Owl found hanging from fishing line
By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
A common barn was among the 110 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week.
The barn owl was brought to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital by Wildlife Hospital volunteer and owner of Native Bird Boxes, Inc., Brian Beckner. One of Brian’s clients called him early that morning after finding the fledgling owl hanging by one wing, entangled in fishing line strung as a deterrent to keep birds from frequenting an outside dining area at a local golf course clubhouse.
The barn owl was responsive upon arrival. A physical exam revealed a small piece of monofilament tightly wrapped around the right wing, near the elbow, compromising circulation and causing significant swelling. Hospital staff removed the line, performed laser therapy along the wound site, administered electrolytes, pain medications, Chinese herbs, and a vitamin supplement and placed the owl in an animal intensive care unit to rest.
Laser therapy was performed daily for several days with the staff vet closely monitoring the owl’s injuries. Inflammation was a serious concern; constriction wounds can lead to loss of limb function or necrosis. The owl responded well to treatment and began eating on its own immediately. Currently, the barn owl continues to recover in the bird room at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
Recent Releases
Six eastern cottontails, a blue jay, two striped mud turtles, two mottled ducks, a peninsula cooter, six northern mockingbirds, a royal tern, a red-bellied woodpecker, two Florida red-bellied turtles, three fish crows, a pileated woodpecker, a red-shouldered hawk, two killdeer, a Florida soft-shell turtle and an eastern screech owl were released this past week.
Opportunities to Help
Support the Conservancy’s mission to protect native wildlife. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital hosted a virtual Wildlife Hospital Baby Shower on June 6 raising awareness and support for the hospital’s youngest patients. Hospital staff is incredibly grateful to everyone who has already donated items in support of our work. Baby Shower Gifts can be donated online through the Conservancy’s Amazon Wish List through the month of June. Visit www.conservancy.org/babyshower. Every donation supports the Conservancy’s work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
