Editor’s Note: The nestling Great Horned Owl is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
It’s springtime. All sorts of baby animals have been arriving at CROW.
This week, a nestling Great Horned Owl entered our care. It fell from its nest and was found on the ground at Babcock Ranch. This is a common occurrence, and often baby birds can be “renested.” Unfortunately for this owlet, though, no nest or parents were found, so they were brought into our care.
Our exams (including x-rays and bloodwork) revealed pale gums and a slight haze to the lungs, both of which indicate a low red blood cell count (anemia). We suspect there was internal bruising due to its fall. The owlet was treated with pain medication alongside general supportive care. During this owlet’s stay, they grew brighter and more alert as their injuries improved!
Nestlings can be a challenge to raise due imprinting potential. In other words, we don’t want this owlet to see our rehab team as its parents! We were able to transfer the owlet to a surrogate mother at the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, Florida. We are so excited that this little bird will once again have the chance to learn natural behaviors and interact with its own species.
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