Quick Action for Couchie

Couchie the Eastern Screech Owl has one eye closed, the other half shut. He is swaddled in a taupe scarf patterned with round white irregular shapes. His head is prominent, showcasing his intricate feathering: a mottled mix of browns, tans, and hints of rust, providing excellent camouflage. Below his beak are fine hair-like rictal bristles serving a sensory function. On the scarf are some small flecks of debris, possibly straw or leaves.

Original post – 19 Jun 2025

by Owl Whisperer | Refugio de “Jason” in Panama City

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Original text in Español:

“Couchie”, uno de nuestros embajadores, presentó signos tempranos de dificultad respiratoria. Actuamos de inmediato y gracias a una evaluación veterinaria oportuna, confirmamos que no se trata de nada serio.
👉La intervención temprana hace toda la diferencia. Gracias, Dorita, @dutarydora @centrovetpanama por tu atención precisa y profesional. 👏👩‍⚕️🩺🦉

Translated text:

“Couchie”, one of our ambassadors, showed early signs of respiratory difficulty. We acted quickly, and thanks to prompt veterinary evaluation, we confirmed it’s nothing serious.
👉 Intervention makes all the difference. Thank you, Dorita, @dutarydora @centrovetpanama for your accurate and professional care. 👏👩‍⚕️🩺🦉

Update 21 June 2025:

🦉”Couchie” is still getting better 💚🦉
Good news! Our beloved ambassador Couchie is recovering well. With his watchful eyes and silent strength, he reminds us how resilient these little night guardians are. Thank you all for your kind wishes and continued support

Couchie is swaddled in the scarf, on his back and in the crook of a denim-sleeved elbow belonging to a rehabilitator.
Couchie's right foot is banded. He stands at ease inside a transparent perspex tray atop an electronic scale. The LCD is backlit in electric blue and reads 125 (presumably grams) in seven-segment digit display. Speaking of digits, Couchie's feet (and all Owls' feet for that matter) are zygodactyl, meaning having two toes facing forward and two back. The resulting ‘X’ shape, shown here on this model's pink-grey toes, is helpful for climbing and gripping tree trunks. The back outer digits can be rotated to face forward as well, a trait Owls share with Ospreys.
Couchie's health has improved and he is back to normal. His greenish grey eyes are open and alert.

Update 6 July 2025:

He is doing great! Back to normal

Note: Couchie remains at the sanctuary due to his health condition – he does not have a robust immune system. So unfortunately he cannot be released, but he has become a “coach” for the young owls handed to the shelter. Good job Couchie.

For bonus Couchie content see @owl.whisperer’s highlights on instagram

Link to donate to Owl Whisperer for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

SpeciesCommon NameMore info
Megascops asioEastern Screech OwlWiki link

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