We pulled the pin on a Barred Owl recently – the one that was hit by the Wentzville Fire Truck . The pin held the bones of its broken wing together while it healed. The time had come for the pin to be removed. The owl (named “Maltese”) whined a little as the pin was unscrewed out of the bone.
We hear the sick, wild birds vocalize in rehab every day – experience has taught us that each of these noises has different meanings. Sometimes it is a quiet whimper as the bird weakly resists being handled or medicated when it first comes into the hospital. Sometimes it is an aggressive, ear-piercing yell – like the sound of an eagle that does not want to be restrained for its daily medication for the eighth day in a row!
Many birds are so weak when first admitted they cannot even hold themselves up, let alone make any sounds
We also hear the sounds of success. When a young or injured bird’s whimper changes over time as it gets stronger, and it finds its voice to hiss and squawk – almost as if to say, “Leave me alone, I’m better now!” At least that’s what I think they are saying to me.
“Maltese” in the physical therapy flight cage, displaying a defensive posture and hissing – a positive sign of recovery.
Please be the voice of those who are seldom heard – tell your friends, family and politicians that you care about wildlife and the environment. When we all become the voice of those who cannot speak we can make a difference – we can’t help but be heard!
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