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

Monday, July 2, 2012

Release me, let me go

As her final act, Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Eaglewatch Coordinator Lynda White released the 450th rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into the Florida skies at Lakeland. White retired after dedicating her 14 years to educate, protect and care for wildlife.

"There’s nothing like it, it's the best feeling in the world," White said with tears in her eyes, after tossing the seven-pound male eaglet into the air.

When asked to tell an instance where she thought she had made a difference in caring for wildlife.

"I think by being able to have been given a chance to do a live eagle webcam project as a partnership with Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and orlandosentinel.com in 1999, back then it was cutting edge. To bring live streaming video of Bald Eagles raising their young into homes gave people the opportunity to learn about and understand why they are so special," she answered.

This fledgling Bald Eagle was rescued on April 3 near its nest on a golf course and transported to Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland. The young bird was suffering from Avian Pox, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. The eaglet has recovered from the infection and has perfected its flying skills.

Linda is ready to respond at the most inconvenient times to rescue and care for an injured bird of prey, always with the birds' best interest at heart.



#449 Bald Eagle release May 2012