From Freedom First
It’s that time of year…Molt time! Birds of prey molt their feathers annually. We provide extra calories and rest from programs when birds are entering deep molt. It looks like Simon, the screech owl will be on vacation for a bit!
He looks so tattered!
He’s so pathetic! 🥰
It’s usually the most noticeable on areas like the head where the feathers aren’t used for flying because they can be shed faster.
This little one though looks to have noticeable molt in both wings and possibly the tail as well, where it is usually only a feather or so at a time here and there. If they lose you many in those places, they won’t be able to fly well, and that would make their survival more challenging.
He’s a sample molt pattern from some type of large bird that shows how crucial feathers are shed to avoid having these bald patches.
music: Wagner: Molt of the Valkyries
I think you gotta stick with pure all hair or no hair on your battlemaidens. A patchy head says “crazy” more than “fierce.” 😜
