Short-eared Owl fledgling caught on barbed wire
Those of you who visit my site often or even daily will remember that I helped to rescue a Short-eared Owl fledgling back in June that had gotten hung up on a barbed wire fence. In early July I wrote an update on the young owl that is was not going to be released because its wing was so damaged by the barbed wire that it wouldn’t survive in the wild.
Male Short-eared Owl in adult plumage
I can now give another update on the Short-eared Owl, he will be going to Hawkwatch International in October to be used as an educational bird! So I might get to see the beautiful owl again that I helped to get off of that fence. It took many people including myself to help rescue and save the owl and everyone should get a round of applause.
I know that by now the Short-eared Owl doesn’t look much like he did the day we got him off of that fence as a fledgling because this species grows up fast and he probably looks more like the male owl in the photo above except for a few retained remiges and retrices. I want to thank WRCNU (Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah) staff and volunteers especially since they have cared for him since June.
I hope to see him again after Hawkwatch International becomes his new home. He has come a long way from that fence.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
It’s a great career for an unreleasable bird. We hosted three owls (Great-horned, Great Grey and Boreal) in Fairbank as educational birds and they never failed to awe their audiences.
Your thoughtful care of this little fellow reminds me of a Thomas Merton quote…
“The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another.”
Thanks Mia.
Much better news than it could have been.
And a big thank you to everyone involved.
A tough situation but HawkWatch is very grateful to be receiving this bird. Another terrific educational ambassador that will compliment our Short-eared Owl project very nicely! Thanks again Mia 🙂
Thank you Mia. Wonderful images and what a great advocate for nature!
Well done Mia, stepping up to rescue this bird — now to become an ambassador for conservation.
thanks- good to hear!
Sorry about multiple comments…this damned iPad is doing its thing…don’t know what it’s doing or why,….
Glad to hear owl is doing well. How many more aren’t…..
Thanks for the update, Mia! KUDOS to you – and all who participated in this lovely bird’s rescue and rehab. You all should feel gratified that your efforts not only saved this beautiful owl, but that it will now have a good life educating people on the importance of protecting wildlife and their precious habitat!
I knew he would be easy to place but it is nice he will be staying in Utah.I hope his story can inspire a more friendly fencing.
Your fledgling may not be in the wild but I’m glad he survived & will be going to Hawkwatch International. Great news.
Glad to hear he is in good hands. I worked at the Willdlfe Park in Homasassa,Fl. Most of our birds and animals were injured or orphaned. They were all taken good care of and were loved. They are great to educate the children. Thanks for recusing one of God ‘s creation.
Beautiful image, Mia. Pls take a bow for your humanitarian efforts.