Owl Banding at the ARC

It is that time of year again when birds that have made it to the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka are ready to be released. We have been informed that many birds of different species will be readied for release in the next couple of weeks. The first of these birds were 3 Barn Owls.

Here is the first lucky customer that will be fitted with a new band before release.



Carol McCorkle collects and holds each bird as Richard applies the band.



The main order of business was finished quickly so I checked out a new addition to the center before heading back to work. The McCorkles have added an outdoor section to one of the mews so the young birds can get acclimated to the outdoors more quickly. Right now it is occupied by a few Red-shouldered Hawk chicks.



In due time, these chicks will also get banded and released.



Can't wait!