Superbowl

Photo by Supratim Kar

Spotted Owlet with hypnotic gaze.

From Owl Moon Raptor Center

>In a heartwarming rehabilitation story, six eastern screech owls-Diego, Joey, Howie, Emmy, Gwen, and Dora-were released together after successful recoveries. Each owl came to Owl Moon at different times late last fall and early winter suffering from head and eye trauma. They found camaraderie during their healing process residing together in the same mew. The screechies overcame feather damage through a full molt and formed strong bonds with one another. Prior to release, the staff carefully conducted live prey tests to ensure they were ready for life in the wild. > >When the time came and all were healthy, their mew door was left open overnight to let the six loose. Since the screech owls are all young, they could be released in a new territory since this is the age they typically venture out to find their own homes away from home nests. Since they became bonded to one another, it is possible that some will journey together, pair up, and raise families in the near future. Since their release, nights at the Center are full of screech owl calls and responses, a sign that members of the group are not only thriving but also establishing their presence in the area. We hope our new neighbors hang around and have a full life back in nature together!

From Middle TN Raptor Center

>Back on July 6th, we took in a young female Barn Owl with what we called the most gruesome injury we'd seen to date: the end of her wing was accidentally severed by a chain saw. The before pictures show a clean cut across the end of her wing and the wound on her side. We did not expect her to survive the ordeal but treated her anyway. We have been reluctant to post about her because many times we considered her future quality of life and thought she would have to be euthanized due to the wing damage. We didn't even name her because we didn't think she would be with us long enough. > >Today, we are happy to show you her recovery progress. Look at how well that wing has recovered in the after photos! She still has challenges to overcome, but we are hopeful for her continued recovery. We're so excited to announce that once the weather lightens up, she will finally get to move outside to start building flight strength, do live prey tests, and hopefully push toward one of the most unlikely freedom day releases we've ever had.

Photo by Abhay Kewat

Collared Owlet in India

This is Asia's smallest owl at around 6.25 in /16 cm.

I've seen comments that it calls in all directions, making it a difficult owl to locate by sounds. Here is a video of it hooting all around. It's a pretty cute sound.

From Isaac Polanski

>I never thought l'd get a chance at a Burrowing Owl in Michigan. It's been 40 years since the last record, with only 3 other records in the state. Once the word was out that one was at Whitefish Point, I knew I had to go. While it was hunkered down throughout the day, at sunset it became active like most owls do. These were my closest looks at a Burrowing Owl anywhere!

From Freedom First Wildlife Rehab

>Edward, the Barred Owl was just fine after his procedure this morning! Come on Edward, finish your molt!

Edward is at Freedom First recovering from an impact injury. No broken bones, but a dislocated shoulder. Between the injury and some feather issues, he can fly, but not well.

This post will go over his feather issue. He molted new feathers, but the protective coating was not coming off, leaving large parts of feather unfloofed.

He just needed to be held still while they used their fingers to break up all the feather sheath that was remaining. They can't use scissors or any tools, as they would damage the feathers.

Photo by Jeremy Jonkman

>I captured this Image of a barred owl inflight 16 frames after my latest take off post. The owl was flying right at me and landed on a stump less than 10 feet from me trying to catch a squirrel which it missed by inches. This is only about a 15% crop as it eventually overfilled the frame. Taken in king County, hope you all enjoy!

From Wild Heart Ranch

>Meet stinky! By the way, I've been sprayed in the eyes by a skunk. Yes it feels like he looks. Poor guy. -Annette

I thought of skunk spray as extremely smelly of course, but now I've learned it is a pretty harsh eye irritant as well.

This poor owl, though unable to smell a skunk, still lost out by taking a direct hit to the eyeballs, leaving it unable to fly. Thankfully it was found and brought in for treatment.

The Great Horned Owl is one of the few predators of skunks, due to them having no sense of smell.

Another thing I learned is that skunk spray can, in rare cases, be deadly to dogs. Toxic Skunk Syndrome can occur when a dog ingests skunk spray by being shot in the mouth. The chemicals damage red blood cells and cause a deadly form of anemia.

Screencaps from video by Leo Buckley

>Beautiful Barred owl in the early morning just looking for some breakfast. Couldn't of asked for a better back drop with some of the leaves changing colors already

From Steve Kirby

>I do believe there are angels among us. For some God puts wings on them, for others he lets their light shine through their spirit and soul.

Saw Whet Owl

Disclaimer: I thought the sentiment of the quote was nice, even though I am not a religious person myself. I hope that isn't an issue to anyone. I know some don't like it, but you can still enjoy the photo itself.

Photo by Ryan Burg

>Barred owl with a little splash of color

Photo by Kevin Thurk

Finding this little one may be hazardous to one's health!

