Buttonwood Park Zoo - 01182017

01182017 Eastern Screech Owl - 1 At 10:15 p.m., Rick and his two sons arrived at the Walton Homestead in response to a call about an owl. I carefully looked inside, just in case it was a huge owl and found a screech owl. A quick exam showed that the bird had been hit by a car and had blood in his eye. Otherwise, he was in good shape. I put a little ophthalmic ointment in his eye and placed him in a smaller box. Rick, the man who found the owl, explained that drivers on Coldwater Road have little regard for neither birds nor people. None would slow down for his emergency flashers or hand waving. The family stayed for about 20 minutes for some education about birds and bats. Bright and early the next morning, at 7:30 AM, Dr. Pat arrived to pick up the owl on her way to Kendallville. The folks at the Kendallville Animal Clinic cannot get enough time with cute owls. Initial medical examination by our avian veterinarian: this little grey phase screech owl is just that - little! Males are smaller than females, so this is almost definitely a male. Upon examination, he was alert and active. His weight was excellent. Radiographs did not reveal any fractures. Unfortunately, his left eye is full of blood, which will leave him blind in that eye. We will try and place him in a facility with the proper permits.