It’s an owl rescue!
Two weeks ago, a great horned owl owlet fell from its nest and was taken to Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center to make sure it was uninjured. After a quick checkup, the owlet was brought back to the Nature Center to be reunited with its nest. An orphaned owlet being cared for at the wildlife center was also brought along, with the goal of fostering it alongside the other owlets.
An arborist climbed the tree and used ropes to bring up supplies. Two owlets were already in the nest and were temporarily placed in a bucket while a large basket was installed to replace the small nest and help prevent future falls. Once everything was in place, the four owlets were settled together in their new nest.
One owlet immediately hopped onto a nearby branch, showing an important milestone called the fledging stage. This usually happens around 6 to 7 weeks of age. At this point, young owls begin leaving the nest to explore their surroundings. Although they are not strong fliers yet, they practice climbing, hopping, and short flights while still relying on their parents for food and protection.
As they grow, these young owls enter a more independent stage. During this time, they begin learning to hunt on their own by watching their parents and practicing short hunting attempts. Over the following weeks, their skills improve, and they gradually become more self-sufficient before eventually leaving the area to establish their own territories in late summer and early fall.
Interested in similar topics? Explore more articles tagged with Birds, Winter Birds, Raptors, Owls, and Baby Animals.
