Chitters in 2010 — Photo by Pat Bean
“Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open. You’re able to benefit for the unique viewpoints of others without being crippled by your own judgment.” — Ralph Marston
Chitters
Chitters is a great horned owl that I met back in the 1980s. And yes, he is unique. What other great horned owl twitters – as in chitters@ogdennaturecenter
He became the Ogden (Utah) Nature Center’s mascot when it was determined he couldn’t survive in the wild. But he did fly free for a short time, which is when I first learned about this magnificent bird.
A nature center worker called the newspaper where I was working after Chitters got loose. She was hoping for extra eyes to find him. The article I wrote in response to the plea noted that a female owl had been hanging around the nature center trying to attract Chitters’ attention. She succeeded, and at the first opportunity Chitters made his escape.
“Imagine that female’s surprise,” said the Nature Center’s spokesman, “when Chitters fails to bring her food, as courting males are supposed to do.”
Chitters turned up back at the Nature Center several days later, skinny and much the worse for wear. Perhaps he has progeny flying free over Ogden, or perhaps not.
The photo of Chitters above is one I took of him during a visit to Ogden a couple of years ago. Isn’t he beautiful?
Pat Bean's blog 
What a magnificent creature!
Thanks Bob, Chitters, I’m sure, would say of the compliment.
What a magnificent looking owl!!
Thanks Nancilynn.
Owls are always such captivating birds and for me, those eyes are hypnotic.
Thanks Rick. I once had the privilege of rescuing an injured great horned old with my son. We turned it into a rehabilitation center, and a few weeks later the owl was set free. I love this.
We love our Chitters!! Thank you for sharing this memory.
I would like to think that he got some while he was free and that his offspring are flying overhead.