Ending the Year – Upside Down
The end of the year brought trauma to a Barred Owl from Crosby. The owl became trapped in a batting cage net and the more he twisted the more tangled he became. Kind rescuers braved the cold drizzly weather to free the owl. The net had to be cut and the owl was rushed to the Wildlife Center where an exam showed no broken bones. The owl was given warm fluids and put under a heat lamp. Several hours later he was standing and appeared to be in good shape. A week or two of cage rest and some good food should have this owl up and back hunting in his Crosby neighborhood. This owl and five other animals became the last patients of the 2009 year. The Crosby owl was joined by an injured opossum, a pelican, two red-tailed hawks and a screech owl. All were examined, treated and medications administered. They as with the owl were tucked into warm cages as they ushered in the new year with a new chance at life. Each year the Wildlife Center takes in over 7000 injured ill or orphaned wildlife. WR&E staff and volunteers are always curious which species will be the first of the new year. The first animal for the 2010 new year was a gorgeous adult red tailed hawk. He was found in a yard on High Island, with an injured wing. After a ride on the ferry to Galveston and a car trip up I-45 he arrived at the Wildlife Center. A through exam revealed a sprained wing that probably occurred when it hit a power line or moving vehicle. The first few days of the new year proved to be very busy [...]