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Latest UK wedding fad: owl serving as ring-bearer

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Mar 3, 2009 10:59 AM CST

(Newser) – It’s the wedding stunt of Ron and Hermione’s dreams: an owl ring-bearer. The Guardian reports on the latest nuptial essential in a look at a British handler who has trained "Ollie" to land on the best man’s gloved arm at the sound of a whistle, carrying the rings. The couple exchanges them while the owl devours its reward, a chick or rabbit, in the background. “Everything is tucked away in my hand quietly so they don't see or smell anything at all,” says the handler.

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In this May 8, 2003 file photo, a northern spotted owl sits on a tree in the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon. (AP Photo/File)

Wedding vows. (©nerdcoregirl)

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Birds of prey don't come back for any affection. It's food they want. She knows that when I whistle, if she comes to the glove she'll get a reward. - Mike Roberts, owl handler

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