New Year's Day Rescue of a Great Horned Owl on the Saltmarsh TrailJan. 4, 2010.Photos & Story by David C. (this page) Steve M. Subsequently, I called Hope Swinimer of the Hope for Wildlife Shelter to inquire about the status of the rescued owl. She told me that the owl had been X-rayed and had no broken bones but his tail feathers were quite a mess and a couple of flight feathers broken from a crash landing. He will have to stay at the the Hope For Wildlife Animal Shelter until some new ones grow in. Hope described the owl, now named Adam, as "the feistiest Great Horned I have seen". Hope also forwarded to me photos and a story that she had received from from Steve Mitchell, the gentleman who had rescued the owl. Steve likewise gave us permission to post it (see Steve M). Thanks to all for sharing the story & photos and especially for taking care of this lovely creature. - David P. (Website Editor)
David Chaisson wrote: "In keeping with our 7 year ritual, on New Year's Day, 6 of us headed out to the Salt Marsh Trail for a 15 kilometer hike, just to get the New Year off to a flying start. We try to get out every weekend, and sometimes fail, but the first day of the year is a "must do". "This hike, along a deserted rail bed, was chosen because of the weather forecast later in the day and the hike is usually an uneventful one... but not this time.
"When I contacted the Hope For Wildlife Shelter later with GPS points of the Owl's location, maps and photos, I was told an amazing story. " Not long after we got to the end of the trail, another hiker (unknown to us) had also discovered our troubled friend. He called 411 to get the number of the Animal Shelter and arranged to have them meet him where the road crossed the trail, some three kilometers away. He then removed his coat, covered the owl, and carried him to meet the rescue squad. 3 kilometers in a cold wind with no coat! And to make matters worse, the owl, in panic, drove his talons through one hand of his rescuer, requiring immediate medical attention and yet he prevailed in delivering the owl to the rescue team. What a story! "The operators of Hope For Wildlife are predicting that the owl will be flying soon enough. He is getting X-Rayed today. I have asked them to invite me to the "release of the owl event". It will be exciting to watch him return to the wild, knowing what could have happened. " As troubling as this was to discover, I could not fight my passion for photography urges we took a few amazing photographs of this beautiful animal. Although he was stressed, he really gave us some stunning photos. "The link to the photo album is below. http://novascotiaadventures2009.myphotoalbum.com/albums.php?page=1 "With best wishes for a successful, healthy, and happy new year, David" Nature...the truth that leads us to lessons in compassion and harmony. |
