OWLS OWLS OWLS OWLS OWLS!!!!!

[ofearthandstars]

Today we discovered that we live only *three minutes* from American Wildlife Refuge (seriously, I could walk), who was having a V-owl-entine's Day event open to the public with some of their education owls in attendance. Of course, this means I must photo dump, but it works out, because you get to see OWLS!

Getting in and out of the place was a bit dicey, as we have been under heavy downpours for the last couple of days, and the parking area (a field) was pure mud by the time we arrived. The car sank into mud as we pulled into our spot. The event was in a covered greenhouse, luckily, and the rain had *just* finally paused (it starts back up tonight). We gingerly made our way to the greenhouse (L. sinking down into the mud immediately, and Midd'un stopping to help a couple who were having trouble getting traction in their vehicle to leave). Inside the greenhouse there were a couple of vendor tables with rocks/crystals, wildlife themed jewelry, and falconry and rehabbing resources. There was also a small bouncy house and a magician entertaining young children. But the stars were several beautiful owls, carefully held by long-time volunteers, who were happy to tell us about their charges and answer our questions.

This is Rasputin. He is a permanent resident, and has been hit by a car twice, as well as shot with buckshot, and still survived. Hence the name.

Rasputin is looking to a volunteer for food.

This is Dizzy, a tiny screech owl who was also hit by a car, and is now blind on one side. Screech owls sound more like horses or ufos, they don't actually screech! His yellow eyes mean he is a dawn/dusk forager.

This is Speedy, another tiny screech owl. He was also hit by a car and luckily survived. He is only about 5 oz, but his tiny claws have about 100 lbs of grip strength!

This is Bowie, a barn owl, who is only about 18 months old, and is an education bird, not a rescue. He did not actually prefer having a phone camera pointed at him, and I respect that.

This is KlikKlak. She is AWR's first rescue, a barred owl, and 22 years old. When asked what her name should be, she replied "Klik-Klak". She is a most beautiful raptor.

Just before leaving, we walked the field trying to strategize how we would get out. While walking I sank down into mud that covered the top of my shoes and went up my pants leg. We were anxious, as we watched a number of vehicles get stuck (though kudos to the young gentleman with the Jurassic Park truck hauling everyone out of the mud)! Middl'un had also gone with us and helped a couple of cars to get through the torn up field. Finally, we were able, with the owner's permission, to pull through an area that had not been heavily trafficked and so were able to leave without too much drama. All in all, we probably spent about an hour and a half learning about the owls, and so even with the miserable weather and mud, I'm so glad we went!

In talking with the volunteers and owner, they welcomed us to come join them and volunteer at the refuge and/or for help with retrieval and transport of injured birds. I picked up some information so I could check it out - with it being so close to us, it would be a great opportunity.