Superbowl

From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center

We now nave two baby owis. we received a call from Doris about a baby owl found on the ground, and she sent photos to confirm its identity. Some trees had been cut down, and the owlet was alone, with no siblings or parents in sight. The owl sat on the ground for three davs and needed assistance. When we rescued the owlet, it was dehydrated and had brush stuck in its feathers, which were quite messy.

The owlet is now in the care of Pharaoh and is doing much better. It is more responsive since being placed with an adult owl and another baby. This time of year is typical for finding baby great-horned owls on the ground.

Currently, this little owl is still considered a nestling and is not ready to fledge. After leaving the nest at around five weeks old, fledglings begin to explore nearby branches and usually learn to fly by about nine to ten weeks of age. They stay close to their parents for several months to learn hunting skills.

At approximately one month old, this owlet cannot survive independently and hasn't developed the ability to climb back into the trees. Great-horned owls typically spend about five weeks in the nest before venturing out into the surrounding branches. During weeks nine and ten, they start to learn to fly. As they become more mobile, fledgling owls engage in short flights, often spend time on the ground, and can climb back to safety.

Even once they are fully capable of flight, owlets must learn how to hunt. They remain with their parents for several months, receiving care and guidance before they are ready to live independently in the wild.