This past week the WR&E Wildlife Center received three more Great Horned Owlets who will stay at the Center until they are ready for a pre-release cage.  One owlet arrived early in the morning from a couple who were driving through the Houston area and had heard about the Wildlife Center.  Another owlet was brought to the Wildlife Center by a Texas Parks & Wildlife game warden.  The owlet had a leg and wing injury.  Dr. Antinoff from Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists quickly came to the Wildlife Center to exam and x-ray the baby.  We are waiting for the surgeon to determine what the course of treatment will be for this little one.   The third owlet is a larger baby who will be joining the first two in the pre-release cage as soon as it gains weight.

On November 21, 2009 the first call came in about a Great Horned Owl who had been found on the road.  A man and his two children brought the badly hypothermic owl to the WR&E Wildlife Center for care.  The magnificent Great Horned Owl was cold, wet and scared. WR&E staff gavage fed warm fluids and pain medication. Intubation continued on an hourly basis. The Great Horned Owl began to stabilize. 

Several hours later a call came from a gentleman who had found a hawk on the road.  With guidance from the Wildlife Center he took a towel and scooped the hawk up and gently laid him in the back of his car and drove it to the Wildlife Center.  The hawk turned out to be a gorgeous adult Red Tailed Hawk. It was also badly hypothermic, so WR&E staff administered warm fluids and pain medication. A heat lamp was placed over the bird to speed the warming process. Intubation continued on an hourly basis.

Not more than thirty minutes later the third cold wet patient was driven to the Wildlife Center.  An adult female Virginia opossum was found injured.  An exam revealed deep gashes in her neck. She was also hypothermic and in shock.  This animal was warmed and stabilized. Then her wounds were treated. 

By the end of the day all three animals were dry, warm and taking food.  Should they survive, they will still have several weeks of rehabilitation before they are released back into the wild.

These injured patients would never have had this extra chance at life if not for the kind humans that thought about the importance of saving these creatures.  Our hats are off to the citizens that took the time to bring these animals to the Wildlife Center for care, to the volunteers that provided expert care on an hourly basis and the donors who provide the funds for the facility and supplies! You are wildlife heroes, one and all.

Cyndi Bohannon

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is arguably one of the most majestic of all raptors. Solitary in nature, a group would be called a Parliament. Of the order Strigifermes and family Strigidae, the Great Horned owl is considered a “true owl”. The other owl family, Tytonidae include barn owls. Eight sub-species have been recognized. The territories of sub-species rarely overlap.

The largest owl in the United States, it can stand 18 to 27 inches and have a wingspan of 48 to 60 inches! The Great Horned owl is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas, inhabiting all ecosystems except deep desert and Arctic tundra. The overall coloration ranges from near white in the far northern portion of their range to dark chocolate brown in the southern regions.

Size and weight varies geographically with the larger, heavier individuals living in colder climates. The females are larger than the males and weight ranges between two and a half and four pounds. All sub-species share the overall markings: prominent ear-tufts or “horns”, white patch at the throat, narrow bars on the front and a random mottled back.

The Great Horned Owl primarily hunts at night, but sightings at dawn and dusk are not unusual. Perched high above an open area, it silently swoops down upon almost anything that moves. Its diet is extremely diverse, but small to medium mammals, birds and waterfowl are favorites. It is the only known predator of the skunk.

Unlike many raptors, the Great Horned Owl will walk on the ground to gather crawfish, amphibians, reptiles or large insects. It have been known to walk into henhouses and wade into shallow water for a meal. Owls swallow small prey whole or take larger prey to a safe perch.

It is estimated that the Great Horned Owl can lift prey up to twice its weight. Non-digestible portions of dinner such as feathers, hair and bone are compacted by the stomach into a tight pellet which is regurgitated. These pellets yield a fascinating glimpse into the diet of the Great Horned Owl.

The most dramatic feature of the Great Horned Owl’s feet are the talons; needle sharp points pierce prey easily. But several adaptations allow for more efficient hunting. The underside of the owl’s foot is rough and knobby which provides superior grasping. The bones of the foot are much stronger than other birds to survive the impact with prey. Without conscious thought, the talons continue to ratchet closed until the owl decides to open them. Massive thigh muscles give the talons their strength.

