These 2 have been with us since April and we’re finally ready to venture off on their own.

The one was very feisty when I picked them up, but once I got them out of the crate they looked a bit puzzled.

They hung around for quite a while, but I eventually got them to head off into the trees.

The one disappeared across the parking lot, but the other went more straight up, and I could observe it taking in the surroundings.

I had a snapping turtle to release also, so they have a lake, a big state park, and a mountain and state game lands across the road, so they have quite a bit of ground to pick out new roosts.

Good luck, cranky little ones! Safe hunting and I hope you both do so well for yourselves! ❤️❤️

  • anon6789OP
    14·
    19 days ago

    They are healthy, I swear! They’re just molting. As hot as it’s been, I don’t blame them. They can lose so many head feathers since they aren’t involved in flight.

  • anon6789OP
    8·
    19 days ago

    Dang it! I want to share more pics, but I keep getting an upload error.

    Server error. Code: 500. Message: {“files”:null,“msg”:“No such file or directory (os error 2)”}.

    Update: reported to the support community

    • anon6789OP
      7·
      19 days ago

      It was a blast! They were all talk until I opened that door. They say there for like 10 minutes until I shooed them to go somewhere. I was starting to worry they couldn’t fly or something.

      The one unreleased last year bit me 5 times and took off like a rocket! 😅

        • anon6789OP
          6·
          19 days ago

          There was possible rain incoming (they just got a spritz at this part of the park) so I wanted to verify they were healthy and safe before I had to get outta there. We were off the parking lot, and it was fairly empty, but I worry so much when I release the animals, I just wanted to ensure they were in a good position.

          Everyone else talks like this is the happiest part of the job, and it kiiiiinda is for me, but I worry if I left them in a good spot, will they find find/shelter, etc. We’ve all put so much work and love into these animals and that last bit of responsibility fall on me! 😦

    • anon6789OP
      3·
      19 days ago

      They’ll be a little taller once their feathers grow back in, but that’s about as big as most screeches and scops get! And there are many more owls even smaller out there.