When a family in Arlington, Virginia, walked into their living room one evening, they noticed something unusual about their Christmas tree. The star that usually crowned the top wasn’t missing exactly — it had been unceremoniously shoved aside to make room for a surprise guest.
There, perched at the very top of the tree, was a wild barred owl, illuminated by the glow of twinkling string lights.
The owl, with his large, soulful eyes, appeared calm as he surveyed the room. Somehow, he’d managed to enter the house, likely through the chimney, and made himself at home on the festive perch.
The family’s two young daughters were thrilled by the unexpected visitor, while their father quickly called the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) for assistance.
By the time AWLA officer Sgt. Spencer Murray arrived around 8 p.m., the owl was still resting comfortably among the ornaments. After capturing a few photos of the extraordinary scene, the officer prepared to help the owl safely return to the outdoors.
But the bird had other plans.
“The bird flew around a little bit,” Chelsea Jones, senior communication specialist at AWLA, told The Dodo. “Usually, when that happens, we let them tire themselves out a little bit.”
The owl flitted back and forth between the kitchen and the tree before finally pausing long enough for Sgt. Murray to gently catch him with a net.
Barred owls are common in the Arlington area, but calls about them usually involve injured birds found outdoors. This was the first time the AWLA had been summoned to remove an owl enjoying a holiday stay inside a home.
Sgt. Murray carefully inspected the bird, mindful of its sharp talons and beak, while the family — particularly the two young girls — looked on in fascination. Thankfully, the owl was in excellent health.
After ensuring the bird was unharmed, Sgt. Murray released him outside, where he soared off into the night, likely to find a more owl-appropriate resting spot.
With the owl safely gone, the family returned the star to its rightful place atop the tree, though they’ll surely never forget the magical evening when an owl decided to take its place.
Jones shared a word of advice for others: “As cute and lovely as this story is, we don’t want owls inside people’s houses if they don’t have to be because it’s very stressful for them.” She recommended that homeowners cap their chimneys or close their flues during the colder months to prevent wildlife from wandering in.
For one evening, however, the family and Sgt. Murray experienced a bit of holiday magic, thanks to their unexpected visitor.
“Hands down, this is one of my favorite wildlife calls I’ve ever responded to,” Sgt. Murray said.
It’s a story the family will surely tell for years to come — a little piece of Christmas wonder brought to them by an owl who briefly turned their tree into his own.