Definitely the best excuse I've ever had for being late to work.
BIKE OWL UPDATE: at the advice of some owl / bird rescue folks we left him alone, and as soon as it started getting dark out he called (screeched, really) for his momma owl to come take care of him. For a while we had TWO owls on my bike! She kept him well fed, and this morning I spotted him hopping away towards a tree, so I think all's well in his world.
BIKE OWL UPDATE #2:
As seen in New York Magazine's Approval Matrix!! Also seen in The Daily, or so I've heard, which I don't think I have a way to link to!
And also picked up by Jalopnik, Fark, Austinist, and by a bunch of nice folks on Tumblr. Oh, and as one of Flickr's Interesting photos.
Thanks for all the owl love, everyone!

View 20 more comments
CameliaTWU (off for a while) 25 months ago | reply
This is one of the best images ever!
You deserve an award from...
Best Images Ever

Lagitatrice ;o) 25 months ago | reply
Lovely !
Jenna Cole 25 months ago | reply
this made me laugh!!great shot!!
ulfahlathifah 25 months ago | reply
makes me say WOW!
OwlBoogie 25 months ago | reply
Of course I'M gonna fave this. Too awesome!
Watson House 25 months ago | reply
Just an awesome shot. I am glad the owl was reunited with its mother.
DutchRosie 25 months ago | reply
Wonderful photo! Glad about the happy ending.
_Alicia 25 months ago | reply
I love it! Thank you for posting it.
doubleagent 25 months ago | reply
so awesome!
Fairy Dogmother 25 months ago | reply
I'm so glad it was a happy ending! You're a good egg, sir!
GoddessJoy Designs 25 months ago | reply
What a perfect shot, and the situation was handled perfectly as well! I volunteer at a wildlife rehab here in California and this is the time of year when we see lots of fledgling birds, including owls. So many well meaning folks end up doing more harm than good when they find themselves in a situation like this. This little screech owl was lucky in more ways than one!
Adam Norwood 25 months ago | reply
tanguera75 25 months ago | reply
For SURE the best excuse, EVER. Also the cutest!
mark.mitchell.brown 25 months ago | reply
Holy smokes! That's crazy but super cool at the same time.
soradical 25 months ago | reply
oh man, awesome!
Adriel Ramos 24 months ago | reply
That's a cool photo and story!!
Please check out my photo stream and comment on them!
Thank you!
rajahstar 24 months ago | reply
I can't stop laughing at the expression the owl has.
-jeanette- 18 months ago | reply
Bless him. Great picture. And a happy ending. Perfect.
norbert2.0 15 months ago | reply
Unbelievable! And sooo lovely!
Pinku ಌ 9 months ago | reply
so adorable :D