A step closer to freedom!

I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath to hear the outcome of the barred owl’s pin removal, so he’ll be our main focus today.

He came through with flying colors! Vet Jim Hobby of Smalley’s Animal Hospital gassed him down to sedate him for the removal.

The tip of the pin had been left exposed so no actual surgery was needed to remove it, just a pair of pliers and one swift pull.

Circle shows exposed tip of pin.

Then we waited for him to wake up a bit before getting one final x-ray to see how the wing looked after the pin was out.

The bone looked good—it didn’t shatter or splinter when the pin was removed. Because birds’ bones are, in effect, hollow, this is always a concern.

While he was still woozy and therefore fairly cooperative, we gathered for a group shot, because I wanted you to see the dedicated vets who worked with me to save this bird’s life. Below, from left to right, are Jim Hobby, me and the still-drunk barred owl, and Richie Hatcher. Without their willingness to try a risky procedure on the owl, he would have been euthanized two months ago. 

Of course, as soon as possible Mister Attitude went into the flight pen, where he first tried to pretend he was invisible—for some reason, all owls seem to think if their eyes are closed or nearly so, you can’t see them!

That didn’t work, so he glared at me.

Then he flew to the ground, backed into a corner, and went into full threat display.

I’m happy to report that he’s flitting about the flight pen like a pro. Another week or so, and he’ll be given his freedom.

The red bellied woodpecker that came in last Sunday died unexpectedly  that night. Given that his only physical problem seemed to be a broken wing, his death was somewhat of a shock, to be honest. I hate losing any rehab, but I especially hate losing them for no apparent reason.

The Eastern towhee was released last week and didn’t waste time leaving the LWR B&B. Apparently our accommodations weren’t to his liking. Geez, hope he doesn’t leave a bad review…