As we are a facility that not only rescues Owls, we would like the general public to be aware that we also receive all Raptors! Call SORCO if you find ANY injured Owl, Eagle, Hawk, Falcon, Vulture or Osprey!

Mission Statement

The South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls exists to conserve birds of prey through rescue, rehabilitation and release in order to sustain a balanced natural environment.

Rescue – Rehabilitate – Release

You are the most important step in an injured bird’s potential recovery and return to the wild. The hazards which cause birds to enter our facilities are often a function of a changing environment. The injuries incurred by these birds are most often human related; and include being hit by a vehicle, electrical contact with power lines, poisoning and gunshot.

As human development continues throughout the Okanagan Valley the environment continues to change and habitat conditions for the wildlife become increasingly stressed. Wildlife rehabilitation is a hands-on conservation effort, and an opportunity to see firsthand the impacts we have had on our wildlife and our environment.

We thank you for your understanding and support and welcome any suggestions.

Long Eared Owls are rare visitors to our centre as we have had only 6 since SORCO started in 1987.

In the words of one of the golfers:

“At first we assumed we had hit one of the crows as it was a good size. Upon reaching the pond I noticed a rather large bird which had actually landed in the pond, and quickly realized with the big yellow eyes looking at us, it was one of the owls. We managed to lift him out of the water, only to have him jump back into the pond where he proceeded to use a breast/wing stroke to swim across the pond. Quite amazing to see. He got into the reeds on the far side of the pond. We lifted him out one more time, and that is where the rescue crew came into play.”

James called me as I am involved with SORCO, the owl rescue & rehabilitation organization. Pat & I went to the Club & together with James & some green fee players we managed to capture him & put him into a cage. One VERY wet owl! We brought him home & he dried out over night. On Friday morning he seemed fine so we took him to the Club to put him back in the same tree. Everything seemed to be fine until I took the towel off. He just he glided down to the ground, took a few hops & went right into the creek! We had to start all over again so Craig got into the creek & with the help of Dan, Pat & some members we managed to capture him again. This time I took him to the SORCO rehab centre near Oliver where he has been dried out & fed. He will be thoroughly examined by a vet to ensure no serious damage has been done.

Late Sunday he is reported to be eating fine.

Here are some photos of the saga. Enjoy.

How he looked on May 12th
This is a photo I took about a month ago.

Thursday June 10th Events
1. First look

2. Swimming. It looks so easy for those ducks!

3. James helping. Really, he was helping!

4. Captured! Anyone got a hair dryer?

Friday June 11th Events
1. Going back home. Think I look like E.T.?

2. Craig & Ray to the rescue.

3. Craig the hero! Wet to the waist.

4. Busted! Now I’m on my way to SORCO.

Do you give a hoot??? Want to help?

We will release “Shadow” back at the Club when he has fully recovered.
However, before he is released “Shadow” will probably need about $500 to cover veterinarian care, food, medical & general operating expenses. SORCO is a registered non-profit charitable organization that relies entirely on public donations to cover operating expenses.

You can help by donating directly by mailing a cheque to:
SORCO
PO Box 1166
Oliver BC
VOH ITO

A charitable donation tax receipt will be mailed directly to you.
OR
Others have given me donations directly.

I will ensure the funds get to SORCO & that you get your tax receipt.

Thank you for all your interest in the rescue & for your financial support.

I will keep you informed as to when the release will take place

When I checked the condition of the eagle there was blood coming from the mouth and nostril and it was then that I informed the gentleman the chances of the eagle surviving was very slim and that we could only do our best at treating the bird.

The next morning when I went to check on his condition the eagle was lying flat on the bottom of the cage with a small pool of blood under the beak and it did not move when I opened the door of the cage. Thinking that the eagle had died as a result of the injuries, I closed the door and went on with my other work.

The next day my daughter came to help at the clinic. I asked her to bag and tag the eagle as all raptors that don’t make it have to be turned in to the Ministry of Environment. I then heard her exclaim, “DAD the eagle is alive and is standing up!” Sure enough the eagle was standing in the cage.

We immediately started to work on rehabilitating the eagle and five months later the eagle was at the point where it would be released back into the wild.

It is important to have the exact location where a raptor is found when injured, which was fifteen kilometers east of Cherryville. I wanted to release it back to where it was initially found as an adult that would be his familiar home territory and his mate may still be there.

On May 15, 2010 we decided that the eagle was ready for release. We transported the eagle to the location where it was found, locating a small side road so that it would be off the highway. Normally, pictures are taken at the release of all raptors however, this raptor must have known it was back to his familiar home territory because as soon as his hood was taken off he wanted to fly. I could not hold on any longer. It was a wonderful and very rewarding release for all of us, to see the results of the hard work and determination to protect and nurture these animals back into their environment.

We will be having a garage sale at the same time so are asking for donations for the garage sale