Northern Saw-Whet Owl returns to freedom
© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl returns to freedom

This little Northern Saw-Whet Owl was hit by a car in Barrington, RI, and suffered a concussion but no broken bones. He is assumed to be just under a year old. After a week of rehabilitation (rest and mice) in the caring hands the Born To Be Wild Nature Center, he was ready to return to freedom this weekend and I was invited to document the moment.

“OK, I’ll pose for a portrait…”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“I’m a little shy…”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“…but I’m ready to be free!”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“Check out my wings!”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“My tail feathers are kinda small…”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“Oh boy, here we go… one foot in freedom…”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“Wow, two feet on the tree… this is really happening…”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“I’m free?!?!”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“OK, then, see ya! I’m outta here!!!”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“I’m a cannonball! Look at me go!”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

“Thanks for your help! Don’t forget about me xo”

© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2013 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

You can play a role in the survival of a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal.
While it might not sound yummy to humans, frozen mice and rats are the natural diet (and the perfect get well food) for wildlife. 100% of your gift goes directly to Born To Be Wild Nature Center and will be used to purchase food:
http://www.laynelabs.com/wildlife-centers/born-to-be-wild-nature-center
It’s a direct effective way to make a difference, and wildlife everywhere thanks you!

12 Comments

  1. Posted 26 Mar ’13 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    WOW. What an adorable bird, and what owlsome photos thereof! Sharing on our page :)

  2. Vivian Maxson
    Posted 26 Mar ’13 at 5:01 pm | Permalink

    Just another example of Peter Green’s amazing photography! Well done, the “I’m outta here” pic is my favorite!

  3. Vivian Maxson
    Posted 26 Mar ’13 at 5:38 pm | Permalink

    I was able to track down the initial rescuer of this little Saw Whet owl, Brandon, a Plumbing & Heating Technician, saw it bounce off the side of the car in front of him, on the night of March 16, 2013. Not knowing what it was, he stopped & scooped it up (it was on its back) and not having anything to put it in, he improvised with 2 hard hats. Brandon then drove it to a 24 hr Vet Clinic, who transferred it to the Wildlife Clinic the very next day. The Wild Clinic then transferred the owl to Born To Be Wild Nature Center who was eventually able to release the owl. Thank you Brandon for being the most important person in this owl’s recovery!

    • Peter Green
      Posted 26 Mar ’13 at 6:37 pm | Permalink

      That’s great to hear – thank you for the update, Vivian – and thanks to Brandon too!

    • Jennifer
      Posted 27 Mar ’13 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

      thanks Brandon for rescuing this little cutie! I love owls.

    • Brandon schiano
      Posted 28 Mar ’13 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

      Thank you for calling me with an update I was curious how he made out, im happy you were able to help him. Great pictures as well.

    • Peter Green
      Posted 29 Mar ’13 at 12:02 pm | Permalink

      And thank you, Brandon, for taking the time to stop and help this owl. You saved its life.

    • Brandon schiano
      Posted 29 Mar ’13 at 2:37 pm | Permalink

      Not a problem, happy I could help.

  4. Jane Turcotte
    Posted 26 Mar ’13 at 6:01 pm | Permalink

    What a beautiful creature. Thanks for all that you do for them and for sharing your experiences. Also thanks to Peter Green for such amazing photos!

  5. Posted 27 Mar ’13 at 8:43 am | Permalink

    Great shots, and good work. Love the “cannonball”! Such a beautiful bird.

  6. Hali Sowle
    Posted 27 Mar ’13 at 8:29 pm | Permalink

    What a beautiful tiny raptor. Thank you for sharing this touching moment with us.

  7. Kathleen
    Posted 29 Mar ’13 at 9:51 pm | Permalink

    What a great series Peter! And great work by all the players in this owl’s recovery. I’ve never seen a scale view of how small this owl is – the hand shot is great for comparison. I do love the last shot best.

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