Monday, June 20, 2011

New Raptors in Need of Care.....

Just an update on some of the nestling owls:  The young barred owl being fostered by adult barred owls is being fed through the window by the adults.  Early one morning before the sun was up, I heard the adults calling with different vocalizations to the nestling; they seem to be teaching him different calls.  We also occasionally hear wild barred owls calling to the youngster in the cage.

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   Young screech owls are doing well.  One that was in very poor condition from incorrect food has recovered, and all are retaining their fear of humans.

Photo by Kristy Morris

It helps to have a friend...........

Photo by Krisy Morris

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We received young kestrels from several locations; most were in the process of fledging.  One was in the road, some were being attacked by feral cats.  They all were fed by hand for one day before being placed in the larger pen.  Below, Barb Rogers feeds the young kestrel held by summer intern, Kathleen Bennett.

Photo by by Kristy Morris

 They stayed only briefly in a nest box, then exploded out of the box and are learning from an adult female foster parent.  The foster parent is on the far left.  She was observed by intern, Kathleen Bennett, as she fed one of the fledglings.


                                     Photo by Kristy Morris


They become very possessive of their food.  They are fed mice, and have already started to hunt crickets.

Photo by Kathleen Bennett

In order to keep these young birds from becoming too habituated to people, they are fed through a feeding flap, and all photos are taken through this viewing window.  Here, Krisy Morris, one of our summer interns, photographs the young kestrels.

Photo by Kathleen Bennett

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A Great Horned Owl is rescued from a likely death.  This owl was emaciated, but is now growing stronger with daily care.  She was named "Chance" by her finders.

Photo by Kathleen Bennett