Like other birds, the “relaxed” position of the feet is closed. This helps keep the owl on its perch even when it is asleep. Two of the four toes always face forward and one of the four toes always face backward. The fourth toe is uniquely flexible and faces forward during flight and backward when perching. During a strike, the toes fan into an oval shape.

Adaptations in eyesight and hearing make the Great Horned Owl a formidable predator. At a glance, the bright golden yellow eyes mesmerize the observer. Contrary to popular lore, the nocturnal Great Horned Owl has equally excellent vision during the day and the dead of night. The eyes are not spherical like mammals, but instead are oblong and fixed in bony orbs. To compensate, the neck has fourteen neck vertebrae allowing for 270 degrees of rotation.

  Great  Horned Owls have three eyelids. The top eyelid “blinks”, owls frequently blink eyes independently of each other, appearing to wink at the observer. The lower eyelid raises to meet the closed upper lid for sleeping. A third eyelid, a translucent nictitating eyelid functions as a “windshield  wiper” that slides across the eye at a 45 degree angle.

The Great Horned Owl’s extraordinary hearing depends on many adaptations, including a  much larger and more complex area of the brain that processes hearing located in the medulla. The asymmetric placement of ears allows the Great Horned Owl to triangulate the source of a sound without tilting or twisting the head. Facial disks and “ear” tufts can be shaped much like a radar dish to channel sounds even more effectively.

The feathers of the Great Horned Owl are uniquely designed to limit the noise of flight. Compared to other birds, owls have few down feathers, instead the contour feathers have downy barbules and the leading edge has flutings or fimbriare. The wings are relatively large and rounded which allows for slow silent flight. The Great Horned Owl is a perfectly designed stealth hunter. Even the legs and feet are covered in feathers! These tiny feathers provide warmth and act as tactile sensors.

The courtship between owls begin in October and is marked by greatly increased vocalizations as single owls try to locate mates. By December, the mated pairs will begin singing duets. The female may be physically larger, but the male’s voice is much lower. Pairs are monogamous and remain in their territory year round. This territory is aggressively protected while the pair is raising chicks.

Pairs often start with an abandoned raven or squirrel nest and proceed to improve it. Tree hollows are sometimes selected. Either way, mating occurs in the early spring, resulting in a usual clutch of two eggs. Incubation is 30 – 37 days and the hatchlings will be brooded continuously for two weeks.

Hatchlings are bright white puffballs that slowly gain their distinctive plumage.  Nestlings move from the nest to nearby branches at about six weeks and fledge a week or two later. 

Great Horned owlets are one of the first animals that arrive at the Wildlife Center each spring. Great Horned Owls nest much earlier than other birds because survival of their offspring hinge on the babies being old enough to hunt at the peak of summer.

This year saw a dramatic increase in the numbers of Great Horned owlets finding their way to us for care. It is believed that the Ike ravaged squirrel and crow nests did not provide a sufficient base for the Great Horned owls to embellish.

Wildlife Rehab & Education’s oldest educational ambassador died peacefully in his sleep during November of 2008.  His mesmerizing golden eyes were photographed by amateur and professional alike. The public usually  responded to the eyes first, talons second then finally to his sheer presence.

WR&E does not name our ambassadors out of respect for their wild nature. WR&E also feels bestowing a human name on a wild animal sends a mixed message to the children and adults attending our educational lectures where they are told that almost all wildlife is protected by state and federal laws.

The beloved “Great Horned Owl” that was entrusted to our care was an educational ambassador for over twenty (20) years.  He came to us after he was shot and part of his wing was amputated.  WR&E obtained the state and federal permits to keep him as an educational ambassador.  He educated over 100,000 schoolchildren, teens and adults about respecting wildlife, respecting the environment, and respecting each other. 

No one could come in contact with this powerful bird of prey without feeling  profound emotions. In the words of his caretaker, Sharon Schmalz, “Great Horned Owl was never my pet. He still belonged to Mother Nature; I was just his caretaker after a human injured him. He gave to me more than I ever gave to him.

