An Antillean short-eared owl, a rare species to spot in the Florida Keys, is flying free again after a short stint at the Marathon Wild Bird Center.
The bird was first spotted by Big Pine Key natives Beth and Chris Bergh on April 5 after the 7 Mile Bridge Run alongside a bike path near the bridge’s eastern end. Appearing in good physical condition apart from a slight wing droop, the bird was still there two days later, Wild Bird Center founder Kelly Grinter told the Weekly.
The owl was an easy net catch for seasoned volunteer Dana Child, Grinter said, and spent two weeks at the Wild Bird Center to allow recovery from a suspected pulled muscle. And on April 24, the rare predator took to the skies off Long Point Key in a successful release.
“It’s been over a decade since I have had one as a patient,” said Grinter of her uncommon guest.
