Great Horned Owlet Gets Help from TRC

We'd like to share a story about a baby raptor patient that got some help from TRC.   If this spring and summer is like most, we will see more than 120 young raptors that will need our expertise.  Will you help The Raptor Center care for and treat these young birds? Please make a springtime gift to our baby shower fund. If TRC can raise $20,000 by Friday, June 16, TRC  board of advisor member, Teresa Daly and her husband Greg Konat, will contribute $5,000 to help baby raptors.

Great horned owlet in new nest in TRC's clinic.

This is the owlet after being settled into new
nest and tree.

As you may already know, owls do not build their own nests. They may move into a stick nest used by crows or hawks the previous year, or they may find a suitable tree cavity in which to lay their eggs.

Previously used stick nests are usually sufficient to support the female while she incubates the eggs*, but as the youngsters grow, the nest can no longer support the increased activity and youngsters often come out prematurely. Strong spring storms and spring landscaping, such as tree removal, add to the challenges nestling owls may face.

This little great horned owlet (first photo) was found in a Minneapolis metro yard after its nest structure was blown down by high winds. Terry Headley, one of TRC’s volunteers, constructed a new nest that would be sturdy and provide proper drainage during our wet spring season. The owlet was placed in the structure in TRC’s treatment room to ensure its new nest was the correct size.

Terry then transported the owlet back to its Minneapolis home. After securing the new nest to a tree, she took a quick photo (second photo) and left so the owl family could be reunited.