My favorite times were watching the expression on the faces of children and adults when they saw him majestically emerge from the carrying case. I knew how the audience felt because I felt it too…every time. The perfect colors of his feathers, the strong wing beats, the huge talons and the large golden eyes made me respect him and all his fellow wild creatures. A picture could never capture his magnificence. I always felt so lucky to be able to care for this Great Horned Owl but sad that he would never soar again on this earth. He is soaring now above us all and watching how each of those human hearts that he once touched can make a difference for his fellow wild animals and for their fellow human beings.”

Groups escorted into the facility were small in number (up to 10) to allow interaction with tour facilitators. Tours began in the 4,000 square foot general animal care room, complete with bird nursery (including incubators and heated aquariums) and netted fledgling room as well as areas for raptor, water bird and song bird care. The other side of the room showcased the mammal area which included incubators for the babies and larger crates for juveniles and injured animals.

Guests were introduced to other facets of wildlife care including a triage room and surgery room (which is still under development). To date, several donors have begun to contribute surgical apparatus (i.e. anesthesia machine and an autoclave, etc.) to equip the room. The tour included a glimpse of the giant warehouse space, which can be used to house animals temporarily if the need arises. One could only imagine the effectiveness of such an enormous weatherproof space when and if the scenario presented itself.

WR&E wishes to extend our appreciation to the numerous WR&E volunteers and the Houston SPCA employees which worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring about this success. In addition, special thanks goes out to our community friends that dropped by to learn more about what the Wildlife Center is striving to offer injured and orphaned wildlife in our area.  All had an enjoyable day.

September 20, 2007 was the official GRAND OPENING of Wildlife Rehab & Education’s Wildlife Center. Over three hundred people and media was in attendance.

The banner in the background extended WR&E’s profound thanks to the individuals and organizations who brought the Wildlife Center to fruitarian. The wonderful buffet and soft drinks in the foreground was provided by Lee Ann Kulka with Webster Veterinary, Jeff Rushing with Idexx Laboratories and Anthony Villarreal with Schering Plough.

Performers from the Houston Community College Music Department at Central College provided a stimulating musical backdrop. WR&E extends its gratitude to Carl Nilsen – percussionist, Curtis Robinson – cellist, Students of Pamela Binghan – clarinet ensemble; Student of Bruce Brogdon – solo guitarist

Escorted facility tours featured the training room where a display of the many facets of WR&E was displayed. The lobby was adorned with the Peaceful Co-existence Learning House and a large screen monitor depicting various patients who have been cared for by the Center.

Thank you to Bechtel for the loan of a large display board. They generously produced and mounted all the pictures for the display.

Tim Ryan at Banfi Vintners provided several varietals for an informal wine tasting. Thank you for your generous donation, the wines were excellent and they added an festive air to the celebration.

Aquariums for birds old enough to not require heat

Phil Jose, a Wildlife Center volunteer handles the Great Horned Owl Educational Ambassador. In the background, the netted fledgling room provides a safe location to feed babies that are beginning to fly, but are not self-feeding yet. Once they are self-feeding, they are moved to mews located at the Wildlife Center. When ready for release, the birds are moved to soft release cages in remote locations.

Cyndi Bohannon, tour facilitator and permitted wildlife rehabber handles the Barred Owl Educational Ambassador.

Sharon Schmalz, Executive Director

Wildlife Rehab and Education reached an important milestone this year with the opening of its Wildlife Center. The achievement would not have been possible without the unfailing support of our volunteers, their families, individual contributors and our corporate sponsors. The workload has been grueling as we honored our commitments to the wildlife entrusted to our care, provided educational opportunities, taught Oil Spill Response Workshops, responded to oil spill drills as well as oil spills AND opened the Wildlife Center.

It is with a deep sense of wonder and respect that we look back on everything that has been accomplished this year and smile. With great pride and joy we hosted our Grand Opening. The event was magical at times as we shared the depth and breadth of our programs and commitment to native Texas wildlife. As always, the Educational Ambassadors took center stage thrilling young and old alike.

No words can equal the impact of seeing an owl or hawk in person knowing mankind is responsible for its tragic but in this case, redemptive journey. Our flagship ambassador, the Great Horned Owl cared for by Sharon Schmalz is nearing twenty-five years of educational service. He has educated tens of thousands of school children. He came to Sharon with multiple injuries, but it was the gunshot that severed half of one wing that made him non-releasable.

