“Bend wildlife hospital and conservation center Think Wild said Monday it has released a great gray owl back into the wild after the successful rehabilitation and treatment of its injuries following a window strike.
The owl, an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species, suffered from an eye injury when it struck a window in the Sunriver area.
Dr. Donna Harris, a retired veterinarian in the Sunriver area, found the owl after watching it hit a window. That evening, she met with Kelli Neuman, animal program coordinator for the Sunriver Nature Center, and brought the bird into her care.
It was transported to Think Wild in Bend the following morning, where veterinarian Dr. Laura Acevedo performed an intake exam. Acevedo found hemorrhaging in the right eye, but determined it was otherwise in good condition.
After a few days of anti-inflammatory treatments, Think Wild determined that the great gray owl was ready for release by administering a live prey test to ensure that the owl could successfully hunt on its own.
On Friday night, wildlife hospital staff released the owl back to the wild for a second chance at life. Think Wild invited Harris and her husband and bird photographer, Kermit Williams, to join the release.
“The story of its injury, its capture, its transport to and ultimate care at Bend’s Think Wild was seamless, thrilling and heartwarming in the end to all of us who love and value the wildlife around us,” Harris said. “It could not have ended better for the great gray owl and for those of us who treasure our wildlife.”
“Attending its release was one of the brightest spots for me in this past year of uncertainty and sadness,” she added.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife lists great gray owls as an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species. This designation is given to species with small or declining populations, that are at risk, and/or are of management concern.
Great gray owls are Oregon’s largest owl species and require large forested areas, with montane grassland clearings.”
View the whole story here: https://ktvz.com/news/wildlife/2021/03/29/bend-wildlife-hospital-releases-recovered-great-gray-owl-back-into-the-wild/