Snowy Owl Release
State and federal wildlife regulations are based on a 180 day time frame. Birds are to be evaluated, rehabilitated and have a final disposition (released, euthanized or transferred to an education permit) within 180 days of admission. The majority of the time that is an adequate time frame. Snowy Owl Frosty was an exception. Frosty was hit by a car in 2012, fracturing his right scapula and dislocating his right shoulder.
At the end of 180 days his injuries had healed, but he could fly only a short distance before being grounded. He was transferred from BMW’s rehabilitation permit to our education permit.
Fast forward 10 years, after moving to larger enclosures as BMW expanded, we realized Frosty's flight ability had made great improvements. He was moved into the large flight pen and encouraged to fly daily. Soon he was making multiple repetitions, circling and demonstrating undulating flights similar to a great gray owl. Frosty was ready to go!
Samantha researched the locations of wintering snowy owls. Volunteer Virginia and I loaded up Frosty and drove north to central Washington near Dry Falls and released him.
Snowy Owl populations appear to be declining. Hopefully Frosty will find a mate and make a small contribution toward countering that trend.
Bald Eagle 22-073
The week ended on a sad note with the admission of an adult bald eagle. The eagle was rescued as it was floating down the Grand Ronde River near Starkey (halfway between Pendleton and La Grande). The eagle had collided with something (a vehicle or power line perhaps) fracturing her right humerus and then fallen into the water. The wing was too badly damaged to repair and the eagle was euthanized.
