Make plans for your group to join the upcoming rehabilitated barred owl release at the Wilson Springs Preserve. The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) and Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation (Northsong) are hosting the event in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The barred owl’s journey to recovery started on June 16, 2022, when it was found down and unable to fly. After an initial examination, Birdsong team members diagnosed the owl suffered from a heavy burden of external feather parasites and a retinal detachment that affected 30% of its left eye. The Birdsong medical team provided fluids and medical treatment for the dehydration and parasites while also monitoring the owl’s eye injury.
“In some patients, retinal detachments worsen, while in others they can heal over a period of days to weeks,” said Dr. Warman. “By June 30, our team saw the detachment was healing wonderfully with less than 5% of its eye still affected.” The owl passed its final visual and flight examination on July 16, clearing the way for its return to the wild.
Imagine That … Ornithology is the branch of science devoted to birds
The barred owl release takes place on August 13th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The family friendly event highlights the importance of both environmental and avian conservation.
“We are excited to partner with Northsong to release this owl back into the wild at Wilson Springs Preserve,” said Marson Nance, director of land stewardship and research. “Barred owls have been observed on the preserve throughout the year. Barred owls nest and live in forests, wooded river bottoms, and wooded swamps. They tend to be prey generalists and are highly adaptable to a variety of landscapes including urban and suburban areas. With 121 contiguous acres at Wilson Springs Preserve and its connection to Underwood Park, other Land Trust properties and a wooded corridor along Clabber Creek, we believe the preserve to be an excellent site for this owl to begin its next chapter.”
Join The Rehabilitated Barred Owl Release
Snacks and drinks will be provided at no cost. Parking for the event will be available at the south end of the Sam’s Club parking lot at 3081 N, AR-112, Fayetteville, AR 72704.
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Photo credits - NWALT