This is a discussion on Varmint in my fireplace **Pics Added Today** within the Off Topic & Humor Discussion forums, part of the The Back Porch category; Actually I was reading DC and my wife comes in and tells me the cats are suddenly interested in the fireplace and there might be ...
Actually I was reading DC and my wife comes in and tells me the cats are suddenly interested in the fireplace and there might be something in it. The fireplace has steel and glass doors that close completely shut so nothing can actually get in the house. Not wanting to tear myself away from the interesting threads on DC I suggested that she get a flashlight and take a look thru the glass. Seconds later she comes scurrying back in here to announce that there is something in there and it's an owl ! Of course we didn't have a fire going, in fact we haven't had a fire so far this year.
Apparently the owl somehow fell or came down the chimney. The damper was open and he managed to get by it and was sitting in the firebox looking back at us thru the glass. Poor guy ! I'm not an owl specialist but I'm pretty sure it's a Barred Owl, I think the young ones are white and get their color later as they mature. Anyway he stands about 12-15 inches tall and is basically white.
I don't think he can figure out how to fly straight up, so if I don't get him out he'll die. I put on a long-sleeved padded shirt and got a pair of welding gloves and confident that I can catch him and take him out of the house. So when I get ready I peek in there and he's gone! I get a mirror and flashlight and look up and I can easily see him and he's sitting on the linkage to the damper. So with this change of plan his feet are now an easy target. I plan on catching both feet with one hand, pull him down while catching his wings with the other. I've done this with large birds many times, so no big deal. In thinking about the upcoming capture and you fellow forum members I had my wife with a camera ready. Besides I might win $10,000 with the video of an owl latched on a man's face, while both of us evacuates our bowels. Anyway, as I was getting ready for the grab, the owl jumped off the linkage and went behind the damper, so I couldn't get to him anymore.
Plan B. I've darkened the glass doors, set a pan of water out, and I'll wait for him to come back down in the firebox. When he's there I'll quickly shut the damper so he can't go up and will be confined to only the firebox. Then I'll make the grab, so right now it's just a matter of time. I'll keep ya'll posted on the results and post a picture here if I'm not in the ER somewhere.
Turn the election's in 2014 to a "2A Revolution". It will serve as a 1994 refresher not to "infringe" on our Second Amendment. We know who they are now.........SEND 'EM HOME.
I was thinking I'd definitely eat the owl before any people, in fact I came across this blurb on an owl website:
The Barred Owl is very often exposed for sale in the New Orleans market. The Creoles make gumbo of it, and pronounce the flesh palatable.
I've lived here all my life and never heard of owl gumbo in any fashion, no doubt someone has tried it, but I suspect the gumbo might taste a bit like a mouse?
Turn the election's in 2014 to a "2A Revolution". It will serve as a 1994 refresher not to "infringe" on our Second Amendment. We know who they are now.........SEND 'EM HOME.
I had a big old raccoon fall down my chimney, into a low burning coal fire. He jumped out of there angry! My daughter was trying to open the door, while I was trying to grab the shotgun off the rack. He got away, but the stink of his burning hair stuck around for days!
UPDATE: The owl spent the night again in the fireplace, and he stayed up near the damper. I had visions of climbing on the roof with a long pole and net and looking down the chimney and catching him in the net, and pulling him up and out. Fortunately the owl was back sitting on the linkage to the damper, and from within the house, I grabbed both feet and eased him out while catching his wings. Actually he was quite calm thru all of this, I suspected struggling, flopping, ashes flying and pooping but it was real easy. He was very alert and looking around at us, and pretty neat to watch his head swivel. I took him outside, gave him a little toss and let him go. He flew about 200 yards and landed on a tree limb. So tonight, mice should be aware, there is a hungry owl in my backyard
Turn the election's in 2014 to a "2A Revolution". It will serve as a 1994 refresher not to "infringe" on our Second Amendment. We know who they are now.........SEND 'EM HOME.
Nill illigitimi carborundum
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Captain von Trapp: If the Nazis take over Austria, I have no doubt, Herr Zeller, that you will be the entire trumpet section.
Herr Zeller: You flatter me, Captain.
Captain von Trapp: Oh, how clumsy of me - I meant to accuse you.
Very cool episode that you had there. You did all that and your eyes didn't get pecked out either... that's always a plus. Think there might be a future for you in the critter catchin' business.
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