Photo by Mehmet Derya

White Faced Scops with some long rictal bristles!

Finalist from 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

>Sarthak Ranganadhan with "Smooching owlets"

Parents get affectionate, offspring closes its eyes.

>An orphaned barred owlet is pictured earlier this year after being found at the side of the road by Windy Lake.

From Timmins Today:

>SUDBURY (Ontario, Canada) - A young barred owl rescued from the side of the road in late May has been returned to the Windy Lake area to live out his days in the wild. > >“It’s a beautiful location with lots of tall pines and cover,” Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre founder Gloria Morissette told Sudbury.com. “It’s a beautiful spot, and not a lot of traffic or people around.” > >The young owl took a long road to get to this stage, with a community steward, volunteers from the Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre, Canadian Wings of Rescue and The Owl Foundation contributing to his success. > >The owl’s rescue story began in late May, when a community steward found the baby owlet on the side of the road by Windy Lake, alone and dehydrated. It’s assumed that he was pushed out of his nest too early. > >“The black flies were just horrendous, and his eyelids were totally swollen from black fly bites,” Morissette said. “He was in pretty dire straits when the gentleman picked him up.” > >The owl’s rescuer reached out to the Val Caron-based Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre, who took the young owl in, fed and hydrated him. > >Canadian Wings of Rescue volunteer pilot Greg Campbell flew the owl to The Owl Foundation in southern Ontario, where he was rehabilitated over the course of the summer. > >“He was raised with other barred owls, which is amazing, so he didn’t have too many people interactions, which is important,” Morissette said, adding that a lack of imprint upon humans is integral to his success in the wild. > >Now that the owl is old enough to hunt on his own, Canadian WIngs of Rescue volunteer pilot Maciej Dragan flew him back up to Sudbury last week. Volunteers from Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre returned the owl to the Windy Lake area to live out his days in the wild. > >From the person who rescued the owl from the side of the road, those at Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre, Canadian Wings of Rescue and The Owl Foundation, Morissette said there are lots of people to thank for the owl’s successful rehabilitation into the wild. > >“That’s what keeps us going, is these positive outcomes,” Morissette said. “Our mandate is to get them back in the wild with a second chance.” > >Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre is a completely volunteer-run organization based in Val Caron who rely on public support for funding. Canadian Wings of Rescue is similarly 100-per-cent volunteer-run, and The Owl Foundation is a registered charity which relies on volunteers.

Photo by Paul Bannick

>After Forest Fires, Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) > >Many owls benefit from periodic fire as long as snags (standing dead trees) are retained. These serve as nest sights, hunting perches and ladders to help young flightless owls climb to safety after leaving their nests. Please keep this in mind when managing post-fire forests.

From Blackland Prairie Raptor Center

>This Fix 'em Friday, we highlight these baby barn owls that were brought to us and recently fledged. When threatened, barn owls lower their heads, spread their wings, and sway from side to side. This stance makes them appear larger and more intimidating to potential threats, and is called dusting. Barn owls also produce a sharp hissing sound that can serve as a warning to intruders, helping to establish their presence and deter potential threats. Together, these behaviors highlight the barn owl's unique adaptations for survival in the wild. > >These young barn owls are perfectly displaying this behavior and letting us know they do not appreciate us coming into their enclosure to change their water.

Photo by Dale Bales

>I would hate to guess the number of miles I have traveled looking for owls. I love them. But who knew all I had to do was stay home and they would come to me. Taken this morning just off our deck go figure lol.

Photo by Matt Trevillion

>Eagle Owl, (Bubo bubo) Liminka, Finland 13/9/24- Very large and powerful owl with obvious ear tufts, deep orange eyes, and finely streaked pale buffy underparts. Active mainly at night, but can be seen perched up on prominent lookouts at dusk, searching for prey. Can be found roosting during the day in shady canopy or caves. Pairs often duet, with the male giving a deep, resounding hoot and the female giving a hoarser, higher-pitched one. Inhabits a wide range of habítats, from forests to rocky canyons, but generally abundant nowhere

Even during their active hours, they still look just as groggy. No wonder I feel such closeness with them!

From Hoo's Woods

>"Fall' in love at Hoo's Woods! > >Yesterday, we released Ixonia, the large female Great Horned Owl, from the center. She had suffered multiple injuries from a vehicle collision this summer and made a full recovery. > >Over the past few weeks, every morning around 5 a.m., a wild Great Horned Owl has appeared near Ixonia's cage, hooting softly. And then, she started hooting back. Perhaps this is the start of a courtship. We've even found partially eaten prey, including a bullfrog, left near her cage, perhaps as an offering. > >Ixonia flew strong, landing high in the pine trees, and this morning, we heard two Great Horned Owls calling once again. Who knows what the future holds, but far be it from us to stand in the way of true love. Be well lxonia! > >Note the owl haybale art, inspired by Ixonia created by our talented board member, Mandy Croft.

