Written with the same heartwarming sentiment that made the memoir Marley & Me a runaway bestseller, biologist and owl expert O’Brien chronicles her rescue of an adorable, abandoned baby barn owl–and their astonishing and unprecedented 19-year life together.
Wesley the Owl
By staceyobrien
This is a unique story told first hand by the young woman Who raised and lived with an injured Barn Owl for the entirety of his life. A fascinating read.
You will never think of birds the same way again. SO interesting and helps you understand more about the animal world.
Absolutely a wonderful read!
True and amazing, I loved it!
This is a well-written and entertaining book that gives a great view into barn owls and birds in general. This is a truthful look at the commitment of taking on a wild animal rescue for the life of that animal while giving it as much chance to be a bird as can be done for an animal that can never be set free. Stacy O’Brien did a masterful job of raising Wesley, and letting us peek into that intimate life experience. Thank you for sharing this incredible story!
A good read it you like owls.
After about half of the book, I had read enough about Wesley and quit.
Written by a young biologist who adopts a 4 day old Barn Owl with nerve damage affecting his endurance, thus unable to fly for extended periods of time. As a result he (Wesley) cannot be rehabilitated and released to fend for himself. Stacey (the author) has a deep affinity for animals of all kinds, but she surely didn’t realize the complications of raising an owl while letting him remain true to himself. Yet she devotes herself to this bird and they develop a close bond. There much to learn in this book about owls; feathers, preening, flight, auditory abilities, vocalizations, mating, eating preferences etc. Some of the feeding descriptions may not be for the squeamish, but Stacey forges ahead and commits herself to Westley’s well being. He returns her commitment with affection, protection, spiritual understanding and humor. They become lifelong companions for 20 years, a ripe old age for a Barn Owl. The impact Wesley and Stacey have on each other is heartwarming and inspirational.
What a joy to read and to learn all about Wesley the owl and his human!
This book is pure gold!! It’s fascinating, thoroughly entertaining, extremely informative (but in ordinary, conversational words, not much scientific jargon), and full of laughter and love. The author makes you feel like you’re right there with her, discovering the Way of The Owl as Wesley taught it to her, hour by hour and day by day, through their nineteen years together. You’re in for a very rare treat with this book; I defy you to be able to put it down once you’ve read the first word of it, until you reach the last word all too soon. The story of Wesley and his person Stacey is a unique and wonderful experience that you will never forget! I will be rereading this regularly and often for the rest of my life.
Loved some parts especially when describing the actions of the owl, but didn’t love the idea of owl droppings, owl pellets, and dead mouse parts in the bedroom where the author slept. Sorry to be squeamish, or maybe too vivid imagination.
A little wordy, but, I really enjoyed reading about
Wesley.
I loved it, this relationship was amazing.
great read
A good lesson in biology interspersed with a very interesting story. I enjoyed every page and could not get enough. You will walk away with more knowledge and insight, with a better appreciation for nature .
Loved it.
Fantastic! I’m a retired biology teacher and I LOVED it!
Fascinating story of one barn owl and the human who raised him! Learned a lot about owl behaviors.
Such a good read!! What a special experience…raising and understanding an owl…such a heart-warming life experience! And in this day and age where much that is written no longer expands one’s vocabulary, expressions, understanding, this does quite the opposite…allows one to soar (forgive the pun!)!! : )
This is a heartfelt account of the author’s life with her owl. It’s inspirational and enlightening.