I've Got Work to Do!

From Ojai Raptor Center

Some young Great Horned Owls choose tree branches. Others choose… heavy machinery.

This Great Horned Owl fledgling was found perched on the seat of a digger, looking very much like it had important work to do. Thankfully, the finder contacted us for assessment, and we were able to determine this was a healthy fledgling, and the owl was left to continue on with it’s important owl work.

This is the time of year when fledglings are leaving the nest, exploring their surroundings, and sometimes showing up in the oddest places. In many cases, young birds like this one are healthy and doing exactly what they are supposed to do.

If you find a young bird or other wildlife that appears to be in distress, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening. What looks like an emergency is not always one, and sometimes the best outcome is to leave the animal right where it is. Photos and videos help us assess the situation, determine whether the animal truly needs rescue, and decide when it is safer and better to let parents continue doing their job.