Barn owl in the sea

[OutFlying]

A friend in Greece (ex neighbour) is seeking advice regarding treatment and care for an owl he found in the sea today. I don't know any facts or details regarding the birds condition - just had a text message asking for help and advice.

Any help most appreciated.

Outflying.

[LanczSpringer]

Sorry cant help on treatment but if i remeber correctly the barn owl was orignally from the shore line rock face moving into land with the erection of barns hence its name!
I wouldnt say its unusual to find them in the sea?
maybe one of the vet's off here could advise?

[OutFlying]

I haven't seen it, so can't even guarantee its a barn owl. One thing is certain - its an owl and it was found in the sea ................ :(

[Wightwings]

bloody heck.......thats a shame. not a vet but would suggest he sees one asap.....meanwhile keep swarm and tube glucose or similar ( suger water)

[OutFlying]

WW, below is an email off him at 9-30 tonight.

Owl appears to be in good condition, it looks very young, maybe just out of the nest. It flew down the beach among all the tourists and landed about 20 yards from me. It then took off but was having trouble gaining height, it then tried to land on the water about 15 yards off shore. I think this was it's maiden flight,

I went straight into the water to retrieve it so it was only there about 2 - 3 minutes and although it's feathers were water logged it had it's head above water all the time and I don't think it swallowed much.

I have it in a box at the moment, it was having trouble standing when I got it home and we had no meat in the fridge so I gave it a small teaspoon of cat food (all meat and jelly) and it has eaten it while we have been out and it is now up on it's feet and looks a lot healthier.

If this was it's maiden flight as I suspect I'm a little concerned that it may not be able to fend for it's self when I release it. I know Owls are very light birds but this one can't weigh more than a couple of ounces, which is another reason I think it is very young.

Thanks for the advice and any other advice you can give me will be much appreciated.

[Wightwings]

sounds similar to a barny brought to us a few years back found under a tree. We nursed it for a while but eventually it passed and our vet did an autopsy out of interest. this one was totally infested with worms and we deduced it had been cast out as a runt.

sometimes nature knows whats best im afraid.

it does sound like this one is a bit stronger, i would urge MINIMIL contact, observation and if it picks up quick release near to were it was found. You hear SOOOOOO many stories of peeps picking up birds they think are in distress when their parents are prob sat in the tree above them thinking "what you up to leave our kid alone to learn"

I know this is diff situation but would still urge quick release. just my opinions hope they help a little..........