From Skywatch Bird Rescue [Facebook]

Guess who? We have another feathered face to introduce you to! This fledgling Eastern Screech Owl has a sad story, but a happier ending.

This owl was found on the ground as a nestling by a member of the public, causing them to worry that he was injured or orphaned. While the finder was well-meaning and wanted to help, rather than calling us or another facility for advice, they decided to try to raise him at home for several weeks. They then brought him to us, assuring us that he was “almost ready for release” which, unfortunately, he was far from. As soon as we examined him, we noticed that he had no fear of humans and was heavily imprinted on them, immediately trying to preen and perch on us.

While this owl is physically normal aside from needing some nutritional corrections, this mental “affliction” deems him non-releasable and stripped him of his freedom to live the wild life he deserves. He never learned how to communicate with his species, or how his species hunts or evades predators. He never learned what different prey looks like and was initially scared of the food we offered. He instead thinks that he is a human.

Please, if you ever find a baby bird that you believe is orphaned, call us or your closest licensed facility right away first to easily avoid a similar mistake. While hundreds of baby birds need help each year, thousands do not. We can talk you through your specific situation and alleviate your concerns. It is not only illegal to try to raise a wild bird at home, but it is unethical to put our own emotions or attachments to a bird over what is in their best interest. This owl is incredibly lucky that he does not have any physical deformities, as the majority of finder-raised birds do not develop properly, and do not survive to adulthood.