Saturday, May 3, 2008

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Frazzle (Eastern Screech Owl)

Frazzle's Story

Species: Eastern Screech Owl
Hatched: Spring 2006

Frazzle was a half grown bird who was found locally. He was brought to the World Bird Sanctuary when it was noted that he had suffered severe eye damage. Upon examination it was found that the eye was severely infected and swollen. After much soul searching it was decided that the only way to save this bird was to remove the eye. This little bird would have died in the wild.

Frazzle is now a happy and healthy member of our Education Department. He resides in our Visitor Information Center where he is extremely popular--especially with the children. He is so popular, in fact, that one child submitted a drawing of a one-eyed bird for a "my favorite bird" drawing contest.

His handlers tell us that Frazzle is very calm and laid back. Who wouldn't be if they were well fed, cared for, and admired on a daily basis?

To adopt Frazzle, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $75 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: FRAZZLE. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:
  • *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
  • your personal visit.
  • * Certificate of Adoption
  • * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
  • * Sponsorship Card
  • * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
  • * Life History and Natural History of the bird
  • * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
  • * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
  • * Discounts on WBS Special Events
  • * WBS Decal
Natural History

eastern screech owl
Otus asio

Description smallest eared owl in the eastern US; color ranges from grey to brown to reddish, but considered to be found in 2 color phases; gray found mostly in the north; red found mostly in the south; plumage is an excellent example of cryptic camouflage; color pattern of plumage resembles the bark of the trees so closely they are nearly invisible when still; identified by ear tufts and textured coloration

Sex: no visible differences between male and female

Age: up to 13 years

Length: 7-10”

Wingspan: 18-24”

Weight: 5-9 oz.

Habitat: wood lots, heavily wooded regions in rural areas, wooded strips of residential areas

Status: populations currently stable due to it’s ability to adapt to residential areas; often falls victim to vehicle collisions

Range: United States east of the Rocky Mountains and into northeastern Mexico

Behavior: nests in natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes or man-made nest boxes; female lays 4-6 eggs that are incubated for 25-27 days; both parents feed the young; owlets leave the nest in about 4 weeks, but will be tended by the parents for another 5-6 weeks; can reproduce at 1 year of age

Diet: mainly insects, small mammals, birds, crayfish and earthworms

Vocalization: call is a long, high pitched, trilling call

√ have been known to visit backyard birdfeeders at night, where they hunt from a perched position then swoop down to catch the mice that come to feed on fallen seed

√ this bird is fond of bathing and has been known to visit backyard birdbaths at night

√ although small, this owl is fearless and has been known to dive at dogs, cats and even humans when defending it’s young.

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

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