Merrilee Prior and Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS) volunteers were back at it again on Tuesday, helping wildlife in the qathet region get back on their feet. After being rescued in November and months of rehabilitation at OWL in Delta, a northern saw-whet owl returned home to Texada Island on March 18.
"This adorable little northern saw-whet owl returned home to Texada Island, yesterday, after four months of rehab with the raptor experts at OWL," stated Prior, in a social media post today. "Mich [McCauley], a wonderful friend and hands-on supporter of PROWLS, met us at the ferry and gave us [PROWLS volunteers] a lovely, informative tour of the island."
Prior added in her post that McCauley shared her knowledge of the history, flora and fauna of Texada while heading to the general area where the male owl was rescued.
The northern saw-whet is a tiny owl with a cat-like face and a silent but fierce hunter of mice and other small mammals. It is one of the most common owls across forests in North America.
"The forest speaks, and then one just feels this is the spot for release; based on much experience and many factors that are taken into account," explained Prior. "Setting the crate on the ground, he didn't exactly make a run for freedom so after a few minutes Mich gave him a gentle reminder he was free to go.
"Thank you OWL for caring for him these past four months and for sending him home in perfect release condition. We know what a privilege it is having you care for the raptors in our region, and we are grateful."
To watch a video the PROWLS team released on its Facebook page, go to facebook.com/PowellRiverOrphanedWildLifeSociety, or type Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society into the Facebook search bar.
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