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Great horned owl rescue
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Jun 16, 2023 12:36:18   #
Jon Erdmann Loc: Kalispell, MT
 
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.





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Jun 16, 2023 12:55:05   #
NMGal Loc: NE NM
 
I’m glad it worked out.

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Jun 16, 2023 13:03:40   #
bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL
 
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)


Kudos to you and a good ending to the story!

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Jun 16, 2023 14:02:52   #
UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT
 
Wonderful shot and an even better story, Jon!

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Jun 16, 2023 15:16:39   #
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... (show quote)


Such an outstanding specimen 🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

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Jun 16, 2023 17:46:56   #
photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, 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... (show quote)


I'm glad it recovered!

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Jun 16, 2023 19:08:08   #
Grump's Photos Loc: Dunedin FL
 
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

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Jun 16, 2023 20:35:33   #
Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.
 
Absolutely wonderful story!! Well done and thanks so much for sharing!!
Rob

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Jun 17, 2023 06:14:49   #
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.

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Jun 17, 2023 09:07:48   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Yes, an emotional story/experience for a wildlife photographer ! A successful outcome is the redemption ! 8-) .......thanks for sharing

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Jun 17, 2023 10:10:20   #
jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN
 
Great story, photos and a great outcome for the bird. Wonderful!

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Jun 17, 2023 11:44:30   #
Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas
 
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.

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Jun 17, 2023 11:55:57   #
williejoha
 
Thanks for rescuing this precious bird. It’s to bad it happened.
WJH

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Jun 17, 2023 13:34:12   #
Elias Amador
 
Great photo of "Uncle with Rescued Nephew", a wall hanger for sure!

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Jun 17, 2023 19:28:19   #
PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place
 
Both of you will benefit from this good deed!

Don

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