Fabulous barred owl release

Friends if Algoma East a group to which a good friend of mine,Mike ODell whose photos I have posted before, were the rescuers of this barred owl.

It had been found by the side of the road and the assumption was it had been hit by a car. Fortunately while it was injured - some sort of head trauma - it's wings and other bones were not damaged. The Friends brought it along with a red fox they had live-trapped that was suffering terribly with mange and an injured red loon to their centre for rehabbing.

When recovered all were released.

This beautiful owl clicked its beak when let out of its cardboard box at the appointed spot, but did not seem upset at all. As it lifted off to go to a nearby tree, Lonnie - also my friend and Mike's wife - felt it's soft wings brush past her face... She says it is a once in a lifetime experience.

All the Friends at the release site had cameras at the ready! of course!

Mike also had his camera poised to capture the release. Boy am I lucky to be able to share that moment with him and all of you.
He is an excellent wildlife photographer in my opinion and that of many of the readers of this blog.

Getting ready to depart - and off it floated.

What an amazing experience to have - releasing injured wildlife back to its natural habitat. People who rescue wildlife, pets and domestic animals from injury, abuse, abandonment - and other kinds of difficulties, are tops in my books... they deserve all kinds of kudos. And while these photos were taken at the end of 2013 - I thought they might make a nice start to wildlife photos in 2014 for this blog... hope you get to enjoy some wildlife, not more snow, raging winds or cold today.