My THIRD official wildlife transport!

I just returned from my 3rd time transporting wildlife.

A barred owl. I love owls and other raptors! My favorite birds. This poor guy or gal was hunkered down on the ground right up against a building so the finder guessed it may have flown into the building? There were no obvious visible injuries, but the bird was immobile and let us approach, so obviously in bad shape.

Being ruffled up here & moving the wings.
Foot position is bothersome.

I placed the box I'd be transporting the owl in on the ground a few feet away. I watched for any reaction or signs of a quick escape as I cautiously moved around the owl to position myself behind it. The owl was weary of me, and shifted its position, but still did not move as I got closer. It helped having the person who found the owl stand off in front of it, so the owl could focus on them, while I closed in. As I moved, I was assessing the bird to calculate the best method to pick it up and get it into the box without causing further injury.

Finally I was right behind it and the tail feathers lifted. Still trying to warn me away, so maybe it had some fight left after all. This is when I got a good look at how its legs were laid out behind as though the owl were in flight. It seemed...wrong. It also gave me a great angle to gently wrap my (leather gloved) fingers around the legs, and then I used my other hand to scoop under the body. I quickly and carefully walked the three feet to place it into the box. As I did, the owl began to clap its beak at me - another hopeful sign that it was a fighter.

All tucked up and likely in pain.

I'm safe for capture (& against COVID19), &
the owl is safe for travel!

During the ride to the emergency clinic, I heard a few more beak claps and some rustling emanating from the box, so although it looked grim, I was a bit hopeful the owl could be rehabbed. Upon arrival at the clinic, staff brought the owl inside for assessment while I completed paperwork. When they came back out I dared to ask what they thought the outlook was. "I'm not sure he'll make it. The breathing is very labored." Ugh. Poor thing. Both the finder and I were afraid of that. In the off chance the clinic staff are able to rehab the bird, I made sure they had my contact information and knew that I'd be happy to transport the owl back home. I suspect I won't get a call, but I hope I do.

The transport: Savannah, GA > Statesboro, GA > Savannah, GA
The mileage: ~125 
The passenger: barred owl
The destination: local emergency clinic for assessment and care

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