We had left the National Bison Range, and along the highway I spotted a great horned owl just sitting there. I turned around and parked and slowly approached it, it did not posture in defense so I kept moving closer, it was like motionless. I took a few photos, then retreaved a blanket from my vehicle, when I picked up the owl there was a regergitated mouse under it. We had our border collie with us, so transporting it in my vehicle was a no go. Another family stopped and they were returning to Kalispell, where Wild Wings Bird Recovery is located where we both knew the owner. Beth at Wild Wings confirmed what I suspected that the owl ate a poisoned mouse from a farmers field. She was not giving the owl much hope, but said she'd try to save it.
Several weeks went by, and the owl made a full recovery. Wild Wings released it back into its known area, hopefully it won't get poisoned again. I will say that this was an emotional experience for me as a wildlife photographer.
Iβm glad it worked out.
Jon Erdmann wrote:
We had left the National Bison Range, and along the highway I spotted a great horned owl just sitting there. I turned around and parked and slowly approached it, it did not posture in defense so I kept moving closer, it was like motionless. I took a few photos, then retreaved a blanket from my vehicle, when I picked up the owl there was a regergitated mouse under it. We had our border collie with us, so transporting it in my vehicle was a no go. Another family stopped and they were returning to Kalispell, where Wild Wings Bird Recovery is located where we both knew the owner. Beth at Wild Wings confirmed what I suspected that the owl ate a poisoned mouse from a farmers field. She was not giving the owl much hope, but said she'd try to save it.
Several weeks went by, and the owl made a full recovery. Wild Wings released it back into its known area, hopefully it won't get poisoned again. I will say that this was an emotional experience for me as a wildlife photographer.
We had left the National Bison Range, and along th... (
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Kudos to you and a good ending to the story!
Wonderful shot and an even better story, Jon!
joecichjr
Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Jon Erdmann wrote:
We had left the National Bison Range, and along the highway I spotted a great horned owl just sitting there. I turned around and parked and slowly approached it, it did not posture in defense so I kept moving closer, it was like motionless. I took a few photos, then retreaved a blanket from my vehicle, when I picked up the owl there was a regergitated mouse under it. We had our border collie with us, so transporting it in my vehicle was a no go. Another family stopped and they were returning to Kalispell, where Wild Wings Bird Recovery is located where we both knew the owner. Beth at Wild Wings confirmed what I suspected that the owl ate a poisoned mouse from a farmers field. She was not giving the owl much hope, but said she'd try to save it.
Several weeks went by, and the owl made a full recovery. Wild Wings released it back into its known area, hopefully it won't get poisoned again. I will say that this was an emotional experience for me as a wildlife photographer.
We had left the National Bison Range, and along th... (
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Such an outstanding specimen π―π―π―π―π―
There are places in heaven for people like you! Thanks for being a responsible and caring photographer, as well as a nature lover. Glad to hear that the owl made it and was released back into the wild.
Andy
Umnak
Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.
Absolutely wonderful story!! Well done and thanks so much for sharing!!
Rob
MadMikeOne
Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City
Jon Erdmann wrote:
We had left the National Bison Range, and along the highway I spotted a great horned owl just sitting there. I turned around and parked and slowly approached it, it did not posture in defense so I kept moving closer, it was like motionless. I took a few photos, then retreaved a blanket from my vehicle, when I picked up the owl there was a regergitated mouse under it. We had our border collie with us, so transporting it in my vehicle was a no go. Another family stopped and they were returning to Kalispell, where Wild Wings Bird Recovery is located where we both knew the owner. Beth at Wild Wings confirmed what I suspected that the owl ate a poisoned mouse from a farmers field. She was not giving the owl much hope, but said she'd try to save it.
Several weeks went by, and the owl made a full recovery. Wild Wings released it back into its known area, hopefully it won't get poisoned again. I will say that this was an emotional experience for me as a wildlife photographer.
We had left the National Bison Range, and along th... (
show quote)
So thankful to all in involved in saving this beautiful bird and returning him to the wild.
Yes, an emotional story/experience for a wildlife photographer ! A successful outcome is the redemption ! 8-) .......thanks for sharing
Great story, photos and a great outcome for the bird. Wonderful!
It's people like you that make life worth living, Jon, thank you for saving the owl, I am happy to hear that it survived and was released back into the wild.
Thanks for rescuing this precious bird. Itβs to bad it happened.
WJH
Great photo of "Uncle with Rescued Nephew", a wall hanger for sure!
Both of you will benefit from this good deed!
Don
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