54.7 F
The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Lake County firefighters rescue, help release injured owl back into wild

When Lake County Fire Rescue Lt. Robert Staab and Firefighter Brian Tindell rescued a barred owl they named “Lucky” from the grill of resident Laura McQuilkin’s Dodge pickup truck in December, they never thought they would see him fly again.

grill“We expected more of a body removal than a rescue. We got there, took a flashlight and looked at the front of the truck and there he was looking back at us,” said Lt. Staab.

After consulting with wildlife experts, the firefighters wrapped the owl in a jacket, took him back to the station, placed him in a dog kennel and transported Lucky to the Avian Rehabilitation Center in Apopka.

Though it took nearly a month, Lucky was nursed back to health and soon healed from a fractured tibia. And on Saturday, McQuilkin joined the firefighters and Lucky’s rehabilitation team in releasing the owl at Gilbert Park in Mount Dora.

Moved to tears, McQuilkin said,” I’m excited beyond words. He’s just such a beautiful owl. I’m so happy he’s ok.”

Firefighter Tindell was also thrilled to be an integral part of the owl’s rescue through rehab.

“It was a unique experience. I won’t forget it,” he said.

Laura McQuilkin, firefighters Brian Tindell, William Hammer and Robert Staab, from left, hold Lucky moments before his relief.
Laura McQuilkin, firefighters Brian Tindell, William Hammer and Robert Staab, from left, hold Lucky moments before his release.

Karen’s explanation raises more questions

A reader from Summerfield has a followup to Karen Hoerauf’s latest explanation about her intent with her original letter about flags.

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.