Let me introduce to you Snowflake! The poor fell out of its nest and was rescued by a volunteer team in Menorca (Spain, Balearic Island).
This little owl is neither the first one nor the last one who got in such circumstances. Each year a group of volunteers of wildlife protection help these cuties to survive when they lose their homes. Everyone who wishes to join this compassionate mission here is welcomed! It does not matter whether one is an aduld or a pupil at school.
Menorca is registered as a biosphere reserve, so probably that is why the flora and fauna of the island are maximally protected.
This particular owl was taken care by my friend Patrick. He is a member of the voluntary organization and each summer brings some birds home.
The owl was placed in a box (width 15 cm, length 25 cm and height 20 cm) which necessarily had a lid. During first days the bird usually is calm, sitting and tweeting in the box, but with time it becomes bigger and wants to get out. This is the sign that the owl is almost ready to "step onto the next level".
The next level means that the bird is transported to a special center where it is taught how to fly and hunt. At first people will place very visibly rodents for it to catch. In some time when volunteers are sure that the bird is ready to live on its own, they will bring it to the forest and leave free.
I was amazed by Snowflake! It was so friendly and was not afraid of people at all. On the contrary, it was fond when somebody stroked its head. At that moment it closed the eyes and made sweet sounds.
In this picture Snowflake is about 2-3 weeks.
I had a chance to meet this little wonder a few weeks later when it became older (5-6 weeks). Fortunately, my camera was with me, so here are some pictures. Then it looked already like a real owl.
I think this idea of helping poor bird is great and I hope there will be more and more such centers all over the world.
Let's take care about nature as it takes care of us!
See you!