Notes from the Wildlife Curator: Last Wednesday we received a call from a Ruffner neighbor who was hiking the trails on the mountain when he came across this gorgeous great horned owl. At first thinking it might be hurt, he gave us a call to see what could be done. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is not a rehabilitation facility, but we are happy to give advice and direct calls to the appropriate facilities when possible, and I was happy that Philip Skinner called us about this beautiful bird. Due to the description he gave, it sounded as though the owl was unhurt, just startled and angry, and my advice was to walk away for about 30 minutes and come back to see if the owl had left the area. As it turns out from the pictures he later sent me, the owl appears to be in a mantling behavior - wings out and folded, covering something. Birds of prey will often mantle when they have food and dont want something else to steal it before they can take it away. Philip told me that sure enough, the owl left not too long afterwards on his own. As is often the case, leaving the bird alone was the appropriate action to take. Attempting to touch or capture any wildlife can be harmful for both you and the animal you are trying to help. If you do find an injured bird, the good people at Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain (205-663-7930) are local bird rehabilitators and they will assist you. If you just have a question or are unsure of who to call, go ahead and contact me at 205-833-8264 ext 16 or email me at [email protected]. Id be happy to speak with you. Also, any pictures of wildlife you spot on the mountain, please email those to me. Id love to see them! Until next time! - Chivon Morse, Wildlife Curator.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:28:48 +0000
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