Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Eastern Screech Owl

This red-phase Eastern Screech Owl was found on the side of the road, likely after being struck by a vehicle. Fortunately, the finder acted quickly and brought the owl to us for evaluation.

Upon examination, our veterinary team discovered that the owl had sustained injuries to both eyes. And sadly, the left eye was too damaged to save.

While we try to leave nonviable eyes in place whenever possible, this one was causing significant discomfort, so our veterinarians performed a surgical procedure called an evisceration to remove the painful tissue and prevent ongoing pain.

However, trauma severe enough to damage the eyes can also affect the brain or inner ear.

Because of this, each owl must pass live-prey testing before release to ensure that there are no hidden neurological or sensory impairments and that the remaining eye functions well enough for survival.

In the following photo, you can see our staff using a tonometer to measure the pressure within the owl’s eye. This tool helps us assess how the remaining eye is recovering after trauma or surgery and guides our treatment decisions.

Abnormal pressure can indicate swelling, inflammation, or nerve damage, all of which are critical to monitor during rehabilitation.

Unlike other raptors, owls have asymmetrically placed ears (one higher and one lower on their heads) which allows them to pinpoint the exact location of sounds.

While hawks, falcons, and eagles rely heavily on precise depth perception from both eyes to hunt, owls use their acute hearing to locate prey.

This ability means that some patients can be successfully released even with vision in only one eye.

We are happy to report that this owl is recovering well from surgery, eating independently, and will soon be moved to an outdoor enclosure for continued recovery and testing.

With time and care, we are hopeful that this little raptor will return to the wild where it belongs!

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