SNN (ScrollingNetworkNews) ✿ ✿ Our Mel and Sydney returned to their nesting box with plenty of bonding occurring..but after 2.5 months of Sydney in the box from Dec 2013 to mid Feb 2014, the lack of prey gifts from Mel ( perhaps due to the severe and historic drought underway in California)and they have forgone the nesting process this year as many other raptors ✿ Compared to other owls of similar size, the Barn Owl has a much higher metabolic rate, requiring relatively more food. Pound for pound, Barn Owls consume more rodents – often regarded as pests by humans – than possibly any other creature. ✿ We remind viewers that sometimes owlets may not survive - the parents will dispose of things in "The Owl Way" -viewer discretion is advised, this is nature and the "Owl way". ✿ ~ ✿ “Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.” ― Gary Kowalski, The Souls of Animals ✿ Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." ~ E.O. Wilson

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Fake Halloween spider web snags live screech owl in San Rafael

Marin Independent Journal
10/28/2011
Marin Humane Society warns about the fake spider webs that people stretch across their yards, after one house in San Rafael snagged a live owl.
Marin animal care workers are warning about the dangers of sticky Halloween decorations after an owl was found caught in an artificial spider web in San Rafael.

The quarter-pound western screech owl was found alive by a resident Tuesday morning, caught in the strands of a fake greenish-white web strung from a tree in a yard on Riviera Drive in East San Rafael, said a spokeswoman for the Marin Humane Society.

A humane society officer transported the owl to WildCare in San Rafael, she said.

"It could have been worse if we weren't called out," she said. "We were able to respond quickly."

While the incident was unusual, there have been other instances of animals snagged by holiday decorations, said Melanie Piazza, director of animal care for WildCare.


"It's a lot more common than people realize," "They've  had squirrels come in with Fourth of July banners wrapped around their tails and deer that have been stuck in Christmas lights."

The owl appeared to have been stuck in the web for several hours and was dehydrated, but was in otherwise good condition.  WildCare treated the owl with intravenous fluids and planned to release it Friday night in the same yard where it was found. The family there has removed the fake spider web material.

As a reminder we urge people to keep birds and other animals in mind when hanging decorations outside.

"How many times have you walked through a spider web yourself and gotten it across your face and said,
'Oh my gosh, I didn't see that?'"