The good news is that the media, both print and television have taken a great interest in the Wildlife Center and have given us much greater exposure to audiences that we had previously been unable to reach. Even better, native Texas wildlife have benefited from the public’s awareness of who we are, what we do and our message of conservation. The bad news is that we have stretched our resources thin to service the increased demand. In particular, we need more suitable release sites for opossum, raccoon, squirrel and water birds, more volunteers and additional financial support.

As spring approaches, the Wildlife Center will be in desperate need of volunteers to care for thousands of babies. The Wildlife Center provides a unique environment to learn and care for a wide range of species without a 24/7 commitment. We also provide opportunities for volunteers to answer phones, enter data for animals arriving at the center, shuttle wildlife between rehabbers and to release sites, fund raise and assist with the tons of paperwork that comes with running a facility. In closing, Wildlife Rehab and Education wants everyone who has helped with our mission to serve native wildlife to know how deeply we appreciate your efforts. Thank you!

 By Margaret Pickell

 One cool night in late January a resident pair of Great Horned Owls circled the Cole Creek development searching for the ideal place to raise their future babies.  They were having a tough time because so many trees had been cleared  to build human homes.

This left the birds looking in a neighborhood.  The pair settled on a huge pile of pine needles on the roof of a welcoming homeowner.  Mother owl sat on the eggs waiting for them to hatch.  Two big fuzzy babies hatched from their eggs and so the arduous task of finding food began for the parents. 

When the babies were about 4 weeks old a heavy rain storm pelted the roof as strong winds began to blow.  One baby was blown from the high roof, the other baby stoically made its way up to the peak of the roof and over the top where it was protected by an air vent. 

Mother owl tried to feed both babies but several days later the one on the ground began to get weaker.  A neighbor called the WR&E Wildlife Center and after many questions it was determined it would be best to bring the little fellow in for an exam and possible return to the nest.

  The young owlet was brought in on March 22.  It was checked over by our volunteer Veterinarian, Dr. Brenda Flores.  No broken wings or bones were found.  The owlet was very thin and dehydrated.  The Wildlife Center staff and volunteers nursed the little guy back to health and after a week he was checked again and it was determined he would be able to be re-nested. 

During this week wildlife staff stayed very busy trying to coordinate the successful return of this baby to his family.  Calls were made in an attempt to find a safe way to return the baby.  Ladders were not going to work because it was too high and not safe to carry the owlet up to the top.  By the end of the first day it looked like we were striking out for the re-nesting project.  Then CenterPoint Energy stepped up to the plate.  With them we hit a homerun. 

They sent out two crews and two different trucks for our use.   A plan was discussed with several back ups and away we went.  The little baby traveled well in the car to his old neighborhood.  While Sharon Schmalz, who specializes in Great Horned Owls, got into her safety harness a crowd began to form. 

Many area children getting home from school were curious about the re-nesting project.  They all sat patiently on the grass as a wildlife specialist explained to them what was going to happen and that the Great Horned Owls were a protected species.  Questions were answered and everyone was ready for the action to begin.

The mother Great Horned Owl was seen sitting in a giant pine tree several yards away.  Now everyone was ready for the re-nesting.  The bucket truck began lifting and everyone held their breaths.  Sharon and the owlet reached the old nest and she gently lifted him into the nest. The crowd of children down below clapped as the baby was returned to his home.

He sat for a while and then began taking clumsy baby steps up the top of the roof.  He knew where he was. While the crowd was watching the newly returned baby, the sibling appeared to greet him.  Both babies hopped to the shade of the chimney and began their wait for dinner. 

Sometimes we wish we had time to capture special moments like this on film.  As it just so happened an Animal Planet crew was there to film the continuing saga of our little charge. 

Night settled on the now quiet neighborhood. As families went about their evening business a large shadowy figure was hunting silently in the night for dinner for her two owlet babies.

Postscript – Mom took great care of her  two babies and the homeowners report that the babies have successfully fledged. All three have been seen hunting in the neighborhood. A special thanks goes out to CenterPoint Energy for bringing two bucket trucks to the rescue and Animal Planet for documenting the saga of this wonderful Great Horned Owl family.