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BARN OWL
Tyto alba
Nov. 8, 2009
| Description | : | This was perhaps one of the most exciting sightings we have yet experienced! Searching for other species of birds in a local conservation area, Tania noticed movement in a tree and motioned me in that direction. I swung my camera around and saw, about 150 feet away, a patch of white in a pine tree. It was a female Barn Owl (Tyto alba), an extreme rarity for our area!! Managed only a couple of frames (not even enough time to make sure of proper focus or exposure) before the bird left.
We reported the sighting to Bird Studies Canada. Later in the week, we saw two reports that gave us pause for concern: Report 1: From Cheryl Edgecombe, Hamilton Naturalists Club, in her weekly report dated Nov. 13 - Today a female BARN OWL had to be picked up by the Owl Foundation from ..... The owl was actually discovered yesterday (and possibly earlier in the week) ... and flushed. This morning a couple of birders found the bird ... but it could not fly. A call was made for pick up of the bird who appears not to be majorly injured and will probably be released. Report No. 2: From Debbie Badzinski, Ontario Program Manager, Bird Studies Canada - In case you haven't heard, 'your' owl is now at the Owl Foundation in Vineland. There is something wrong with it's vision and it's not able to see well - was probably hit by a car. The owl will be going to a vet in Toronto so they are unsure about it's long-term prognosis. We contacted the Owl Foundation and received this reply from zoologist Annick Gionet Rollick: The owl is indeed at The Owl Foundation (it was rescued by TOF staff Friday morning) and will need to be examined by a veterinarian ophthalmologist. The initial "report" was an on-site assessment on her condition. Upon retrieval it was noted that she had no broken bones and was in fair body condition with no other serious signs of trauma. However once she was fully examined at our facility she was showing signs of neurological damage and possible eye trauma. Wild owls will often do their best when threatened to appear healthy so as to deter any thoughts of predation. Once they feel they are alone in a quiet area away from danger they will show their true "colours". The barn owl is having difficulties with her coordination and her eyes are not responding properly to light conditions. This is often a sign of head trauma. Her prognosis at this time cannot be determined. Original size 6x7.5@200dpi |
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