From the Illinois Raptor Center

We’ve previously posted about this Eastern Screech Owl who was found at an interstate exit likely having been hit by a car, at the beginning of November.

When he came in he was falling over, shaking, had a head tilt, couldn’t keep his eyes open well and had poor response to light in his eyes, and was just in very bad shape. We had him in our ICU on oxygen for a while as well as anti-inflammatory pain meds, as they was evidence of head trauma from his injuries, and he improved quite a bit over time. We got him moved out to one of our smal flights set up for screech owls and kestrels to work on building up his flight strength again, and he spent the next few months eating well and getting better at flight.

Earlier this week it was time! He was given an exit exam, fitted with his USGS band, and our executive director Jane took him out to a spot she uses for releasing these little guys where there are plenty of resources for them. He had strong opinions about being grabbed up for all this, but now hes back out in the wild where he belongs. Good luck little guy!

  • anon6789OP
    link
    218 months ago

    Showing off his shiny new band, samples from this Eastern screech owl, and any data we get if and when the band is read and reported later on, will help us to better understand their movements and health and help to better help their species.