Courthouse owl released

Photo: Contributed

The great horned owl rescued from the Penticton Court House in the spring is now back in the wild.

The South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls, SORCO, released the owl, named Jeanie, in a clearing at the Garnet Fire Interpretive park (opposite Lost Moose) on July 18.

"It's incredible, but it can be sad at the same time, because we've been rehabilitating the bird, " said SORCO manager Dale Belvedere, of the release. "But it's satisfying to see our work has paid off."

After initially being observed by Sheriff Don White, the chick was rescued from the court house stairs on April 18 by SORCO.

At that time she was considered a fledger, a bird learning to fly, that just can’t quite get the height and lands on the ground.

Normally SORCO would not rescue these birds if parents are around as they will take care of their young,

But in Jeanie’s case, she was in a public area, weighed 1.19 kilos and was approximately 8-weeks-old.

Jeanie was hand fed by SORCO volunteers until she learned to feed on her own, within approximately 10 days.

She was then put into a flight pen where she learned how to fly and hunt.

On July 18, the release day, Jeanie didn’t hesitate, off she flew, watched by volunteers and members of the public.

Photo: Contributed - Don White

Jeanie when she was first observed at the court house