One Eyed Screech Owl

Western Screech Owls are small with feathered ear tufts and gray to brown with black streaks on the feathers.  One of the most common reasons we get these owls in is because they are hit by cars.

  We have two Screech Owls now in our care and both have a single eye injury with probable blindness.  Our first job is to stabilize them with fluids and heat.

  This owl weighs only 4 to 10 ounces, so it is amazing that they do sometimes survive this trauma.  Their wingspan is about 24 inches and they are cavity nesting birds.

  Once these owls are stable, Pat will put them into a flight cage.  It is amazing, but these owls are able to fly, hunt and thrive with only a single eye.

  We have an education bird, Mr. Marbles, who is totally blind, but he is able to fly and land.  It is thought that with their exceptional hearing that they are able to do something like echolocation.

  We learn lessons with every patient and these little Western Screech Owls have taught us that even one eyed owls can thrive.  Most importantly though, they taught us to listen and watch carefully to what they can do rather than what they cannot. 

This little owl is eating and we are hopeful we will be able to release him.

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