 Gandalf the Gray Graduates
A
prime release site has been selected near Oakridge, thanks to the help
of a US Forest Service biologist doing a great gray owl survey in the
area. Although this site is on private property and not part of
the survey area, it represents prime habitat - nesting great gray owls
have been found two miles away. The landowner has generously
allowed us free access to put up three nest platforms provided by the
Forest Service, and the biologist and landowner will do some informal
monitoring. We are scheduled to release him this Saturday
evening, the 6th! Please send all good wishes his way for this
second chance for freedom.
We will sorely miss his majestic presence and sonorous hoots - there
are not many great gray owls on exhibit anywhere in the United
States. But there is no question in our mind that this is the
right decision for him. We are a rehabilitation and release
facility first. Although nature education is a huge part of what
we do - and the side most people see - our primary educational goal is
to foster a connection between people and nature, in order to enhance
stewardship and ultimately keep wildlife from needing the services of a
rehabilitation center. |
