I’ve gotten to handle a number of owl bits attending presentations and going to zoos and rescues. A couple skulls, individual feathers, whole wings, talons/feet. They usually will bring something to pass around since you aren’t allowed to touch the living owls.

The National Aviary had the best pile of stuff, though I did pay to go to that so I could hold a Screech Owl on a gloved hand. The owl was so light I think the glove weighed more, but that was where I got to examine the whole wing, and they had a feather from an owl, a songbird of some sort, and a gigantic feather from one of their condors. The condor feather was so stiff, and you could hear it cut the air if you swing it. The songbird feather was much softer and lighter, but you could see it was fairly opaque, and the fluffy bits has a velcro feeling from the barbules if you run your finger through it. The owl feather was much more airy, you could see more light through it, and air and my finger just slid right through. It was much more dramatic than I could have imagined. It’s been one of my favorite owl experiences, even if I hadn’t got to hold the owl.

Cedar was a cutie, but he really showed no interest back at me, and all I could feel was the work glove. It was nice to get to look at him so close without netting in the way and to make him do the gyroscopic head control when I moved my arm around, but getting the hands on time with the not alive parts was more educational.

Here’s one pic, but I’ve got more and some comments on the experience here.