A dockside owl rescue turned into a successful wildlife handoff after several young barn owls were found nesting in a loft above the water. As they neared the age to leave the nest, there was concern they could fall into the water during their first attempts at flight and drown. Keck Baker transferred them to a licensed wildlife conservationist, who plans to raise and release them back into the wild.
Barn owls are cavity nesters that often take advantage of barns, silos, attics, and other human-made structures when suitable natural nesting sites are scarce. Young barn owls spend several weeks in the nest before fledging, and their first flights can be awkward as they build strength and coordination. During this period, they are especially vulnerable to hazards in their surroundings.
Thanks to the quick rescue, these young owls now have a much better chance of making it to adulthood and eventually returning to the wild. I love how otherworldly they look and sound. I have a feeling that many people's perceived paranormal sightings were just an encounter with a screeching barn owl in the night.
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