This grumpy little friend was found as an orphan outside the Calgary International Airport on April 30th, 2022. After visiting our wildlife team and getting a thorough exam, nothing significant, other than some mild dehydration, was found.
Great horned owls typically begin to breed in January or February; the young often stay with their parents for six to nine months before taking off. This left our tiny great horned owl only a few months old when he became orphaned.
Throughout this owl's stay with us, he was progressively moved up through enclosure sizes as he grew and strengthened his wings to fly. Nearing the end of his treatment at Calgary Wildlife, he was transferred to an outdoor enclosure to begin acclimation and conditioning, ensuring he was nice and robust for release.
After 81 days in care, this majestic creature was all grown up and ready to return to the wild in a green space near his original home.
Did You Know?
-The majority of great horned owls do not migrate
- Babies may often have grey or yellowish hazel eyes, which turn to a full bright yellow by day 30
- Owls hardly drink water. They often get water from the food they eat
- Great horned owls do not build nests. They use the already-made nests of hawks, ravens, and even squirrels
- Each parent takes turns incubating the eggs
- Great horned owls are one of the earliest nesting birds in North America
Comments