It was a cold day as the winter continued its grip on Montana. A man was driving to work in his silver truck. In the distance he saw a creature lying at the edge of the road. Just were the smooth pavement turned rough to meet the snowy grass that spread into field. Slowly he approached the spot of the creature’s painful accident. As the tires crunched across loose rocks the driver noticed details on the creature, black specks covered the dusty white feathers of a bird. The bird lay on its side with its head pointing towards the field. The wide open flat face of an owl turned to look at the monster that approached.

When the man realized what creature had been hit him immediately pulled over to look closer. A small hoot escaped the bird’s golden beak. “It’s alive” the man said in surprise. He quickly pulled out his used phone and called the police to report the animal. The black and white car pulled into a spot next to the taller truck. An officer got out and walked towards the scene. They discussed what had happened. The officer gave the animal shelter a call about the bird. After much talking he got the number of a much talking he got the number of a bird lady. Getting the number he promised to swing by with the injured animal.

Thanks to the swift arrival and transportation of the owl it got safely to the care taker. The owl, now named Harold, recovered under the care of Sheila. His wing healed enough for him to make small flights around the pen. Unfortunately he will never be able to make long journeys ever again, due to a careless driver who still remains a mystery.