Western Screech Owl Faces Life With One Eye

The following story about a Western screech owl was shared with us by Napa Wildlife Rescue of California.

This Western screech owl had a very rough time. After a suspected collision with a car, he was left with damage in both eyes. While one eye seemed to be resolving to normal, it quickly became apparent that the other eye would need to be removed. Releasing one-eyed raptors can be controversial, but we base our decision on the species, the individual and what post release research is available. A small study showed a similar species, eastern screech owls, could be successful with just one eye, so we decided to proceed with surgery.

Post surgery, this owl was not feeling well enough to self-feed, and wasn’t wanting to swallow mouse pieces, but needed calories to heal. While he wasn’t up for eating, we tube fed him EmerAid IC Carnivore. After a couple days, and some medication modification, this owl was feeling well enough to go back to a mouse and insect diet.

Fast forward a couple weeks, and he was ready to have stitches out and be moved to a larger aviary where he could have some time to stretch out and fly, as well as have the opportunity to hunt live mice. This also let us better assess his ability to feed himself after release. He passed with flying colors, and was released back to his home territory, as a one-eyed, but healthy and functional owl.