EASTERN SCREECH OWL $5.00
WHY THEY COME INTO OUR CARE
- Like all the birds under the care of Scales and Tales, the Screech Owls have all been injured in one way or another and these injuries prevent their release back into the wild.
- Several of these small owls have been partially blinded or have suffered permanent brain damage by being struck by rocks or sticks. Unfortunately, people will sometimes throw items at these owls while they are perched in a tree in an effort to get them to move or fly away (owls spend much of the daytime hours perched perfectly still in a tree, trying to blend in with their surroundings). The items that are thrown often strike the owl and cause irreparable damage.
- Like many other owls, some of the Screech 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.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS?
- It is important that we respect our wildlife resources. Owls play an important role in the environment. When seen, they should be admired from a distance. Trying to scare or harass any animal can be dangerous for that animal and the person doing the harassing. It can also cause permanent injuries.
- 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.
Posted March 8, 2000