20170716-Great Horned Owl placed at Brookgreen Garden

0716/2017 GOOD MORNING!!  I am a great horned owl and I would like to tell you the story of how I ended up vacationing at Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab.  You see, Saturday night I was looking for something to eat.  I was really hungry and I spotted this little mouse on the deck of the house that I live by.  He wasn't much but it was something.  I watched him for a few minutes as he darted back and forth on the deck.  When he stopped for a minute I flew toward him.  But just my luck I flew too low and hit the edge of the deck. Next thing I know I am sitting on the steps with my wing folded backwards like a chicken wing (mmmm chicken!! I was hungry).  I waited for a long time and finally the people from the house came out and found me.  I tried to fly but it didn't really work, so I hopped around.  I heard one of them say to call Sandy. I  don't know who Sandy is but heard her talking about calling Soarin' Hawk.  After waiting a while longer these two people showed up and the lady came up the steps to talk to me.  I clacked my beak and hissed but she just smiled and talked real soft to me.  She took some pictures and the reached down to pick me up.  After she untucked my wing she put me down to see if I could fly.  I  COULDN'T.  She picked me back up and took me to see Barb.  Barb wrapped me in this green tape so I could not move my wing.  Then I got to see Dr. Pat.  They are all so nice. Upon examination by our avian veterinarian, this great horned owl was found to be alert and in excellent weight.  We wish all injured birds could be found this soon after an injury or illness; it would greatly increase their chance for survival.  Unfortunately, their instinct is to hide when injured or ill.  Initial treatment by a trained volunteer was dusting for flat flies and taping his injured left wing to his body.  His left wing had swelling at the elbow.  Radiographs will be taken tomorrow. 07/17/2017 Radiographs revealed a severe dislocation of the left elbow.  Under anesthesia the dislocation could easily be reduced, but due to extensive tendon damage the bones would not stay in place.  He is non-releasable.  We will give him a short time to try and place him with another qualified institution as an education bird, but it is difficult to find places for the larger birds.