Fortunate Dog, His Dog House and Baby Owls Survive Storm

Last month’s surprise wind storm brought down a number of local trees and did some mischief throughout the Valley. The storm out of nowhere surprised even the weather bureau and the inhabitants of this unfortunate tree in a local backyard.

Even more surprised were the four baby screech owls nesting in their cozy hideaway in a dead branch of the tumbled tree. The only good thing about it was that nobody was home in the dog house at the time. When the man with the chain saw came to chop it up for disposal, he discovered these four baby screech owls huddled together in a hollow part of the tree—one was peeping out the hole their mother had made. He turned them over to the property owners.

Now, what to do with four little, terrified baby owls. If the mother returned, no one saw her. The new bird custodians made several calls to find help, to no avail. They improvised a temporary shelter in a pet dog carrying-case and covered it with a blanket.

And what do owls eat? They are known to be nocturnal birds of prey living on any number small animals and assorted critters. So, after experimentation with various kinds of meat possibilities, it turned out that the owlettes gobbled up moistened cat food and Vienna sausage with gusto. They also don’t eat with the sun shining. They eat at night. (Store that trivia in case you ever need it)

So, after their incredible rescue, the owners cared for them until a suitable home could be found. They thrived on their Vienna sausage and cat food menu until arrangements were made for them to be adopted by the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville. The Zoo has limited facilities to take care of such emergencies, but are willing to help find shelter for abandoned, endangered creatures.