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SERHIY KOSHOVSKYY/iSTOCK
A long-eared owl was rescued by Boy Scouts after a crash landing. |
In late June The Fund for Animals Rehabilitation Center staff was still inundated with orphaned babies and the usual injured, adult wildlife. The staff of seven felt as though there weren't enough hours in the day to care for the animals needing their assistance, and it was hard to fathom driving to remote parts of San Diego county to rescue additional wildlife in need of help. Although the caring staff would do anything to help an animal in need, as long as there is no doubt about putting a citizen in harm's way, it is particularly helpful when a citizen can be "walked through" a rescue and transport the animal to the center.
That exact scenario happened when a Boy Scout camp about 50 miles away found an injured three-week-old long-eared owl. This eager owl baby wasn't yet able to keep up with his older sibling who successfully fledged from the nest and instead crashed when he tried to follow. He was found under the tree where his nest was, but the nest was too high up to simply put the baby back. Fortunately the Boy Scouts called for instructions and were willing to make the 100-mile round trip journey to the facility to help the owl recuperate.
Although not endangered, long-eared owls are federally protected and very specific to certain areas of our country. The scout master followed staff instructions on the ride over and kept the young owl warm, dark and quiet.
When the owl arrived he was examined by staff and deemed to be healthy, although hungry and out of the nest a bit too early. He was simply stunned from his fall but not injured! In the 20 years of wildlife rehabilitation, staff had only seen three of these owls, all adults, and none survived their injuries. We were determined to reverse the odds and make sure this beautiful youngster was released back into his home territory at the appropriate time.
The Boy Scouts and all of those who cared so much were invited to the owl's release. The scouts saw the lovely young owl for one last time. After a brief description of the habits and natural history of the long-eared owl, the attentive scouts showed staff where the nest was. In a quick moment the little owl was set free. He flew beautifully and upon landing on a high branch in the tree near to the nest, he was joined by his mother.
Life in the wild began again for a youngster who never would have made it without the teamwork of the Boy Scouts and The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center staff working together.
Posted February 5, 2007
