An Antillean short-eared owl, a uncommon species to identify within the Florida Keys, is flying free once more after a brief stint on the Marathon Wild Hen Middle.
The fowl was first noticed by Huge Pine Key natives Beth and Chris Bergh on April 5 after the 7 Mile Bridge Run alongside a motorbike path close to the bridge’s japanese finish. Showing in good bodily situation aside from a slight wing droop, the fowl was nonetheless there two days later, Wild Hen Middle founder Kelly Grinter informed the Weekly.
The owl was a simple internet catch for seasoned volunteer Dana Baby, Grinter stated, and spent two weeks on the Wild Hen Middle to permit restoration from a suspected pulled muscle. And on April 24, the uncommon predator took to the skies off Lengthy Level Key in a profitable launch.
“It’s been over a decade since I’ve had one as a affected person,” stated Grinter of her unusual visitor.
