Families visited the BMW “Owlery” this past week as part of the City of Pendleton Library Hogwarts 2024-2025 school year. The snow you see in the photo below has melted and it feels like spring is well on its way!

Great Horned Owl 25-022 was found along a county road near Milton-Freewater. The owl had fractures in its right wing and was presumed to have been struck by a vehicle. The finder transported the owl to Pendleton where it was examined. An x-ray showed that the proximal humerus (the part of the bone closest to the shoulder) was shattered. The shoulder and elbow joints were also damaged. Humane euthanasia was the only option. The owl showed no signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, but because they are a high risk species for the disease we will test. The results should be available from the OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab by mid-week.

Thank you to all who sent words of encouragement and financial support this past week. You are an important part of the BMW Team and we are very grateful for your support!