It's 3:00pm Sunday afternoon and about 10 minutes ago I was reading news online. No, really...it was news. Anyway, I heard a little tapping near the fireplace screen, looked over and sure enough-our little owl friend was looking at me.
I think that it's interesting that now this little guy knows exactly how to navigate its way out from behind the screen and straight to his favorite spot, the curtain rod. I think that we're becoming part of this little bugger's routine. I didn't scream this time. In fact, I just turned and looked at it and said, "hello! you're back?" I calmly walked toward it and he flew away toward a window and actually bumped into it. After taking a moment to regain its strength it flew over my head and into the kitchen. I opened the balcony doors and then Gigi started to bark. Alexandra just giggled and pointed. After another minute or so, he flew out the doors that I had opened for him.

I think that I'm starting to like this little guy. He looked directly into my eyes and was actually really, really cute. I mean...really cute. He's about the size of a small pineapple...I could squish him with a hug, if that were possible. I didn't take a picture today because I think that might have freaked him out.
These experiences have been extremely helpful for us because the kids aren't afraid of them anymore. Foti is thrilled because Harry Potter has an owl and he just loves Harry.
We decided not to close the flue since this little guy can't get back up the chimney. We don't need to have a trapped owl in there, that could be quite a mess. So, what are our options? Do we just accept his little pop-in visits and let him out? What would happen if we left for a few days and it came in? I suppose that until we put a screen over the opening of the chimney, we'll just have to be mindful of our little friend. I just love that it's a baby. I'm wondering if there's anyway that I could give it a treat or have it come closer to me. I'll definitely have to do a little research to learn more about him. Let's see how long it will take before he visits again.