Goodbye Gus

Bird TLC education bird 99-291, the Great Horned Owl named Gus passed away today. His age was guessed at 24. He came to Bird TLC in 1992 from Elmendorf AFB where he was suspected to have been hit by a car. His right wing had permanent damage but Gus still had a lot of fight left in him. He became an education bird, the first GHOW for Bird TLC in 1993. Gus had many presenters and caretakers over the years. He also saw thousands of people at his presentations over the years, teaching them about owls. His most recent caretaker was Gina Holloman. I know we all feel privileged to have had him in our lives. Fly high Gus! Our hearts might be sad today, but you made us happy for many.

Ghost & Gus at Friends of Creamer's Field

Last weekend, Ghost, Gus and I were invited to Fairbanks to help out Friends of Creamer's field by doing presentations. Since it's one of our favorite places to go, we had to be there. ADF&G did an awesome job talking about the owls of Interior Alaska and putting on an awesome program on Short-Eared Owls.

Gus being the senior owl came out first. Being a Great Horned Owl, his species is well known.

We did another presentation later in the afternoon. Ghost the Snowy Owl always attracts the kids and photographers.

Friends of Creamer's Field had lots of artifacts showing what is at their place. I know if I lived in Fairbanks, that's where I'd be a volunteer at.

Here's hoping we raised them a few dollars and got some folks interested in volunteering. Thanks to Friends of Creamer's Field for inviting us, ADF&G, and Jim & Nancy Dewitt for putting the 3 of us up for the weekend. Oh, also thanks to Nancy for taking the photo's. We had a great time!