GARY THE CROW IS FLYING HIGH AFTER RECOVERY

BIRD RELEASED AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS RECOVERING AT TORONTO WILDLIFE CENTRE

Now, Gary really has something to crow about.

Newmarket's Gary the crow, rescued Jan. 22 from a tree at Mabel Davis Conservation Area on Bayview Parkway after becoming trapped in string, has been returned to his habitat following weeks of recovery at the Toronto Wildlife Centre.

Sandra Cormier Turnsek had discovered the entangled bird, called in "heroes" to rescue it and named the crow Gary.

She was there March 4 with others who had been following Gary's recovery when the crow took flight from the carrier it arrive in from the centre.

"We applauded, watched with wonder, and after a short time, Gary flew northward, probably to make contact with other crows," she said.

"I assume he'd gotten his bearings and would make his way to the usual roost by evening, where he would reunite with his immediate clan. I hope so!"

Cormier Turnsek had received weekly updates on Gary from the wildlife centre.

Gary had had some swelling and bruising of his left wing, a bit of an eye injury, and parasites, she said.

Once those were treated and when the crow got its appetite back, it was released into a small enclosure to have room to move around a bit and regain his balance, Cormier Turnsek said.

"After a few weeks, the specialists at TWC performed a feather transplant procedure called 'imping,'" she said.

"He got his strength back in a larger outdoor enclosure, and was given lots of stimulation and play time, including hiding his food so he would get enrichment from that activity. Being the only crow at the facility, everyone figured he was easily bored and a bit lonely."

Despite the snowstorm the night of March 3, conditions were perfect the following day to release Gary, who flew to a nearby spruce tree, "ruffled his donated feathers, and made a few circles before settling in another tree to call out for any buddies that might be in the area," Cormier Turnsek said.

"A small part of me hopes that someday he'd return for a visit, but I would probably be unable to pick him out from a crowd. Still, this story has a happy ending."