At this time of year, BC’s male great horned owls begin to re-establishing territory, calling out with deep hoots and scouting for mates.
As autumn temperatures drop, the owls grow thicker insulating feathers that help them blend into bare deciduous and evergreen branches.
This past weekend, Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society volunteers received a call about a great horned owl in need of help at Kelly Creek.
“When our team arrived, it was clear this beautiful bird was in trouble,” stated PROWLS founder Merrilee Prior, in a message to the community. “He was severely emaciated, weak and in need of immediate care. Thankfully, someone noticed he needed help and reached out before it was too late.”
PROWLS volunteers have been busy this autumn season, receiving many phone calls per day from the public about injured animals in the region. Prior emphasized that the owl’s journey doesn’t end with the rescue, but is just the start.
“For now, this majestic owl needs nourishment, care and a chance to regain his powerful strength,” stated Prior. “Our hope is that with the right support, he will one day return home to Kelly Creek, where he lives and hunts, keeping nature’s balance.”
For the PROWLS team, every rescue takes time, supplies, specialized care and resources.
“As we head into another busy fall season, we need our community beside us,” stated Prior, who requested help from the public in the form of donations. “Your generosity helps us say yes to the next call, and give wildlife a second chance.”
To hear the call of a great horned owl, go to allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Horned_Owl/sounds.
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