INDIAN SHORES, Fla. — There is a screech owl named Rufus who lives in Indian Shores.

What You Need To Know

  • John Costin is a Tampa avian artist and wants people to approach his feathery subjects

  • 'Etched Feather: A History of the Printed Bird' will be on display through mid-October

The small, but mighty bird of prey is currently an animal ambassador at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary.

Rufus will be “co-hosting” an event at the Tampa Bay History Center, along with avian artist John Costin.

It’s part of the History Center’s “Sangria and Stories” series, taking place Thursday, Sept. 21.

Costin’s avian artwork work is currently featured at the Tampa Bay History Center — in “Etched Feather: A History of the Printed Bird,” on display through mid-October.

After taking thousands of pictures of birds in the wild, Costin says the injured birds are fortunate to get this level of care.

“It’s really positive and optimistic to see that,” said Costin, a Tampa artist who lives in Ybor City.

Avian artist John Costin and his wife Janet Costin. Costin called his wife  “my inspiration” when discussing his artwork. Photo by Bobby Collins/ Staff

His interest in birds took off after he moved from Detroit in the early 1970s and replaced pigeons with wood storks, sandhill cranes and red-shouldered hawks.

Costin hopes his art shows his deep appreciation for birds and the people who help them.

Costin will also be speaking at the History Center during the Florida Birding and Nature Festival Oct. 12 – 15, 2023.