Tennessee State Park Ranger Jessie McNeil, pictured here, announced today that the name selected for South Cumberland State Park’s recently acquired barred owl is “Bard the Bowman.” The name comes from The Hobbit.
The rescued barred owl, which cannot fly because of an injured wing, arrived last week and is getting accustomed to the aviary built for him at the park Visitors Center between Monteagle and Tracy City. The owl, being trained by McNeil, will be used for educational programs.
A grand opening for the new aviary is set for April 16.