This barred owl was brought to the wildlife rehabilitation program at Earthplace late one Sunday afternoon towards the end of 2004. He was found by a good Samaritan on the side of the Merritt Parkway in Westport. The injuries and location suggested that the owl was probably hit by a car. The owl was in extreme shock and the initial prognosis was poor, but after receiving supportive care for many weeks the bird gradually regained its strength. The owl was moved to an outdoor enclosure for re-acclimating to outdoor temperatures and to test its hunting abilities. The barred owl was released on the Earthplace Sanctuary one sunny Saturday in February as the Junior Staff and several hikers looked on.