Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

The two methods of release used by rehabilitators are described as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’.Hard release is returning the animal to the wild, by taking it to a suitable site andreleasing it with no support feeding, no follow up other than casual observations andhoping for the best. If the animal is an injured adult that has not been in care for anextended period, hard release is a perfectly good option. Most injured adults onlyneed support and time to re-establish their fitness; they already have the skills tosurvive in the wild.Soft release is the better option for young orphan birds that must be educated in thefull range of survival techniques. In soft release the bird is allowed to range out froman aviary, learning to feed in the local environment, to be accepted by local birds, andto establish itself within the area. Support feeding is provided in or near the releaseaviary. The bird can be readily monitored and may be captured if necessary. Softrelease techniques can only be undertaken if that particular species naturally occurs inthe area. It is not recommended that different species be introduced into an areathrough soft release practises. This can seriously disadvantage other species. (Parson)• Points to check before release• Can the owl feed its self and is able to catch prey?• Can it cope with normal temperature variations?• Can the owl fly well enough to survive?• Does it recognise and display alarm at predators and threats including humans?• Does the owl object to human handling?• If the owl is juvenile has it been with and recognise others of the same species?• Is the owl at optimum weight?• Has it got all its feathers and are they clean and unbroken?• Has it preened and is it waterproof? You can check by spraying the bird lightlywith water and see if the water will bead on its feathers.If the answer is not yes to all the above points the owl is not ready for release!Effective rehabilitation is returning to the wild an animal that has been temporarilydisadvantaged and may not have survived without your intervention. No matter whattype of release you use, it is essential that you are honestly convinced that the birdwill be alive and part of the wild society to which it belongs in many months time oreven years, after you have given it a second chance to live the life it was born to.52