Plenty of people enjoy playing a game of golf at the Lost Creek Country Club in Austin, and it often occurs that golf balls make their way into the water. However, the golf course superintendent of the club was surprised to see a great horned owl stuck in the water instead which was trapped by a fishing line.
Without a doubt, he decided to rescue the majestic bird out of his predicament.
A staff member of the country club filmed the entire rescue and posted it online. Superintendent Craig Loving had no intention of going into the water when he started his working day but didn’t hesitate for a second to volunteer when he saw the owl stuck in an unfortunate position.
The owl had been stuck there all night long, but could only be helped in the morning. The bird was wrapped into a fishing line and couldn’t move or try to get away. Luckily for the owl, Craig passed by. Realizing that a rescue might still be hours away, Craig decided to do his best and see what he could do to save the owl.
“The owl had been sitting in that location all night and into the day, when two of our employees, Devin and Dora, realized the owl was caught on fishing line. No wildlife rescue professionals were available, so Craig saved the day. Lost Creek Country Club cares about wildlife, and we are so thankful this owl was saved! Great job, Craig!” one of the representatives of the country club posted on their Facebook page.
Craig gets comfortable and goes right into the cold water and slowly approached the owl with caution. With his talons sharp, the owl was ready to attack but remained calm during the rescue. Owls can have a quite aggressive behavior towards humans, but it seems like this owl could sense that Craig had no bad intentions and he was just there to help.
Armed with a pair of pliers, Craig managed to get the fishing line loose. It was still wrapped around the owl pretty good, so he had to lift his wings while unwrapping the line.
“He kept slamming his beak down… but I kind of talked to it a little bit,” Craig said. “So we got a shovel and took the shovel handle and used it as a perch, then I walked him out of there.”
When the owl was finally freed, he rested on the shovel until Craig finally pulled him out of the water and back to land. The moment when the owl was able to fly away again thanks to Craig’s rescue definitely felt like a proud victory for the superintendent.
“A little intimidating, especially when his beak started snapping at me, but it was cool, it was definitely very cool!” he says about their encounter.
A courageous and selfless rescue!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
