Injured Short Eared Owl
While Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control mainly deals with managing conflicts with pest birds and animal wildlife, we are occasionally called upon a rescue mission. Such was the case on October 31st, 2024. Here's what we know so far:
The Patient: Short Eared Owl
On October 31st, 2024 an adult male short eared owl was spotted on the ground near 4th line in Halton Hills, Ontario and transported to Hawkeye in Acton. Hawkeye's Dan Frankian checked over the bird and found that the poor little guy was severely dehydrated and emaciated, suggesting that he had been on the ground for some time (likely 2-3 days). He currently weighs a mere 300 grams but we'll be working on that.
A Visit to the Veterinary Clinic
Since there were no discernable fractures, Dan packed up his little charge and drove off to meet Dr. Michael Taylor for x-rays and an expert assessment. X-rays confirmed that there are no fractures, but that the little fella suffered extensive nerve damage from overstretching of the left wing (brachial area). At this time, we have no idea what caused the trauma. The Doc also discovered some inflammation of the liver which could be entirely unrelated.
Dr. Taylor has our undying gratitude for sharing his time and expertise with us for nearly 30 years now. His knowledge of avian physiology and his aptitude for handling fragile birds of prey is unparalleled.
The Road to Recovery
Well, our little friend will enjoy some food, water, vitamins and LOTS of rest for the next 2 weeks. We'll immobilize his wing with a Figure 8 bandage to keep him still and allow for some healing to take place. We're also still waiting for his blood work to come back.
Short Eared Owl Rehabilitation
As much as we hope that this super cute little guest will make a full recovery and will be able to return to the wild, we have to prepare ourselves for the possibility that his injuries are just too severe for him to ever soar again. We will keep a close eye on him and re-evaluate in a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed.
About Short Eared Owls
Believe it or not, with all our experience and 30 years of keeping and raising birds of prey, we had never before actually seen a Short Eared Owl before today. And, this isn't how we like to meet new birds at all. But, boy, is he cute! Dan Frankian of Hawkeye is positively smitten with this little guy. He was able to hand (or finger) feed him after the owl wanted absolutely nothing to do with a dropper.
Short Eared Owl Identification
The short eared owl is a medium sized owl with very distinct big black-rimmed yellow eyes looking at you from a pale facial disk on a rounded head. Their ear tufts are so short that they may be easy to miss. Short eared owls have broad, long, and rounded wings, perfect for gliding silently over grasslands and a short tail.
Short Eared Owl Habitat
The short eared owl is one of the world's most widely distributed owls, and one of the easiest to spot in daylight. Actually, the best time to lay eyes on this medium sized owl is generally dusk or dawn. The ideal short eared owl territories include large, open areas with low vegetation, including prairies and coastal grasslands. Winter habitat may also include man made dwellings, such as dumps, gravel pits, and rock quarries. Short-eared Owls can travel incredibly long distances; they have been seen descending on ships hundreds of miles from any land mass.
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