It isn't often we get a full story from start to finish, so it's wonderful to have closure on this wonderful effort.

Ixonia's Backstory

Part 1 - Wing Cast

Part 2 - Burrito Wrap

Part 3 - Recovery

From World Bird Sanctuary

>Gordon, the barred owl, might love sunbathing even more than Lewis, the bald eagle, from yesterday's post. Barred owls go into full relaxation mode when they sun. They will sit down, go into a full pancake, and tip their head back for maximum sun coverage. Gordon will do this on warm sunny days even on his trainer's glove. It can be a little tricky supporting an owl that is actively laying down on your hand!

From Anthony J Dixon

>My last shot of my last visit to see the fledgling Barn Owls on Saturday evening. I'm not sure how many more visits get in before they leave the roost for good, or if indeed get any more in. If this is to be the last image of these beautiful birds, then it feels poignant... > >Just as the sun was going down this handsome male who I've become rather attached to, flew straight towards me and over my head with the colours of the days end behind him. Almost felt like goodbye and if that is to be the case, then it was a truly wonderful ending to the story of my summer..

From the Hilton Head Great Horned Owl Cam

>Hi Group! >The Owls are back! screen shots from Timelapse. Date is on the pictures.

Looking forward to another successful season for these lovely birds!

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/17785044

> A County Down farmer is celebrating the arrival of four new barn owl chicks after 10 years of conservation work on his land to increase numbers. > > There are currently fewer than 30 breeding pairs of barn owls in Northern Ireland. > > Ulster Wildlife say this is down to agricultural intensification, habitat loss, a lack of nest sites, and increased use of rat poisons. > > David Sandford has provided a home for nearly 20 owlets in the past six years after installing wooden nest boxes on his farm in Strangford.

I think I had an earlier story on this farm, so it's great to see the efforts paying off!

Go check out [email protected] and give them an upvote for sharing this story. They look to have a lot that would interest any nature or animal fan outside of the UK as well.

Some interesting posts from the past week:

Volunteers discover rare birds of prey breeding in Cumbria

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Plan unveiled to reintroduce White-tailed Eagle to Cumbria

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Studland sees record numbers of rare butterfly

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Rediscovery of rare bumblebee brings hope to South Kent

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How restoring rivers' natural curves can prevent flooding

From Jerry Chinn

>My cell phone rang. It was my wife, Tori. "Come downstairs quietly with your camera' she said. She was in her backyard garden, and as approached, she motioned to come over to the fence. Pointing low down to the tree just on the other side of the fence was this owl... probably the same one photographed on the ground the other day. So, there was a great horned owl in a tree, no more than 25 feet away. Amazingly, he just continued to look at us as I fired off several shots. Only when I moved around to try to get a different angled shot did he fly off.

Below are the photos mentioned from the other day.

Photo by Stephen Shpak

>Don't let my cuteness fool you! > >In this photograph, you can see a charming Saw-Whet Owl perched in a tree it often frequents. The initial reaction might be, "Aw, it's so cute and tiny' and while that is true, it's also important to remember that this tiny creature is a raptor! > >These diminutive owls prey on mice, voles, frogs, and other small creatures, seizing them with their sharp talons. As owl season approaches, remember to maintain a respectful distance, remain silent, capture your photograph, and exit the vicinity discreetly. > >Always maintain ethics in your photography! It's not worth compromising your principles for a photo. Unethical behavior not only endangers the owl's life but also risks it abandoning the area permanently, potentially depriving you and others of ever seeing it again. > >(Disclaimer - Photo taken distantly at 500mm with a 1.6x crop and cropped again in post)

Photos by Bimbo Brllo

>The Philippine Eagle Owl > >I'm fortunate to be one of the WBPP (Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines) photographers documenting the majestic Philippine Eagle Owl, a true giant among owls, at La Mesa Eco Park in October 2022. I hope to encounter this incredible bird again soon. Happy Anniversary, WBPP!"

From Pocono Wildlife Rehab

>Some of our new patients. >We can't help them without your support.

I'm a bit behind on collecting new posts due to still feeling sick, so the posts today feel a little lackluster. I'm going to try to refill my archives today.

Recently all the rehab groups seem to be pushing extra hard on donations. I try not to push this stuff too hard on you guys, but I'll take a minute to say again, all these animals you love to see on here are saved purely, 100% by public donations and people and vets dedicating their time to a noble cause.

I encourage you all to find a rehabber near you to share something with if you are able. They're the ones that help the animals in your community.

