CARLSBAD–A Great Horned Owl who was rescued after losing a territorial battle has recovered from her wounds and was released back into the wild on Saturday.
The owl was rescued by a man who witnessed the aerial battle over Camp Pendleton. He was able to pick up the owl and take her to Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s San Diego Wildlife Center in Carlsbad.
“She came from Ash Street on base. She needed to be released back into the area where she was living. We scouted for a spot near the entrance to Camp Pendleton and Highway 76 to let her go near where she was rescued,” San Diego Wildlife Center Director Trish Jackman said. “As if raising your young isn’t hard enough, many species have to fight for nest space.”
Jackman added that the owl was in a big battle with what they think was a female, Red Tailed Hawk. The owl lost the fight and had talon punctures on her belly.
“After a little rest, she was ready to get back out there in time to start a new nest,” Jackman said.
The rain and cold temperatures prevented the release of the owl last week. Jackman says the time of the release was very important.
“That way she can find her way before the crows spot her. We’ve been feeding her up so she won’t have to hunt at that time,” Jackman added.