Otis, Toby, and a Great Mixed Metaphor
Hi gang,
Well, we’ve got a couple of mysteries for you on this empty, cold night. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
The first question concerns Otis, our zombie owl. Though food sources (such as small birds, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, etc.) abound in our backyard, Otis remains frozen in his box and just lets them roam freely? Why would a bird (who has to eat like a horse) play loosey goosey with so many sitting ducks? (I did it! I just created the world’s most-tangled mixed metaphor involving animals… I‘m king of the world Ma!) All kidding aside, does anyone out there know why an owl won’t feast on an abundant food source when it is only yards, feet, or even inches away?
And then there’s a non-bird question… How do I frame this? The wife and I have a ragdoll cat (Toby) that’s just a little unique. Alright, I’ll be bluntly honest - the cat is weird. He just isn’t wired right. I don’t have room on this blog to go into all the details of his weirdness, but I will give you just a few examples…
- When frightened, the cat can walk backwards as if he had simply been shifted into “reverse”. The behavior is so common that we call him the “Beep Beep Beep Cat” for obvious reasons.
- The wife’s sneezing sends him running. My sneezes on the other hand are meaningless.
- And, the cat seems to have a fetish for my feet. He likes to sleep on my feet. (Why look! There‘s a fifteen-pound cat at my feet now!)
So, anyone who can offer any explanation for Otis’ and/or Toby’s behavior is encouraged to step forward and use the “Comments” button below.
See you by the feeders (or the scratching post),
CapeCodAlan
Comments
My guess as to your question about Otis is this: If the food supply is that abundant, perhaps Otis had eaten his fill and simply is letting the others grow for another day's meal. Then again, maybe his doctor simply put him on a diet (I don't believe I wrote that). Then again, if you should see Otis pimping Trim Spa any time soon, remember you saw it here first!
Posted by: Gerry Ashley | February 13, 2007 10:36 PM
This thought just occurred to me: Has Otis seemed depressed lately? It happens with owls as with other birds. It just seems to be more obvious in owls. Why is it more obvious, you ask? Because it's always more obvious when an owl simply doesn't give a hoot any more... Now aren't you sorry you asked? I know I am.
Posted by: Gerry Ashley | February 13, 2007 10:40 PM
Similar actions from the dog mean "bury this s***."
However, that seems rather cruel from someone who is a member of your family...
Posted by: Sue-Ellen | February 13, 2007 11:11 PM
I don't suppose you use a night-viewer to determine that Otis, indeed, is rooted to his post ALL NIGHT? As I understand it, he doesn't see all the wildlife during the day because his vision is mainly for nighttime. That's when he feasts, I would guess. Hoping, of course, that all those little creatures are dumb enough to go out at night!
{From CapeCodAlan responding to Jo:
Hi Jo, good to hear from you again!
In fact, the typical owl has phenomenal eyesight even in the daytime (World Owl Trust). Beyond that, there have been times when both the wife and I have seen squirrels; grackles; etc. actually challenge Otis in his roost/nest. Why Otis didn't simply grab and "chow down" remains a mystery.}
Keep the comments coming all...
Posted by: Jo | February 14, 2007 7:24 PM
Maybe otis eats in th early A.M., and then sits and watches so he knows where to get his next meal. Planning your meals is very healthy, and what else can you do on Cape in the winter?
Now let's talk about that Cat. I think he likes the smell of Corn Chips Al. Take a ride and ask Annie about what smells like Corn Chips.
Posted by: Jeffrey Gomes | February 14, 2007 11:20 PM
It occurs to me to ask if you are absolutely sure that Otis is indeed, ALIVE. I wouldn't put it past one of your childhood friends to have planted a stuffed owl in that
box!!
{From CapeCodAlan... Yes indeed, we have very recently seen Otis take wing. So the mystery remains.}
Posted by: Jo | February 16, 2007 5:08 AM