Great-Horned Owl Intake/Release: Owlet Fledges Successfully!

By: Kristen Lamb, Rehabilitation Staff

Last spring, a family out walking in the woods in Dover came upon two Great-horned owl nestlings on the ground. Only one was alive and alert but it was also completely helpless – and vulnerable. Observing no parents in the area, the family scooped the owlet up in a blanket and called the police department. Kathy Ladisheff, the Animal Control Officer (and former CFW staff member), transported it to us. We estimated the nestling’s age at about 10-days old, based on feather development and optical responsiveness. She was fully covered in down-feathers and her eyes were open but had limited focusing capability (great horned owls are not able to focus well for 14-17 days).

This baby presented us with a special challenge as raptors are very susceptible to human imprinting, where too much contact with humans during the early stages of their development may lead to them to take on human characteristics and to grow up with no fear of humans. We were determined not to let this happen. Fortunately, the Center has two non-releasable great horned owl residents who can act as foster parents when needed. After spending some time inside our clinic, the nestling was set up in a nest box that we constructed within the outdoor enclosure where the adults reside. The nest box is fastened 15 feet in the air so that it mimics a tree cavity – the type of habitat where great horned owls typically nest. The front of the box is wire mesh enabling the owlet to observe the flight and behavior of the adults from the safety of its own enclosure. During this time, the only contact with humans the owlet had was a gloved hand coming into the nest box to feed her several times a day. Once she reached the fledgling stage we removed the mesh so that she could move outside her box and begin to fledge in the presence of the two adults. At this point she was able to eat mice on her own and no longer required hand feeding.

The adults took well to her and often when we entered the cage they would sit in front of her protectively. She remained in the enclosure honing her flying skills until all of her flight feathers had fully grown in. We then transferred her to a separate flight enclosure so that she could begin the process of learning to feed on mice, which she would have to hunt on her own. In the wild, Great-horned owls are among the most successful predators in North America. They seek a variety of prey, including rabbits, mice, opossums, muskrats, woodchucks, squirrels, porcupines, skunks, ducks, geese, herons, grouse, and much more. In late September, once the owlet was successfully hunting on her own we were confident that she would fare well in the wild and was ready to be released. Great-horned owls have a wide variety of habitat choices and are remarkably adaptable. They often prefer mature and second growth forest edges, forested wetlands, and agricultural fields. We chose to release her in Saco on a farm with adjoining woods. We released her at dusk and she flew beautifully, probably off to hunt something other than mice for a change!

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The Center tries to give much needed care but still allow the animals to be wild, with the intention of letting them go when they are ready to care for themselves. Too much "love" can result in a baby animal imprinting on the humans caring for it and that makes it difficult to release. If you find an animal that seems to be in need, keep an eye on it for while before you decide to take it in. Sometimes, Mom is right around the corner and will retrieve a baby in a short while. If you do decide to intervene, call the Center and get instructions on how to properly handle the animal or call the Animal Control officer in your town.