Powerful Owl with torticollis

A Powerful Owl with intense yellow eyes gazes at the camera, head tilted at 45 degrees. It has the condition torticollis, an abnormal posture of the neck and head, often called 'wry neck' or sometimes 'stargazing'. It has the appearance of looking curious, which I'm sure it already is, but especially so with the tilt. It is loosely wrapped in two towels, the first a muted shade of seafoam, and the second a beach towel of mostly pink and coral, with a dark blue lining and the pattern of a yellow sun.

Original post – 07 Dec 2016

by Higher Ground Raptor Centre
located in Southern Highlands, NSW

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This beautiful creature if I’m not mistaken is a Powerful Owl, which is the first to feature here on Os in Ts. It’s the largest owl in Australia. Well, not thisโ€ฆ not this exact owl. But in general, the species Ninox strenua is the biggest, with a wingspan of around 1.1-1.4m, so about the average height of an 8 year old. Also in the “Vulnerable” category of Australian wildlife.

And sure enough, as I am writing this, Peggy McDonald the rehabilitator in the photo messaged back to say:

Yes an amazing young PO that presented with severe torticollis and had to learn to move her head again in the right direction. She was amazing!!

The owl appears calm and unfazed by its human keeper, or 'raptor captor' if you will. The carer is positioned behind, wearing a light blue long-sleeve top, head also at a 45 degree tilt, craning to look over the bundle she holds for a closer look at the owl. If anything the two have an appearance of mutual trust.

I really recommend this ABC interview – The Raptor Whisperer when you’ve got a spare 48 minutes. A brief synopsis:

Peggy is a wildlife carer who specialises in helping wedge-tail eagles, falcons, owls and other raptors recover their ability to fly.

Excellent questions from the host, and Peggy is a delight.

For those wishing to contribute to Peggy’s efforts, please direct your donation to Australian Raptor Care and Conservation Inc. (ARCC). Peggy is a founding member there and asks that donors please indicate ‘rehabilitation’ in the reference area. Link to donate to ARCC for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

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Species Common Name More info
Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Wiki link

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