He needed help, and fast.
Unexpected Visitor on the Windshield
Phil Slagle had just arrived at work when he noticed a surprising sight on his company’s truck—a large, feathered guest perched on one of the windshield wipers.
Initial Discovery
“I recognized it as an owl immediately,” Slagle, who works in sales and operations at Gardner’s Mattress & More in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, said. “I went inside to set down my things, then returned to check on it.” When the owl remained stationary, Slagle became worried.
Seeking Help
Mona, an employee at Vanscoy, Maurer & Bash Diamond Jewelers next door, saw the unusual situation and decided to call for help. She informed the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center about the large owl on the truck’s windshield wiper.
Raven Ridge Wildlife Center shared this update: “Mona reported a big owl on the windshield wiper at Gardner’s Mattresses & More.”
Rescue and Diagnosis
A volunteer from Raven Ridge arrived to rescue the owl, which turned out to be a juvenile male great horned owl. Tracie Young, a wildlife rehabilitator at the center, explained, “The owl was out during the day and clinging to the windshield wipers, which is unusual for a nocturnal bird.”
The examination revealed the owl was severely dehydrated, underweight, and had a wing injury and respiratory infection. Tests also found lead poisoning, which means the owl faces a long recovery period.
Path to Recovery
Despite the challenges, the treatment is helping the owl improve. “The owl is still fighting,” Young said. “We hope he will continue to get better and eventually make a full recovery for release.”