ROGUE WANDERER: Spirit flying, being a witness to freedom

ROGUE WANDERER: Spirit flying, being a witness to freedom

Published 7:00 am Thursday, January 15, 2026

There are instances when digging, aka scrolling, for tales on Facebook pans out. A current likelihood discovery helped flip an in any other case commonplace Saturday into an unusual journey.

For months, or possibly years, I’ve wished to be current on the launch of a rehabilitated wild creature. Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center in Grants Pass has been delighting these lucky sufficient to listen to about these occasions since 1981. I all the time appeared to examine them two or three days after the actual fact. Sigh.

But final week, I noticed that they deliberate to launch an incredible horned owl and it was taking place at Wooldridge Creek Winery close to the place the injured raptor had been discovered. 

There earlier than me was the prospect to not solely see a chicken discharged as entire once more, however to take pleasure in a beautiful drive by the Applegate and sip a glass of wine within the cut price. 

I considered my pal, Denise. I knew she beloved animals and any journey involving a wild creature like this is able to be proper up her avenue. I additionally knew I hadn’t given her a Christmas present. Sometimes, Providence arms us a gold nugget, and says “here.” Sometimes we see them. This was one I acknowledged.

I texted Denise proper off and lo, miracle of miracles, Ms. Social Diva’s Saturday lay extensive open. I made a decision to make this present a DU or “destination unknown.” It was acceptable since I obtained the concept from her. With a DU, the recipient has no clue the place they’re going. Not the type that occurs to me at residence. This is totally different. They could get clues about acceptable attire, however that’s it. She had no thought what was in retailer.  

The afternoon solar shone vibrant with promise and we talked all over the Applegate Valley. We have been pleased with the drive and chat session alone. I felt the thrill of an individual about to spring a optimistic delight on a good friend realizing she’d like it. 

Cars continued to pour into this rural, out-of-the-way vineyard. I knew it was all for Mr. Owl, however Denise commented on the distinctive crowd. Before getting into the vineyard, I requested her to chorus from conversing with anybody there. I didn’t desire a tip-off.  

We waited in an extended line to order our wine, and the temptation to carry up such a enjoyable shared topic proved an excessive amount of for the good man in entrance of us. Sure sufficient, he requested us concerning the owl launch and the shock was sprung. It was nonetheless a shock, after which we moved to the enjoyable of anticipation. We obtained excited and commenced attempting to guess the place the owl can be let go. 

Dave Siddon, government director of Wildlife Images, arrived with Lily Trimble, one other employee, to get the occasion began. By then, we have been totally astounded by how many individuals confirmed up and continued to reach for this pure spectacle. We estimated that 200-300 like-minded nature-lovers had joined us.

Dave and Lily defined how the owl, affected person quantity 774 for the 12 months, had been introduced in on Dec. 4 and had apparently been hit by a automobile. The chicken had important head trauma, a fractured toe and blood in his mouth suggesting bruised lungs. Upon arrival, he was dehydrated, exhibited an eye fixed squint, head tilt, and a critical concern together with his ear. Plus, he was depressed. Well, I assume so! 

Treatment included heat and fluids, ache treatment, x-rays and diet when he was capable of take it. He confirmed day by day enhancements, ultimately hissing and getting indignant together with his handlers — a superb signal. At final, 774 was capable of fly properly and go after dwell prey. The workforce deemed him able to return to his homeland.

We watched from behind a fence. There have been smiles throughout. The crowd stood quiet and respectful within the shared data that all of us wished the identical factor — to see this magnificent creature return to its residence. I’ve Denise to thank for capturing the second on her telephone.  

When the massive man flew from the enclosure, our spirits flew with him. We stretched our wings and joined in its freedom. A subdued however particular cheer rose as we noticed him land far off in a tall evergreen. We wished him properly. 

Much heartfelt gratitude goes to Wildlife Images for the high-quality work they do. 

Denise and I agreed that it’s these distinctive instances that set up lasting recollections, and I used to be glad to have shared this one along with her. 

Peggy Dover is a contract author/creator/nature-lover. Reach her at [email protected].