The Long Trip Home
Christy and Madison are animal lovers, so when they saw the baby Barn Owls on the ground, they knew they needed to help them. Madison has volunteered at the Tri County Wildlife Care baby bird nursery, so they knew just who to call.
Only one baby Barn Owl was able to be rescued and Pat took it into her care. This bird was like a few that we have gotten in during this time of drought, extremely small. These birds are only about 2/3 the size of a normal Barn Owl and most do not survive.
This Barn Owl did survive, but one thing they must do before release is to catch live mice. This owl WOULD NOT HUNT. Pat went back and forth between live mice and dead trying to get this bird to catch prey that was essential to its survival.
Finally this little Barn Owl was catching live mice and would be ready for release. Pat entered the large flight cage, 20' high by 20' wide by 40' long, one day and was shocked to see the bird on the ground with puncture marks on its wings. She believes this bird was foolhardy enough to challenge and fight a Great Horned Owl on the outside of the cage.
It was back inside for this bird to be treated for its wounds and to see if it could be saved. Slowly the bird began to heal and it was time again to go to the flight cage.
Twice lucky, this bird was ready to go and Pat contacted Christy and Madison to give them the great news that their Barn Owl would be coming home. The entire family joined together for the big day.
The Barn Owl began screeching loudly in protest as it was pulled from the carrier for release. Screech owls do not screech, but Barn Owls shriek an incredibly loud and eerie scream. If you see a cream colored owl, it is a Barn Owl and the only light colored owl in our area.
These birds are cavity dwellers, so savvy ranchers and farmers build boxes to entice them to stay. A breeding pair of Barn Owls can eat 1800 rodents in a season.
It took a few moments, but the Barn Owl finally took flight up and off into the trees. All of Pat's hard work and heartache, she would tell you, is totally worth it for the chance to set this bird free again in its home territory.
A big thanks to Madison and Christy for giving this bird a second chance at life and freedom. A special thanks for the photos courtesy of Wally Gallagher.
Only one baby Barn Owl was able to be rescued and Pat took it into her care. This bird was like a few that we have gotten in during this time of drought, extremely small. These birds are only about 2/3 the size of a normal Barn Owl and most do not survive.
This Barn Owl did survive, but one thing they must do before release is to catch live mice. This owl WOULD NOT HUNT. Pat went back and forth between live mice and dead trying to get this bird to catch prey that was essential to its survival.
Finally this little Barn Owl was catching live mice and would be ready for release. Pat entered the large flight cage, 20' high by 20' wide by 40' long, one day and was shocked to see the bird on the ground with puncture marks on its wings. She believes this bird was foolhardy enough to challenge and fight a Great Horned Owl on the outside of the cage.
It was back inside for this bird to be treated for its wounds and to see if it could be saved. Slowly the bird began to heal and it was time again to go to the flight cage.
Twice lucky, this bird was ready to go and Pat contacted Christy and Madison to give them the great news that their Barn Owl would be coming home. The entire family joined together for the big day.
The Barn Owl began screeching loudly in protest as it was pulled from the carrier for release. Screech owls do not screech, but Barn Owls shriek an incredibly loud and eerie scream. If you see a cream colored owl, it is a Barn Owl and the only light colored owl in our area.
These birds are cavity dwellers, so savvy ranchers and farmers build boxes to entice them to stay. A breeding pair of Barn Owls can eat 1800 rodents in a season.
It took a few moments, but the Barn Owl finally took flight up and off into the trees. All of Pat's hard work and heartache, she would tell you, is totally worth it for the chance to set this bird free again in its home territory.
A big thanks to Madison and Christy for giving this bird a second chance at life and freedom. A special thanks for the photos courtesy of Wally Gallagher.
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