I also want to note something about something you may often see. People will leave bad reviews of rehabs when they feel they are not as helpful as they should be. It is difficult to get established in rehab, due to all the licensing and certification required. It takes years, and there is no money in this business, so it is only people who are doing it for their love of animals. Please be understanding they may not always be able to do what you feel is necessary.

Here is a comment from Pocono Wildlife Rehab from a few days ago explaining:

>Our apologies if we don't return EVERY phone call, email or lnstant message regarding an animal update within a week. The animals in our care are our top priority and as previously posted we are very limited on staff. There are several numbers listed on our page to call to get updates. You may also text those numbers. We TRY to get back to everyone but we literally get an average of 50-75 calls A DAY!! > >Please try to be more understanding and appreciate that the animals are what comes first.

I'll add a link once I find it again to some databases of rehabbers around the world, so you can find your local rescues. Please keep them in mind this year if you are looking for a place to lend a helping hand or gift.

From Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

>Spectacled owls are the largest rainforest species of owl in South America. > >Unfortunately, they are expected to lose around 20% of their rainforest habitat over the next three generations of owls due to unregulated agriculture, deforestation to create palm oil plantations, mining, and over-exploitation of resources.

Photo by Carlos Carmona

>This was the last juvenile "Northern Saw Whet" owl that was able to photograph before they migrated. How much I wish could see you again. A successful project executed in a team manner; that I will never forget.

From Middle Tennessee Raptor Center

The adults don't often nap on their tummies like the babies do, so I thought I'd share this one with you all.

I suppose we all like going on little returns to happy things from our childhoods, so I can hardly blame the owl for doing the same.

Photo by Bea Eldon

>Barred Owl looking adorable as can be!!

From the Alaska Raptor Center

>Meet Qigiq, a Snowy Owl here at the Alaska Raptor Center. Unlike many of their nocturnal counterparts, Snowy Owls are diurnal, embracing the endless Arctic summer days to hunt tirelessly! Did you know Snowy Owls may devour over 1,600 lemmings in a single year?

Went to see what Qigiq meant, and found an older post about him:

>Qigiq (pronounced KWIG-ick), a Snowy Owl and Raptor- in-Residence here at the Alaska Raptor Center, belongs to the heaviest owl species here in North America. Thick feathers for insulation from Arctic cold make Snowy Owls North America's heaviest owl, typically weighing around 4 pounds, 1 pound heavier than a Great Horned Owl and twice the weight of a Great Gray Owl (North America's tallest owl).

Photo by Kendra Disilva

Photo by Darren Brown

>A young northern pygmy owl puffed up, as it was finishing preening its belly feathers

From New Mexico Wildlife Center

>Last weekend, our hospital admitted an American Barn Owl who had been found on the ground with an injured wing. The rescuer, a falconer, correctly identified the injury as a fractured humerus and transported the owl to NMWC for care. When the owl was admitted to our hospital, our team took x-rays, started the owl on medications, cleaned some lacerations on the wing, and wrapped the fractured wing to keep it stabilized until surgery. > >As you might be able to tell from the x-ray we took when the owl arrived, the fracture is an oblique one; that is, the break is at an angle, which means a substantial length of bone is affected. During surgery, the bone was stabilized with metal pins as well as dissolvable sutures to hold the angled bone ends together. > >The last photo [the one I used as the title image] in this set was taken just a few days after surgery, and as you can see, American Barn Owl 24-750 is alert and appropriately defensive (spreading their wings and lowering their head is part of how this species says "go away") toward humans! The fracture, as well as the lacerations near the fracture site, are beginning to heal. We are hopeful that this very feisty (and very loud!) patient will continue to make good progress toward getting back out into the wild.

Photo by Happy Snapper

>Dusk is a melanistic barn owl, she is the opposite of an albino. This rare gene mutation occurs 1 in 100,000 with none surviving in the wild. Dusk was hatched in a falconry centre in Lincolnshire and now lives at the owl sanctuary at Winterton, Norfolk..

Photo by Faruk Kizil

>Habichtskauz auch Uralkauz > >Das Bild entstand an einer Futterstelle beim Falkner in den Niederlande. > >Ural owl (Strix uralensis) > >The picture was taken at a feeding place of a falconer in Netherlands.

One of the given translations called this Habich's Owl, so I tried to find out who Habich was. Took me way too long to figure out Habich was not a person, it means goshawk in German. The German wiki entry had a lot of info the US one didn't though.

>The species is referred to as Slaguggla, or “attacking owl”, in Swedish, Habichtskauz, or “goshawk-owl”, in German or as the “long-tailed owl” in Russian.

>Attempts to re-introduce the owl have been partly successful in the German-Austrian-Czech border region (Bavarian Forest , Bohemian Forest , and Šumava), and most recently in the Vienna Woods.

Austria seems to have a difficult time with the project as people keep shooting them. 🙄