Great Horned Owlets and What You Can Do to Help

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 in the 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 (the second photo in this blog) and left so the owl family could be reunited.

What you can do to help

Give a gift today to help baby raptors.  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.


This is just the beginning of baby season for raptors in Minnesota. There are four major things you can do to help pave the way for this annual event to be a little smoother for our feathered friends:

1. Postpone cutting down trees.
2. Reduce the risk of entanglement.
3. View from a distance.
4. Check if a baby really needs help.

If you suspect a young raptor may need assistance, please call TRC if you are in our area, or call your state natural resource department or local rehabilitator for consultation. Learn more about how to help.