Posting for Jim Thomson. Inquiries probably should be made to the Owl
Foundation at [email protected]
In regards to Cheryl Edgecombe’s report last Friday of the female Barn
Owl at Fifty Point Conservation Area:
We had photographed the owl on the previous Sunday and went back three
days later, but had no luck with a second sighting. Following Cheryl’s
report, and a conflicting report we received from Bird Studies Canada
(to whom we reported the Nov. 8 sighting), we emailed the Owl Foundation
and received the following update from Owl Foundation 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. If you would
like further updates feel free to contact us again.
Also, if possible could you please post an update on Bird Studies
Canada? There has been lots of interest in this particular owl which
has generated many phone calls and emails.
--
Jim Thomson
Director of Photography
Toronto Sun
333 King St. E.
Toronto ON
M5A 3X5
--
Mark Cranford
ONTBIRDS Coordinator
Mississauga, Ont.
[email protected]
905 279 9576
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