Last month, when a baby great horned owl took a tumble from its nest, Willowbrook Wildlife Center stepped in to lend a helping hand. Upon arriving at the scene, rescuers quickly realized the reason behind the owlet’s fall — its nest was in a sorry state.
Sarah Reich, head veterinarian and manager at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, explained that it’s not uncommon for great horned owl nestlings to experience mishaps due to subpar nests. Unlike some birds, great horned owls don’t construct their own nests; instead, they rely on repurposed nests abandoned by other creatures, often finding themselves in less-than-ideal conditions.
Fortunately, the owlet emerged unscathed from the fall. Following a comprehensive examination and nourishing meals at the rescue facility, it was back to its old self in no time.
While the rescuers could have opted to return the owlet to its dilapidated nest, they recognized the potential risks involved. Not only would it have jeopardized the safety of the fallen owlet, but also posed a threat to its sibling still perched in the nest.
Rather than keeping the young owl at the rescue facility, the rescuers made a thoughtful decision not to habituate it to human interaction. Recognizing that owlets thrive best when raised by their own kind, the team at Willowbrook Wildlife Center opted for a more proactive approach.
“We always tell people that mom does it best,” Reich emphasized.
Taking this principle to heart, the Willowbrook Wildlife team embarked on an extraordinary endeavor for the baby owl. They constructed a sturdy wooden platform to serve as a brand-new nest, ensuring the safety and comfort of the entire owl family. This thoughtful solution allowed the baby owl to be safely reunited with its parents, fostering a natural and nurturing environment for its development.
Before transferring the baby owls to the new nest, the rescuers ensured it was as comforting and inviting as possible. They filled it with straw and added some mice for the family to snack on.
This wasn’t the first time the center had constructed a new nest for great horned owls; they’ve built many similar platforms for other families. It’s an effort that has yielded long-lasting benefits, supporting numerous generations of owls. “We receive reports years down the line where people mention that animals have returned to these platforms year after year to build their nests,” Reich remarked.
Shortly after the babies were placed in the nest, the parents rejoined them. In no time, the whole family had settled into their new home. Now, the owlets can grow up without the worry of any more falls.