Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Barn Owl

This hauntingly beautiful bird is an uncommon patient. Photos / BRWC

This adult Barn Owl was brought to us from Fauquier County after being found down next to a roadway, presumably after being struck by a car. Although we take in over 100 owls each year, only a couple of them are Barn Owls.

On exam, the bird was quiet, had an injured right shoulder, and showed signs of damage to the left eye. Although it was able to stand on its own and showed appropriate defensive behavior towards our staff, this patient was too unstable to undergo anesthesia to get radiographs.

In cases like this, the patient receives supportive care with bandaging and pain medications until they are strong enough that we can better evaluate the damage. This bird’s prognosis for a full recovery is guarded at this time.

Barn Owls are unique in that, while most birds have a set period of time in which they breed and nest, these owls can breed year-round, as long as resources are plentiful!

We have received nestling and fledgling Barn Owls throughout the year, so sometimes getting that call of a “baby owl” in November (which is often an adult Eastern Screech Owl) really is a baby owl!

Want to help Barn Owls? Always check silos and other empty structures before demolishing, as you may have tenants you didn’t know about! Don’t use rodenticides, stay attentive while driving at night, and if you have the space and proper habitat, consider putting up a Barn Owl nesting box!

This is our 3,343 patient this year!

Each year, our native wildlife faces more and more challenges. From vehicle collisions or window strikes, to interactions with domestic pets, or illnesses from heavy metals or pesticides, our goal is to give them a chance to survive and do their jobs within our ecosystem.

And every year, as our overall patient load increases, we have to start preparing earlier and earlier to ensure we are ready.

We have successfully treated over 3,300 patients this year because of the support we receive from people like you!

If you haven’t already, please consider making an end of year donation to help us care for wildlife in need. We can’t do it without you!