For the unintiated, MARS is the acronym for the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society in the Comox Valley. Despite the cool, damp, drizzle, my wife and I had the privilege of participating in the heart-warming release day of Whitey, the Snowy Owl, Shorty, the Short-eared Owl and Sleepy, the Screech Owl. (I just made those names up for this article.) Release day is always the favorite day at MARS as it means that the many hours of TLC and volunteer effort have resulted in another life saved.

Photograhy note: because of poor lighting, all photos were shot at ISO 3200 (no flash - lots of grain)

HAPPINESS IS RELEASE DAY

Whitey and Sandy enjoyed a few last moments together at MARS before heading off to the release site.

FEELING GOOD AGAIN - Whitey was discovered a week before Christmas near Comox, too weak to fly and covered with external parasites. After rehydration and force-feeding, it wasn't long before he regained his strength and was able to feed himself. In 3 weeks, he had gained over a pound in weight and was healthy enough to be released.

Among the well-wishers was Paul Levesque, a wildlife biologist and owl expert who also banded Whitey before releasing him.

WAKE UP SLEEPY!

Maj had to wake Sleepy up for release day. Sleepy almost slept through her release day in Gold River where she was hit by a car a week ago. She did not suffer any broken bones or damaged organs, but had a possible concussion. After a week of TLC and observation at MARS, it was decided that Sleepy could fend for herself and was scheduled for release back in Gold River.

WHERE'S SHORTY?

There's Shorty back on her own home turf where she had snagged a wing on a barbed wire fence. The result was a large gash of exposed flesh that required medical treatment and stitching. The wound has healed successfully, and she was anxious to be out hunting on her own.

MARS AMBASSADORS

It's an endless and thankless job soliciting support for the non-profit organization, but Sandy now has the assistance of Reddy, the Red-tailed Hawk. Reddy lost his right eye a year ago in a losing collision with a car. After successful rehabilitation, it was decided that Reddy would have a difficult time surviving with his handicap. Because of his very mellow personality, Reddy has proven to be an ideal ambassador for MARS and the birds in their public education program for schools and other organizations.

MARS is a licensed and registered non-profit organization that depends on donations and volunteers for its successful operation. Anyone interested in helping can get details and contact information through the website, wingtips.org

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SOOKE - SOOKE HARBOUR HOUSE