Grumpy's Tale

Grumpy

Hello all! Our second story of triumph is of another Eastern Screech Owl, also in Red Phase, named Grumpy. The term Red Phase simply means the coloring. In general the red phase owls tend to be found in the south, where as gray in north and west. This particular raptor came to us from the University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine - Exotics Department. This poor fellow came to us with a fractured Ulnar which prevented him from flying. After six week of rehabilitation, flight/mouse school, Grumpy was ready for release!

Grumpy ready to take flight! Pictured; Haley, Luna, & Todd

This was our first public release. I (Haley - Upstate Blogger), my husband Todd, and my one and a half year old daughter Luna were given the amazing opportunity to help in the release of this noble creature of the night. After a great introduction to Grumpy by our rehabilitator Natalie and some instruction as well, I was actually able to hold Grumpy, and release him into back to his home - the wild. It was quite intimidating to hold such a creature even though he was no more than a pound or so. It was like holding on to nature itself. As I release my grip on his now strong body, he lie still for only a moment, and off he went to find refuge in a nearby pine tree. It was truly something not to be taken lightly. Grumpy is now hunting, screeching, and flying just as he should be!

Go Grumpy! Go!

Hoping he's no longer grumpy,
Upstate Birds of Prey