Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) - fledgling
Meet Charlie.
Charlie was named by the caring people in his neighborhood who frequently saw him hopping around on their lawns, porches and fences. Everybody loved Charlie! When Charlie went missing couple days ago, his people got worried. Being a curious young one he decided to hop the fence, ending up on the wrong side of that fence, amongst cars speeding by like there's no tomorrow. Charlie had his Guardian Angel right there with him, maybe sitting on his shoulder, telling him not to panic but watch and wait, help will come. And it did, in a form of yet another caring and observant human who brought this youngster to the local wildlife center.
Charlie was healthy, well fed, spunky and feisty. His parents had been doing a great job feeding and raising him.
Last night I had a pleasure reuniting Charlie with his owl and neighborhood family. Everyone was respectful of his space and inner wild owl even though he was growing up close to people.
When Great Horned Owlets (owls in general) reach a branchling age they step out from the safety of the nest and start exploring the surrounding world. They are more frequently seen in our yards now as humans are constantly expanding their territory and taking over woods and fields that once belonged to wildlife. This owlet here, even though he looks quite grown, is a fledgling learning to fly. His parents still feed and care for him. The branchling and fledgling owlets are experts in climbing trees, using their sharp talons and beaks. If you find an owlet hopping on the ground it's best to leave him alone... unless the owlet is like Charlie, in a dangerous situation or appears injured. Magical, lucky Charlie.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) - fledgling
Meet Charlie.
Charlie was named by the caring people in his neighborhood who frequently saw him hopping around on their lawns, porches and fences. Everybody loved Charlie! When Charlie went missing couple days ago, his people got worried. Being a curious young one he decided to hop the fence, ending up on the wrong side of that fence, amongst cars speeding by like there's no tomorrow. Charlie had his Guardian Angel right there with him, maybe sitting on his shoulder, telling him not to panic but watch and wait, help will come. And it did, in a form of yet another caring and observant human who brought this youngster to the local wildlife center.
Charlie was healthy, well fed, spunky and feisty. His parents had been doing a great job feeding and raising him.
Last night I had a pleasure reuniting Charlie with his owl and neighborhood family. Everyone was respectful of his space and inner wild owl even though he was growing up close to people.
When Great Horned Owlets (owls in general) reach a branchling age they step out from the safety of the nest and start exploring the surrounding world. They are more frequently seen in our yards now as humans are constantly expanding their territory and taking over woods and fields that once belonged to wildlife. This owlet here, even though he looks quite grown, is a fledgling learning to fly. His parents still feed and care for him. The branchling and fledgling owlets are experts in climbing trees, using their sharp talons and beaks. If you find an owlet hopping on the ground it's best to leave him alone... unless the owlet is like Charlie, in a dangerous situation or appears injured. Magical, lucky Charlie.