Release of a Barred Owl for Toronto Wildlife Centre

I am late at posting this release of a Barred Owl. My daughter Julie, friends Bonnie and Bob went to release a barred owl. Julie did her first opening of the box and was lucky that the owl was in no hurry to leave. This release was done on Dec 7, 2012

Here is the trick shot. Can you find the owl in the forest. This is a perfect release when you can't find the owl after. Thank you to everyone who helped on this cold, wet, rainy night.

A sleepless night. Playing on techniques

A couple of old photos taken by a friend Jen Howard. Used a few of Andy Warhol instructions.

Playing with clarity functions

Red-tailed Hawk at work today. Dec 18, 2012

After months of not seeing the Red-tailed Hawks at work I was amazing by seeing the female soaring at lunch around the condos and then on the corner of the Federal Building. My phyisotherapist Karen said she had seen her there last week. As I left the building I saw her there.

And then see saw me

And turned around and gave me a full view of her. After 10 minutes

She flew into the air and soared towards the town centre.

Look at that beautiful red tail

She looks extremely healthy.

A wonderful Christmas Gift

Today I received a wonderful Christmas gift. Donna H adopted a Great Horned Owl from the The Owl Foundation in my name. Thank you so much.

Thank you Donna. To many more amazing releases in the future.

Red Fox Release back to the wild

Amazing fox release with Andrew (Toronto Wildlife Centre), Norma and Al (friends of all wildlife)

Before I tell you about the fox you must hear this. Norma and Al were able to catch this sick mangy fox in a record of 2 hours. The trap was set by Toronto wildlife Centre and Norma and Al watched it. The fox came up the backyard and went into the cage (it normally takes a few weeks to catch one) but in 2 hours the wildlife centre was called back to pick up the fox. Norma and Al have helped many foxes in the neighbourhood. The fox waits patiently for release

Norma get the honour of opening the door

Once the door is open it does not take more than a second for the fox (female) to get out and decide which way she wants to go.

What a beautiful fox

Love this shot. You can see her beautiful brown eyes, and healthy red coat.

Hello Beautiful

The release went without a hitch. As the fox left and dissappeared a second fox came into the back yard and followed the newly released fox path. Thank you again to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, Andrew and Norma and Al. It was wonderful to see the neighbours out to watch the fox go back to the wild. http://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/donate-or-volunteer The wildlife centre has to move to a new location and is trying to raise funds for this. Any and all donations are welcome. Give the gift of rehab and freedom for our urban animals.

Re- necked Grebe - Release back to the water

another wonderful day

I received a call from Andrew (Toronto Wildlife Centre head animal rescue worker) saying her had a grebe to be released back in the water. Could I help him. YES. Having only seen grebes in the water I was surprised at how small the grebe was. The cage has a specially fitted floor. I quickly went to the lake and found a quiet place on the rocks to release the grebe. I sat on the rocks at the waters edge (so I wouldn't go head first in the water with the grebe. Put the cage in the water edge then started to open the cage door. The grebe had other ideas and that was to start attacking and biting my hand. After a few bites I just grabbed the door and opened it.

I watched the grebe run across the water. He wasted no time leaving once I got the door open. As he walked on water he was making a squeaking, hissing sound.

The grebe did a beautiful stetch of the wings and then within 2 minutes

he was gone out the channel and into Lake Ontario. What a thrill. Thank you Andrew and the Toronto Wildlife Centre. Another animal saved by the great folks at the wildlife centre The red-necked grebe is L 43-53 cm and weighs about 2 to 3.3 lbs.

Having problems with blog

It may take a couple of days to fix the problem but my blog has gone all crazy. All the sidebars are now at the bottom. I have asked a friend to help so please be patient. Ann