📅 Sunday, February 1, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ Free and open to all
👉 Please RSVP at www.onsc.us/events-1/lf-barred-owl-release
📍 ONSC at Lake Fayetteville: 599 E Lakeview Dr, Springdale
🅿️ Parking is limited! Please read this parking information for overflow parking options:
https://tinyurl.com/ONSC-LF-Parking
A young barred owl is getting a second chance after being rescued from fishing line at Lake Fayetteville.
After discovering the owl hanging over the lake and tangled in discarded line, ONSC staff and the Lake Fayetteville Marina worked together to rescue the owl and transport it to Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation. Months later, the owl underwent a rare feather transplant to restore its ability to fly.
This incredible owl is now returning to the wild on Sunday, February 1 at 3pm. Join us for this unique celebration! The event is free and open to the public.
Members of the public and the media are invited to attend to help raise awareness about the dangers that discarded fishing line, hooks, and lures pose to wildlife, and the importance of responsible disposal to protect our local ecosystems.
Event Schedule:
3PM: arrival, welcome
3:15PM: About Ozark Natural Science Center
3:25PM: About Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation
3:35PM: Lesson about the impact of discarded fishing supplies on wildlife
3:50PM: Barred Owl Release
Background Information:
Last summer, Ozark Natural Science Center staff rescued a juvenile barred owl from Lake Fayetteville after it became trapped in discarded fishing line tangled in a tree. The owl was caught mid-flight and hung for more than an hour, with part of its body submerged in the water. Thanks to quick action by ONSC staff and support from the Lake Fayetteville Marina, the owl was safely removed and transported to Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation.
Veterinary exams revealed serious injuries, including eye damage, feather entanglement, severe swelling, suspected water aspiration, and a possible pelvic injury. While the owl initially stabilized, it later suffered severe feather loss that made flight impossible.
To give the owl a chance at release, Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation performed a rare and delicate feather transplant, known as imping. Donor feathers came from another barred owl of similar size that could not be released due to injury. The procedure was successful. The owl recovered under close supervision, then was transferred to Morning Star Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to gain strength and pass its flight test.
Read the full press release here: www.onsc.us/news
About Ozark Natural Science Center:
ONSC offers a unique, immersion-based approach to learning about nature and the natural sciences. Students visit us for authentic science learning experiences that are correlated with national and state science learning standards and provide in-depth education in biology, ecology, geology, social studies, and nature art – all while students have fun hiking and experiencing nature. Camp activities include hikes, team-building, games, art, and small-group activities.
About Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation:
Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation is a NWA based 501c3 organization dedicated to providing medical care to injured avian wildlife while promoting environmental conservation through community involvement and education. Learn more at www.northsongbird.org
Questions?
Rose Brown, Executive Director
Ozark Natural Science Center
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479-202-0692
Dr. Emily Warman, Veterinarian
Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation
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