The owlet was found on the ground in Gualala as an orphaned nestling and brought to BRC for care during our first week of Baby Bird Season. Upon admittance, it was a little dehydrated and underweight, but otherwise seemed healthy. Under new Federal Fish & Wildlife laws, Barred Owls can no longer be released within the state of California because they are invading the habitats of Spotted Owls, so we kept this little owl in hopes of placing it into an education program.
Once the bird was of age, we transitioned the youngster to our resident program for training and socialization. It quickly became apparent that he/she had captured the hearts of BRC staff and volunteers alike, so the decision was made to apply for the proper approvals needed to keep the bird for our very own Ambassador Program.
We took various measurements of beak, wings, legs and feet to see if we could determine sex, but as it is still growing and in transition from juvenile to adult, a determination of gender could not be reached.
Our education team is diligently working on training so Marsh will be ready for an official debut when we are once again able to have visitors.