Behind the scenes

This is the first post in what I hope will be a well subscribed and interesting web’log. I’m not open to the public, so this is an avenue for you to get involved in the goings on.

Today marks the final trip to the vet for a gorgeous Masked Owl that I have dubbed “Helga” after Helga Hufflepuff. She huffs and puffs when disturbed, making all sorts of impressive hissing noises. She is the largest of the local owl species, weighing in at around 850g. She arrived in May with a wound on the top of each foot. My guess is that she may have hit a wire or a sharp edge on a fast moving car. Strangely, she was found in Burswood. While Barn Owls are common throughout the suburbs, Masked Owls are more often found in old growth forrests further south. They are occasionally found injured in Perth, but it is a mystery if there is a close by resident poplulation or if they are travelling long distances to arrive here.

One of Helga’s wounds was able to be stitched closed by an avian (bird) specialist vet. Unfortunately, the other wound became infected under the bandage, and has taken quite a while and a few trips to the vet to fix. Today’s removal of the duoderm patch that had been carefully stitched over the remaining wound showed perfect pink, new skin. So no more anaesthetised cleanings and bandage changes will be needed. I’m sure Helga would be happy to know this, but I’m overjoyed to know I won’t have to add to her $200+of vet bills! I’m also thrilled to know that she will probably be back in the wild by the end of next month.