Hootie hoo! (That's hello in Owl for all those that don't know.)
I'm not sure how everyone else feels, but we here at Upstate feel the weather the past few days has been phenomenal! I do believe Spring has finally arrive, and with its arrival it has brought new life to us here at Upstate. Let us explain...
Nature lovers Melissa, Bryan, and Aaron watched at a nearby park a paired mother and father Great Horned Owls. As being respectful and quiet observers of nature they were rewarded one day by seeing a small head pop up out of the nest! After observing from a distance the little guy in and around the nest, finally on April 6th the owlet fledged from its nest! This is the natural progression, and next step in just about all bird's progression. It is safer to learn how to fly from the ground rather than at great heights just in case there is a problem. This way the babies can spread their wings, and glide to the ground easier.
The family of owls was a well kept secret tucked high in the arms of tree, but now that the owlet had made its way to the ground everyone was aware of the family's presence. Almost immediately some children started doing what curious children do, and were speaking loudly at the little fellow and causing mischief. Therefore help was called for.
In the beginning when Melissa called we were discussing and trying to come to a conclusion that would enable the baby owl to stay with its parents. Over time, and after discussing with Dr. Teubner we felt that for the safety of the owlet and for the safety of the public the best solution would be to rescue this owlet. The safety of the owlet came into our concerns due to the fact that it wasn't being properly care for by its parents due to its constant human audience. Whereas the safety of the public came into concern, because even as babies owls are wild and dangerous creatures - especially to curious small children.
We went to see the situation in person, and when we arrived the little tyke had maneuvered its way back up the tree to a low hanging branch. Once we moved everyone back, and all was quiet, it decided it was safe to glide back down to the ground. On our second attempt to safely catch the owlet - that being for the safety of not only the owlet but us as well - we were finally able to kennel it, and take him to his temporary home here with us at Upstate. Please do not think this was an easy task, though they are babies they are still able to run quite fast, as well as jump and fly somewhat. It was an adventure to say the least.
Upon getting this owlet back to Upstate we fed the hungry fellow, and gave it a thorough check up. The check up went great! This babe weighs 1,012 grams, which is almost the weight of a full grown owl. If you compare him to our other Great Horned Owl, Roscoe, who weighs 1,500 grams, this owlet hasn't far to go. We bathed the new owl by using warm water in spray bottles. The parents were doing a fantastic job of caring for it while in the nest. It is one of the hardest, if not the hardest decision to make concerning rescues - that being taking a baby raptor from its parents. Had the human spectators kept their distance, and kept as silent observers, the parent owls may have felt safe enough to continue their care of their young, but this was indeed not the case. This little owl had far too many intruding fans, and it was preventing the parents from properly feeding, and also from teaching much needed lessons that are taught on the ground.
This owl is quite the cutie, but let us inform you; it bites, lunges to attack, uses its talons quite well, and tires to put them through our gloves every chance it gets. These are wild dangerous animals. They are not cute cuddly babies. Please call us should you see an injured or orphaned raptor in the Blount County area (note: we cannot take or rehab songbirds) at 865-680-9623.
I hope this little guy's story has planted some seeds for further thought; about being a quiet distant observer of nature, about the fierceness of even baby wild animals, and the importance of doing your part for nature's sake. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions concerning raptors in your area. It would be our pleasure to help inform you on raptor knowledge and know how.
Hoo hoo,
