BARRED OWL $10.00
WHY THEY COME INTO OUR CARE
- Like all the birds under the care of Scales and Tales, the Barred Owls have all been injured in one way or another and these injuries prevent their release back into the wild.
- Several of the owls in our care have been hit by cars and have either sustained permanent wing damage, lost all or some of their sight, or have even sustained brain damage.
- A few of the owls are imprinted, or have become too dependent on humans for their food and resources. This often happens when animals are removed from the wild and raised by humans from a very you age.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS?
- Owls, like many other animals, are often struck by vehicles, especially at night. These tragic accidents are compounded by the fact that many people continue to litter our roadsides. Not only is this unsightly, but this litter can attract rodents and other small animals to the roadside in search of food. These animals, in turn, attract larger predators, such as owls, to the roadside. Here is where tragedy can occur. Remember, trash free is the way to be.
- People often find baby birds, including owls, that have apparently fallen from their nest. Unfortunately, very well meaning people often take pity on these young creatures and make the mistake of taking them home and trying to raise them. These animals often become too dependent on humans and therefore should not be released back into the wild. The baby is actually better served by leaving it alone and letting the parents take care of it. Small songbirds can actually be put back in the nest. Most birds have no sense of smell therefore the old myth of the mother smelling the human scent and abandoning the baby birds is not true.
Posted March 8, 2000