Juneau Raptor Center new bird: 'Fireside'
Type of bird: Barred Owl (Strix varia).
When discovered: Feb. 6.
Where discovered: Out-the-road, roadside.
What happened: The owl didn't move when a car approached. Christine (Chris) and Kurt Kondzela stopped the car, realized immediately that the owl was injured. The couple picked up the owl and delivered it to a local falconer associated with the Juneau Raptor Center. The next day the owl was brought to the home of one of the center's rehab specialists for initial treatment.
Injuries: Treatment was started and the waiting game began. The owl's right eye was closed, and it had all the symptoms of a severe head injury.
Based on the location where it was found found it is assumed the bird was struck by a car. A visit to the vet revealed an eye injury but no broken bones.
Current condition: Slowly the bird has rallied and is showing the inquisitive nature of the owls. He watches the person who provides his care and food and seems to be interested in everything going on in the garage that is now his temporary home.
The bird can feed himself (he was initially hand fed during the early stages of his treatment) and is getting stronger every day.
Release: If this bird can be released is still a question. There is a problem with the right eye and he may be blind in that eye. The person caring for the bird has been in contact with the Owl Foundation in Toronto, Canada, about the potential for releasing this bird. But there is still some treatment and observation needed before a decision can be made.
More about the Barred Owl: This medium-sized owl stands just over a foot tall, on average. It prefers wet to moist forests, wooded swamps and woodlands near waterways, and is fittingly only found in the Southeast region of Alaska. Calls can be heard year round. Spring, however, is mating season for these birds meaning they are active in January and February defending territories and looking for mates.
•This profile of the Juneau Raptor Center's latest bird recovery will run when unique or unusual birds are found. For more information about the center, visit www.juneauraptorcenter.org or e-mail info@juneauraptorcenter.org. If you have a bird emergency or need to reach the Juneau Raptor Center immediately, the pager number is 790-5424. Juneau Raptor Center mailing address: P.O. Box 34713, Juneau, AK 99803-4713. Message phone: 586-8393.