Bird rescue is ‘owl’ in a day’s work

It was “owl” in a day’s work when Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department personnel and Pleasanton police officers rescued a barn owl entangled by a kite line in Pleasanton early Monday morning.

“Owl it takes is teamwork, #Pleasanton,” the Pleasanton Police Department tweeted later after cutting the critter loose that day. “Because of our vigilant residents who spotted this poor owl caught in a kite line, it was quickly rescued by our friends at @LP_FIRE1974. Now, we’re giving it a ride to @lindsaywildlife for a checkup. #animalrescue.”

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 10, residents reported an owl dangling from a light pole around the area of Paseo del Cajon and Calle Enrique near Hansen Park, city of Pleasanton spokesperson Teri Yan told the Weekly.

A video shared by a neighbor on social media showed the nocturnal bird flying in a circle several feet above the street, caught on the nearly invisible kite line and unable to break free.

Pleasanton police and firefighters responded to the scene and, Yan said, “Thankfully, Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department used their engine to reach the owl, cut the kite string” and handed the owl to police for transport.

The owl was brought in for examination to Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, which specializes in wildlife rehabilitation. Police shared a photo of the brown and tan-colored avian en route to the animal hospital, bundled in a navy blanket on top of a cardboard sheet and appearing stunned.

Jennifer Modenessi, spokesperson for Lindsay Wildlife, said that “after arrival, it was examined and radiographs were taken” and their lead wildlife veterinarian determined “there’s some abnormal bone structure and possible partial dislocation of the right shoulder.”

The owl — whose sex cannot be determined because, according to Modenassi, “male and female barn owls can sometimes be distinguished by their feather coloring but not always” — “is being treated with pain medications and the hope is that the partial dislocation will improve with cage rest (aka bed rest).”

Modenessi also said that “in most cases following treatment, patients are moved off site into home care with a volunteer before their return to the wild.”

“We are very grateful to the residents, police and firefighters who worked quickly to rescue the owl,” she added.

The city also expressed its appreciation for “our residents for keeping watch over their neighborhood and spotting the helpless owl” and that they “were happy to assist the poor creature and wish it owl the best during recovery.”