To Fly Free Again by TomDart
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Description
This is a Barn Owl. The owl was being given antibiotics at the time of the photo and would try to look at Katie, the lady doing that. She would not make visual contact or the owl would speak loudly to her. Its lovely face turned toward me and I got this photo, natural light in a dim area. The owl has pins holding broken wing bones in its left wing. Since this is usually an active bird, there is some concern for health of this Barn Owl, a beautiful bird which was unusually calm.
The soft white of the lower side of the wings reminds me of mythical angels wings, yet this owl is a formidable hunter. Farmers will sometimes ask the raptor center if they have a Barn Owl to release and want an owl on their land. In a barn, when the darkness comes, the owl can quickly begin to clear the barn of mice and vermin.
The ears are not set evenly but one is slightly higher on the head than the other. This combined with turning the head can locate prey in darkness. The eyes are of course well adapted to nocturnal hunting. The face is distinctive and is said to help direct sounds to the ears.
We are hoping this owl will be able to return to the free flight it deserves, in a suitable habitat. In the wild, habitat is vital as are the survival skills of the creatures. There are no real Bambies in the real wild world of the critters.
The image is slightly soft. Please let me know if color is awry. My monitor has done strange things with color lately and I hope the image is correct on your viewing.
I had planned not to post any images from the Cllinch River Raptor Center until my photo project was done. The center said to go with it anytime. When the project is done, it is done and may be quite long term. (This center is not open to the public.)
Comments (17)
MrsLubner
These owls are stealth hunters and they zero in on one thought when chasing their prey... Kill it! This is one reason why there are so many barn owls laying dead on the side of interstates, highways, farm to markets, etc. They spot a mouse or other food just on the other side of the road. They become hypnotized by it. They see nothing, think nothing, do nothing but go for the food. That takes them low across the road where a truck or car picks it up as a hood ornament or a feather duster on the front grillwork. Dangerous for owl and driver. We had an owl go through the grill of our truck a year or so ago. Broke it out and we had to remove its body at the first rest stop. Very sad. But it says a lot about these magnificent birds.
timtripp
superb image and a wonderful story!
MrsRatbag
What a beautiful bird, and such an expressive face! I hope he makes it ok....
CaressingTheDark
Excellent Tom. Love it
jocko500
looks good to me. wonderful shot of him
ledwolorz
Beautiful bird and wonderful shot.
durleybeachbum
Marvellous pic and fascinating narrative
Meisiekind
Lovely captive and narrative Tom. Great work done by Katie! :)
lucyjo
Beautifuil!
Flint_Hawk
Gorgeous bird! Thank you for telling the story behind your picture!
danob
Keep up the good work Tom there is nothing quite like getting involved with such worthwhile projects and can make a real fifference
RobyHermida
EXCELENT..................
avalonfaayre
How absolutely stunning! I hope the little guy makes it! The color looks fantastic to me. It is perfect for this shot.
lucindawind
awww poor little guy .. I hope hes ok now .. hes gorgeous !
Gaiadriel
What a beauty..Thank you for sharing this one :)
flavia49
Superb i,age. I hope the best for the howl!
Blush
Beautiful bird I sure hope he pulled through A fav with me Haven't been in your gallery for awhile:) I got up a relatively new one would love for you to drop by This is a fav Hugs Susan~