We saved the loser of an aerial battle over Camp Pendleton
This might be a first since your Rancho Coastal Humane Society opened 59 years ago. We rescued the loser of a battle that took place in the sky over Camp Pendleton!
A Great Horned Owl who lost a territorial battle recovered from her wounds and was released back into the wild on Saturday evening, February 23rd. The owl was rescued by a man who witnessed the battle over Camp Pendleton. He was able to pick up the Owl and take her to Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s San Diego Wildlife Center (SDWC) at 2380 Camino Vida Roble in Carlsbad.
SDWC Director Trish Jackman says, “She came from Ash Street on base and needed to be released in the area where she was living. We scouted for a spot near the entrance to Camp Pendleton and Highway 76.” As if raising your young isn’t hard enough, many species have to fight for nest space. Trish says, “This Great Horned owl was in a big battle with what we think was a female, Red Tailed Hawk. This owl lost the fight and had talon punctures on her belly. After a little rest, she was ready to get back out there in time to start a new nest.” While the SDWC care providers were more than ready for the irritated owl to leave, Mother Nature had other ideas. Trish says, “The rain and cold temperatures prevented us from releasing her on schedule. When it finally cleared up, we released her. The time of the release was important. At dusk she could find her way before the crows spotted her. We’ve been feeding her up so she didn’t have to hunt right away.”
SEE VIDEO HERE
Trish reminds us, “Baby Season” began recently with the arrival of the first baby cottontail rabbits. The bunnies will soon be joined by squirrels, hawks, raccoons, owls, and other wildlife. In preparation for the influx of baby animals, the San Diego Wildlife Center will hold its first “Baby Shower” to collect supplies and other donations on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 10am-2pm. Please plan to join us.
For more information about Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s San Diego Wildlife Center and the Baby Shower visit sdwildlife.org, “Like” SDWildlifeCenter on Facebook, visit the San Diego Wildlife Center at 2380 Camino Vida Roble, Unit G, in Carlsbad or call 760-621-6888.