13
Enchanting. Fast reading yet informative. O'Brien recounts anecdotes about her nineteen-year relationship with a barn owl as well as information about other species. She even includes stories about the odd colleagues who worked with animals at Caltech which sometimes resembled Hogwarts as owls flew
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freely through the offices. Show Less
LibraryThing member kaulsu
What a wonderful story! I was so disappointed that O'Brien didn't translate her time with Wesley into a PhD. She was given a gift that few biologists will ever receive. Every year, with honorary degrees being given by the dozens, I hope that some scientifically-oriented college will bestow one upon
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her! Show Less
LibraryThing member bobbieharv
I loved this gem of a book. My only complaint is that I wanted to know more: more day-to-day stories about Wesley, more about her romantic relationships (and how he interfered with them!), more about why she had to move all the time. I understand why she limited the focus, and that probably made
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for a better book, but this just shows how much I enjoyed it. Show Less
LibraryThing member mauveberry
I've always been fascinated with owls, and I really liked this book. It not only has funny stories about owls but also teaches the reader a lot of scientific information (not in a boring way). Be warned that the ending is sad though.
LibraryThing member francesuzanne
I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book! The first 3/4 of the book is great, and then it begins to loose it's humour and fun. I will, however, recommend this book to a lot of people.
LibraryThing member benuathanasia
This is a truly beautiful story. When Stacey first got her fluffy little ball of love, I could not have been more jealous. After learning how much work and these little critters are (and how demanding and possessive!) I quickly reevaluated my jealousy.
The issues caused by ELF and similar "animal
As for me, I think I'll stick to taking a cat to Hogwarts when my letter comes. Owls are too needy!
The issues caused by ELF and similar "animal
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welfare" organizations broke my heart! These pseudo-terrorist organizations should read this book and learn what it truly means to love animals with all your heart and soul.As for me, I think I'll stick to taking a cat to Hogwarts when my letter comes. Owls are too needy!
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LibraryThing member NellieMc
As long as you don't expect this book to be like Marley and Me, and you genuinely are curious about owls or birds, you will love this book. It isn't especially funny, and it's full of owl biology, but it's warm and endearing. An easy read and an easy way to learn quite a lot about a fascinating
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creature. Show Less
LibraryThing member TiffanyHickox
This is the heartwarming and engaging story of a young biologist who finds herself mother to a tiny, orphaned owl. Over the course of the book she unfolds the relationship between herself and Wesley the Barn Owl, sharing with the reader the ways in which their relationship impacted her life and her
I listened to this title as an audio book, and the narrator did an amazing job, which made all the difference.
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beliefs. It confirmed my belief that animals are individual and intelligent souls everybit as important and unique as humans. They are just packaged a little differently. One of the things I found most interesting was that Wesley was able to pick up the concept of time in relation to language. He understood what "two hours" and "tomorrow night" meant. This is remarkable to me.I listened to this title as an audio book, and the narrator did an amazing job, which made all the difference.
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LibraryThing member amanderson
A biologist rescues a barn owl that cannot be release into the wild. Interesting details about owl biology & emotional appeal with the bond between owl & human. The author (the biologist) has a bit of a California new age thing going on, I seem to recall, but overall a good story for the animal
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memoir fan. Not the finest writing, but heartwarming. Show Less
LibraryThing member splinfo
not overly well written, but the author had my attention with this amazing relationship. never having seriously considered ever owning i bird, i had NO idea they were so smart and demonstrative. i wish i had known this in high school, i would have been a biologist.
LibraryThing member zanependers
This book will be enjoyed by bird and animal lovers. I needed some light reading, preferably about birds, and this was a perfect choice. You'll learn something about Barn Owls in the process.
LibraryThing member BiZMamma
Sugar-sweet. That is why I really couldn't give Wesley the Owl anything less than four stars. I have always loved birds, and a few times a year, I am awakened by great horned owls, hooting from rooftops in our neighborhood. I also believe that wild animals can make meaningful connections with
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people, although it is up to us to understand their natural instincts and the limits of safe interaction. This book touches on all of that, and it is a very sweet story. However, there are a few problems: First, while the story is told chronologically, the photographs that are included are not placed within the text in that way. Not necessarily confusing, but a little annoying. Secondly, there are several places in the book where the author relates characteristics and habits that are consistent in owls, and many of these traits she sees in Wesley. Great! Interesting! We get it! But then the author has to say (with the capital letters), over and over and over again, "That is the Way of the Owl." Too much. Finally, if you are going to include vivid descriptions of your owl mating with your arm, over and over and over again, okay, it is part of the story. But then you include a chapter called "S ex Tapes"? And subtitle the book, "The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl"? It's a little crazy, and boarders on creepy. Still, it is an interesting, sweet and quick read. Sweet. Show Less
Language
Original publication date
2008-08-19
Physical description
256 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
1416551778 / 9781416551775
DDC/MDS
| 920 |