Snowy Owl in Manitoba

The thumbnail image for this episode of Arctic Vets is a Snowy Owl freshly unveiled from white linen, looking up with a combination of surprise and indignation. His eyes are golden yellow and feathers snowy white, save for some black speckling at the back of his head and brown banding on the wing. The rehabilitator wears a blue zip-up fleece, and cradles the owl's legs with thick grey gloves as protection from the owl's murder mittens. His beak is wide open, accentuating the shock at being handled and gawped at by an out-of-frame crew of featherless apes.

Original post – 25 Mar 2022

by Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre

located in Île des Chênes, Manitoba Canada

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This Snowy Owl was the poster bird for Arctic Vets – Season 2 Episode 09. Link on IMDb.

He was discovered on the roadside not flying, and worryingly easy to catch. The vets at Wildlife Haven assessed he may have been struck by a vehicle, emaciated, or neurologically impaired. No fractures were found, and his wings moved freely, but he was thin and dehydrated, so they kept him captive to monitor his diet and get him flying again.

There was pressure to rehabilitate quickly in order to release him during the seasonal migration window. “We need to get this owl out as soon as possible so he can migrate back up north, have that chance to breed and be where all the food is at this point in time,” said Dr Andrea Nace. A delayed release would also impose a longer-term risk of him habituating to human care.

3 week update:

According to Dr Sayrah Gilbert the Snowy Owl was “doing fantastic”.

“He did great with some fluids and a little bit extra food. He is flying like a champ […] and we are really excited. It’s time for him to go.”

Link to donate to Wildlife Haven for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

SpeciesCommon NameMore info
Bubo scandiacusSnowy OwlWiki link

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