anon6789

From Owl Rescue Centre

A couple of photos of our 20 000 wildlife rescues that we've done over the last fifteen years. Initially we were just doing it for fun, but looking back now, 20 000 is a big number and one we're pretty proud of. We can't tell you how many thousands of nights we've spent on the road traveling to rescues across the country, never mind the days. Hopefully we have made a positive difference to the conservation status of a few of these guys.

Agreeably, many of them are common species and don't attract the attention of corporates or individuals that would wish to sponsor a wildlife organisation, but we are of the belief that every living creature should be afforded the opportunity to live a full and enjoyable life.

That's something we've had limited success with, attracting sponsors that is, and something we're going to need to mention more often. The last few photos is of us going to potential fundraiser meetings dressed as pirates, air hostesses and rock stars. And that's because we still just do this for fun!

Edit: Just updated all the pics with any info I could find.

It's really amazing so the animals this couple had helped. I've been enjoying their content since I found them. They work very hard, cover a ton of territory, and have a great sense of humor.

They must be at this 24/7, so they must be absolutely ~~living~~ (should have said loving, but they do both appear to be very much alive and well) and dedicated people.

From Owl Rescue Centre

Photo by Jeremy Jonkman

I captured this unique wing angle of a barred owl taking off a perch. during my sequence of images he flew right at me and landed on a stump less than 10 feet from me trying to catch a squirrel which it missed by inches. Hope you all enjoy and thanks for any constructive comments. Taken in King County.

From Friends of Free Wildlife

On 3 Jun 2024 a beautiful adult spotted eagle owl was brought to FFW by a representative of South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (SAWRC) in Pretoria. This poor owl had been trapped in a barbed-wire fence and was fortunate to have been spotted by a caring member of the public who deftly untangled and removed the owl from the barb and dropped it off at Monument Park Vet. SAWRC were contacted and their wonderful volunteers promptly collected the bird and applied much needed first aid to the multiple lacerations on its wing before moving it to FFW for further care and rehabilitation.

After thorough examination the owl was found to have bruising and swelling of the right elbow and given a course of antibiotics and appropriate wound care. It made a remarkable recovery and was soon moved to a flight cage to ensure it was flight-fit and prepared for release. A second spotty was incidentally already undergoing rehab in a flight cage and the two were introduced and moved in together. They formed a close bond, perching side by side and softly calling in duet. On 21 Jul 2024 it was decided that both owls should be released together since they had established a tight bond, and were collected by the amazing volunteers from (SAWRC). There was much excitement and a number of interested folk from the area came to watch while these two gorgeous owls were successfully released back in the area.

The collaboration between SAWRC and FFW in this story was crucial to ensure the best outcome for these special birds.

Nice video of their release at the link.

Photo by Gary R. Howard Jr

From New Mexico Wildlife Center

Just how much of an owl's silhouette is created by feathers? Most of it! A recent windy day gave us a peek under the surface of American Barn Owl Ambassador Corazón's feathers. What you see on the top of her head is just the sandy-colored tips of her feathers, all layered together and slightly curved at the end. Underneath, you can see the full length of each feather and the way they create a dense, downy coat with surprising depth! Feathers provide very effective protection against the elements, especially the cold weather that we'll start to see pretty soon. Many birds' feathers also provide waterproofing protection, and the colors and patterns on feathers can be a great way for a bird to either blend in with their surroundings or stand out when they want a potential mate to notice them. For many owls, their unusually soft, velvety feathers also dampen the sounds created by their own body in flight, giving them the ability to fly silently!

Corazón is a medium-sized owl with a wingspan of almost 4 feet, but she's light as a feather (well, many thousands of feathers, technically): she tips the scales at about 1.25 pounds! (567 grams)

From David Attenborough Fans

This set of 31 claws and talons allowS you to compare their size and appreciate the functional differences connected to the different behaviors in hunting and eating.

The GHO and Barn Owl are in the top row.

Are there any surprises for you in getting to compare them?

Pound for pound, the raptors have some pretty big pokey bits.

Photo by Johann Es

Ein Boobookkautz, aufgenommen auf dem Großen Feldberg im Taunus, bei einem Greifvogel Workshop.

Google's Translation:

A Boobook Owl, photographed on the Großer Feldberg in the Taunus, during a bird of prey workshop.

Original Facebook Translation:

A boobook machete, taken on the Großen Feldberg in Taunus, at a bird of prey workshop.

Australian Boobook, thought to be a variety of the NZ Morepork/Ruru up until 1999.

This whole post threw me for a loop. Between Facebook calling it a machete to me wondering why a German was using the Australian word for owl (thought this was a damp Short Eared at first). I wonder how this little one came to be so far from home.

From Owl Rescue Centre

Rescued from a gold mine in Fochville today. The tree that their parents decided was the best one to raise a family turned out to be the worst one as it was unfortunately chopped down. These two little fellas will be placed with one of our surrogate Spotted Eagle Owl parents this evening and will grow up as wild owls

From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center

We are incredibly thankful for John and Jamie, who went out of their way to bring us a Barred Owl from Newville on a Sunday evening. They found the owl struggling to fly and walking across the road, and acted quickly to bring it to us.

Upon examination, we discovered that the owl was severely dehydrated and underweight. It took days of intensive fluid therapy and hand-feedings for him to regain strength. After over a month of dedicated rehabilitation, this beautiful Barred Owl soared once more.

This time of year is crucial for young owl is as they struggle to acquire the necessary hunting skills for survival. If you find a bird of prey on the ground for a prolonged period or unable to fly, please reach out to us or the nearest Federally licensed rehabilitation center for assistance.

Photos from Stephen Allen

A Boobook not in the mood to be photographed.

From Suffolk Owl Sanctuary (Facebook)

Kibo's growing up so quickly! He's a cheeky chap, and captures many hearts as he greets visitors at his aviary. Who could resist those big sparkly eyes!

Kibo is named after the tallest peak in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro.