This spring we have had a series of wind storms that resulted in a series of displaced youngsters. These two arrived at OWLS in a box after being found under pine trees on private property.
After a careful examination, it is clear they were not injured from the fall or during transport. Both are healthy and had been receiving good care from mom and dad.
After getting detailed information regarding where they were located, how long they have been away and the conditions at the location, staff determine that the owls can and should be returned to their original location. It is very likely that mom and dad are still there wondering what happened to the kids!
Maria, Kim and Michhaeleen load the van with all the supplies needed to build a new and improved owl condo.
Kim make sure their stomachs are full while they await mom and dad's return.
Maria steadies the ladder while Michaeleen heads up to secure a large basket as a new home for the two baby owls.
Fresh owl pellets tell us that mom and dad are not far. We might not see them, but they are definitly watching us. We place the basket where we know mom and dad can see and hear their young. This should hold up in the next wind storm.
Checking to see that the basket is secure and filling it with pine needles that will make a perfect nest.
After all that work, we can't forget the babies. Michaeleen carries them up one by one and places them in their new home courtesy of the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter.
The babies snuggle down together with full stomachs to await mom and dad's return. FOLLOW UP: Mom and dad did return and continued to care for these two until they were able to venture out of the nest on their own. Some days are really, really good!
