Newton

Newton

Species: Eastern Screech-Owl

Nicknames: Newt

Sex: Presumed male

Hatched: Unknown

Arrived: 2019

Condition: Wing and leg injuries (cause unknown)

Newton’s Story:

Newton was found in the wild with a wing injury and admitted to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge for treatment. The cause of his injury was unknown, but the most likely culprits are a vehicle collision or attack by a larger animal. His injury was treated at Shades of Hope and he was released into the wild.

Several weeks later an Eastern Screech-Owl was admitted to Shades of Hope with a wing and leg injury, and staff were surprised to discover that it was the very same bird! His body condition suggested that he had been hunting successfully in the wild, but he had clearly run into another spell of bad luck.

Unfortuantely this second incident left Newton with some permanent damage to his wing and leg, and it was determined that he should not be released into the wild. He joined Wild Ontario early in 2019 and began his training to become an educational ambassador. Newton’s small size and adorable face make him a hit with every audience, and he helps us to teach about an owl species that you could find in your own backyard!

Eastern Screech-Owls are probably the most common owl in Ontario, as they can make their home in nearly any forest, woodlot, or park. They are small but versatile hunters, eating anything from insects to mammals and birds. Contrary to their name they do not screech, but instead whistle and whinny during their mating season.