Interesting Stories
Burrowing Owl 27-08
On March 31, 2008, personnel at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, located in
West Yellowstone, Montana, discovered a Burrowing Owl on the grounds of the
Center. The owl was unable to fly. This was an unusual discovery since the
Burrowing Owl's normal habitat is not located at that elevation. Discovery
Center personnel transported the owl to MRCC. On arrival at MRCC, the owl, an
adult female, was found to be down in weight and very weak. There were no
fractures or evidence of injury and blood work was normal.
West Yellowstone, Montana, discovered a Burrowing Owl on the grounds of the
Center. The owl was unable to fly. This was an unusual discovery since the
Burrowing Owl's normal habitat is not located at that elevation. Discovery
Center personnel transported the owl to MRCC. On arrival at MRCC, the owl, an
adult female, was found to be down in weight and very weak. There were no
fractures or evidence of injury and blood work was normal.
Burrowing Owl 27-08
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Since Burrowing Owls migrate
from Montana in the winter, it
was assumed that this owl was
migrating back to her summer
breeding range and had
gotten caught in the recent
snowstorms and was unable
to find food.
The owl spent two weeks at
MRCC eating heartily and
waiting for better weather.
from Montana in the winter, it
was assumed that this owl was
migrating back to her summer
breeding range and had
gotten caught in the recent
snowstorms and was unable
to find food.
The owl spent two weeks at
MRCC eating heartily and
waiting for better weather.
She was then banded and released near an active prairie dog colony where she
demonstrated a strong flight. Whether she remains in that area or continues
her migration journey is yet to be determined.
Burrowing Owls nest in prairie dog holes and feed on small mammals, birds, and
insects. These owls are the exception to a general raptor rule in that the males
are larger than the females.