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An owl who motivated an autistic child to begin speaking and the man who founded the world's first and foremost owl conservation organization were inducted into the World Owl Hall of Fame at the Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota on March 2, 2007.
Owly, a short-eared owl from Alaska, started on his career path as an educator when he crashed headlong into the floodlight of a fishing boat out on the open ocean during his first migration. After winning over the crew of the boat and the villagers of Saint Paul Island as they all came together to care for the injured raptor, Owly traveled by plane to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, where he received more specialized care.
Owly's easygoing temperament makes him an excellent choice for educating blind and partially sighted people, who can relate to his handicap. But perhaps Owly's biggest achievement came on an occasion when his audience included an autistic child. He was able to connect with this child, apparently, as no human had: the little boy, previously considered to be without language capabilities, ran up to his teacher and spontaneously began asking questions about Owly, astounding parents and teacher alike.
More information is available on the internet:
Bird Treatment and learning Center: www.birdtlc.net
World Owl Trust: www.owls.org
World Owl Hall of Fame: www.globalowlproject.com and click on "Hall of Fame"
Festival of Owls: www.houstonmn.com/owlfest.htm
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