How many licks?

I don't think this guy knows what a Tootsie pop is.

It's International Migratory Bird Day today and even though Great Horned Owls aren't considered to be your typical migratory bird, there was an attempt to release two rehabilitated owls into the wild at the refuge today (some portions of some populations do migrate short distances, but generally, GHO's stay put year round). However, neither owl was ready and had to be recaptured for release another day.

Now, while I think "rehabbers" are generally decent people and perform a needed service, I have only come into contact with less than a handful that I would consider to be competent. Many seem to be doing it out of a love for animals (or a particular kind of animal, like raptors for instance), or maybe because they can't (or won't) find a regular job. But they really lack an understanding of the ecology, biology, or conservation of the animals they care for. The folks today releasing these birds have been rehabilitators for 18 years, give talks at schools and at functions like the one today, yet they lack even the fundamental knowledge to be effective in disseminating information. Listeners at these events believe these folks to be knowledgable or "expert" when they are not.

I find it disturbing.

[edit]

I also need to be a more better proofreader.