I chose to start with the final pic, as this owl had a really rough time!
From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
It's a challenging job, but that's what we are here for. We are incredibly grateful that a farmer spotted a Great Horned Owl in the manure pit on his farm. Initially, it appeared that the owl would be able to fly out on her own, so he didn't disturb her. However, the next day, when the owl was still there and seemed to be sinking further into the manure, the farmer went into the pit and rescued her from drowning.
Once the owl was safely removed from the pit, the farmer gently placed her on the ground. He then contacted the PA Game Commission, which reached out to one of our transporters. This volunteer made the hour-and-a-half-long drive, amid the smell of manure, to bring the owl to our facility.
Upon the owls arrival, our team equipped themselves with isolation gowns, safety glasses, and masks because this is a very dirty job. We can confirm that Great Horned Owls do not enjoy a warm bath. After washing, rinsing, and repeating several times, she was allowed to rest in a warm incubator.
The next morning, she received another examination, showed no injuries, and was given fluids. We're happy to report that she enjoyed her breakfast. We will continue to monitor her for any underlying conditions and eventually move her to an outdoor flight pen before her release.
What an adventure. I imagine she's much happier now! π
Thanks for doing the service of saving that owl (and maybe her young too) from the likely consequences of that particularly avant-garde bird bath.
I just shared the story on this one, though I have met some of these people.
Manure pits sound really dangerous, the more I learn about them. They seem to be a regular hazard. I think they either see it as solid ground and it isn't or they go in after other things that have already gotten stuck.
My inner cousin is a farm worker and I know he's had to pull a few dogs out before, and people can even get stuck and die too. It really sounds a lot like quicksand.
I feel I should do more reading on the pits and their dangers, but it's not the most enticing topic to read about when I could be hunting for more of these stories instead! π
Manure pits wouldn't exist, in a sane world.
I suppose something has to be done with it, but too much poo isn't a new problem, so I'd hope these safety things would be managed a bit better if it's still hurting people and animals.
I have a feeling things will get worse, then slowly better. I'm an optimist. π