No Fiber, but Fun!

When its spring, the desert critters are in a frenzy. Doves coo nonstop, usually outside the bedroom window at 5:00 am! Lizards come out of their holes and the rodent population starts sharpening its teeth on everything. Of course, with prey comes predators. Our area has an abundant owl population, judging by the calls I hear at night. Great Horned, Screech and Barn. They are all represented.

The other night, after midnight, there were owl calls on our roof. I cheered, hoping they would eat the little rat bastards that are devouring my chiles. In the morning, my chiles had gotten the night off from being dinner and a strange noise was in the fireplace. I assumed the owls had scared a kangaroo rat down the hole. I like sharing the world with critters, but I have no sympathy for the rodents. They never share, just take! We heard claws scratching against the inside of the chimney. Oh joy. I sort of hoped it would find its way out, because I wasn't rescuing a rat!

Around 4 in the afternoon, he really got noisy. And sounded big. I made Dennis look. He discovered that the flue was open (for about 9 months!), and whom ever was inside wasn't coming out that way. Hmm. Probably not a rodent or lizard. Then I heard the greeting call of the Great Horned Owl. I went out to see if it was on the roof, because the sound was really close. I thought it odd that one would be out during daylight. I saw nothing. Back inside the fireplace visitor was acting antsy, and then Dennis and I heard the truth: an owl had fallen down the chimney. Dennis did a bit of climbing and got on the roof. When he looked down the fireplace, sure enough those beautiful gold eyes were staring back. Neither of us handle wild animals, and we had no idea what to do and who to call. We do have a very healthy respect for predators! The owl didn't seem stressed out, just stuck. You can't fly out of a small hole with a 5 foot wingspan! It was after 7:00 pm, so I sent an email to our property manager and knew that the following day would be interesting! 

And it was! The good people of Tucson Wildlife Center came out and rescued our guest from the fireplace. It was surprisingly undramatic! Lou Ray reached in, with heavy leather gloves, and wrangled him into a corner. She got him by the feet and carefully pulled him out through the flue. 

 Jane stood by at the ready! I think it took less than 15 minutes to get the guy out!

Lou Ray and our guest!

Hooty was very sooty, his natural brown colors were more on the black side! 

Hooty and the owl whisperer!

The big bird stayed quite calm; he started to spread his wings. Lou Ray calmed him. I imagine it felt good to stretch!

Love those eyes!

He was taken to their rehab center to be checked out and get a bath! Once the fireplace gets a mesh cover, he will be returned to the neighborhood!

And he's out of the house!

Now for the ride across town!

Prior to extricating our owl, these ladies had released javelina back into the desert north of here! This was quite the job, and show! I am glad there are competent people around to handle these matters!