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.