Net Cutting and Networking

   It took all three volunteers to remove this great horned owl from a soccer net.  Associated with a humane organization for the placement of domestic animals, these three women worked hard to cut the net away from the young owl without damaging feathers. 

   Late summer and early fall is typical of such accidents.  The young owls and hawks are trying to fend for themselsves without the help of their parents, and very like human teenagers, they often find themselves in troubled situations.

   Amazingly enough, this owl suffered very little feather damage.  He was, however, bruised and sore, so we allowed him several weeks in large outdoor pens, and two weeks in 50 and 100 foot long flight pens to regain his strength.  We chose Jessica Jackson (look at that smile!) to release the owl as a thank you to her for saving the owl and for her willingness to network with Wildlife Recovery Association.
   As is typical, this owl flew to the nearest perch tree just after the release, and paused for ten minutes to re-orient himself before flying on.  He was released on home territory just before sundown.  After he caught his breath, he made the most elegant flight along the nearby woods for about 600 yards.  Sorry, we did not catch this on videotape.  Perhaps next time.

Crowd Pleasers

   We recently released two broad-winged hawks at the Chippewa Nature Center with a group of over ninety people.  One of these hawks came from the Cadillac area; the other from Northwood Institute in Midland.  Both hawks were badly bruised and one suffered a concussion.  They kept each other company through the final stages of recovery, and were released together during peak migration for broad-wing hawks.

   To share the excitement, we selected two of the nature center staff to participate in the release.  What a beautiful day!