Theo’s training log helps me keep track of his progress.
I wait patiently just outside Theo’s open door. To avoid a direct gaze that could be intimidating, I stare at the ground and count in my head: 34…35…36. In my peripheral vision I can see Theo completely ignoring the two pieces of quail meat sitting on the perch two feet away. He simply rests with one foot tucked deep into the fluffy feathers on his belly. 86…87…88. I am starting to get worried. All he has to do is walk over and eat the tidbits, but his window of opportunity, 1 minute and 45 seconds, is closing in fast. Unfortunately he seems quite content to keep watch over the quiet backyard. As my internal count reaches 105 seconds, I sigh and take a step forward. Theo instantly turns to me. I reach out with the forceps to take one tidbit from the perch. Theo’s eyes lock on the retreating meat and follow it all the way back to the pouch hanging from my belt. Before I can move again Theo places both feet firmly on the perch and his head begins to swivel quickly back and forth between me and the single tidbit left on the perch. He knows I am about to take it away. I pause. Finally he makes his move and walks down the perch to grab his food. I smile at this bold move and give him more quail as a reward. I marvel at how much this owl has learned in the past few weeks. He has learned enough about me to actually predict my behaviors and act to change them. Owls may not be known for their intelligence, but they certainly are not “bird brains!”
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