What to do if you find a young Tawny Owl.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
This time of year it's not uncommon to find young birds on the ground, most probably in close proximity to their nest.Tawny owls have a habit of 'branching' out from the nest at a very young age. Usual branching occurs after 4 weeks about a week or so before they are capable of flying. During this period the chicks quite often fall to the ground.
People finding young owlets in this situation often think the owl is in trouble, however in the vast majority of instances this is not the case.
It is not unknown for Tawny owls to nest on the ground, although this is rare.
A Tawny owl chick being ringed.
The Barn Owl Trust have produced a very informative guide to what you should do. You can download the guide from their website. Below is a quick guide of their advice.
- It is very important to remember (or find out) exactly where the owlet was picked up.
- If the owlet was found in woodland or near trees in March, April or May, it is almost certainly a young Tawny Owl.
- It is perfectly natural for Tawny owlets to be out of the nest before they can fly.
- Young Tawny owls are very good climbers and the are quite capable of getting back up to the nest under their own steam after dark.
- Adult Tawny Owls will feed their young wherever they are - even on the ground.
- By far the best thing is to take the owl back to where it was found (but after you've read the Bawn Owl Trust leaflet).
- The owlet will not be rejected by its parents because it's been handled by humans - they have very little sense of smell.
- Hand rearing the owlet and releasing it later is NOT the best thing for it.
If you are unsure of what to do seek advice from a local vet or the RSPCA, they are likely to know someone locally who has experience of handling owls.
