Elf Owl Release
In wildlife rehabilitation, healing is only part of the process, patience and timing matter as well. This elf owl spent nearly five months at Tucson Wildlife Center before she was strong enough and the timing was right for release.
Found last October on the ground and unable to fly, her intake exam revealed a hairline fracture to the radius of her right wing. She spent one week in a wing wrap, followed by additional time in care for her wing to heal and strengthen. By the time she was ready for release, elf owl winter migration season had passed, so she remained at TWC until spring.
She spent the winter indoors in a large enclosure where she had space to fly and continue to rebuild strength safely. To help her stay sharp, our animal care team provided insects for her to hunt so she could practice the skills she would need in the wild. During the last weeks of February, she was moved to an outdoor enclosure to acclimate to the weather and natural conditions as she prepared for release.
One especially helpful tool during this process was eBird, a community-based website and app where birders report sightings. Resources like eBird are incredibly valuable in helping wildlife rehabilitators monitor when migratory species are leaving or returning to their local area. Once elf owls began appearing in Tucson this spring, our rehabilitation team knew the timing was finally right. We are happy to report that this tiny patient was released back into the wild last week. If you would like to help patients like this elf owl, click this link to donate,
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We appreciate it, as will all the wild animals in our care!
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