Barn Owls, with their distinctive heart-shaped faces and silent flight, are among the most iconic birds of prey in the world. While encountering a young Barn Owl, also known as an owlet, can be an enchanting experience, it is essential to know how to handle the situation appropriately. Owlets that are found out of their nests are often in a vulnerable state, and understanding the correct steps to take can mean the difference between life and death for these delicate creatures.
In this guide, we will delve into the essential steps to take if you find a young Barn Owl, covering everything from legal considerations to assessing the owlet’s health, finding the nest, and ensuring the owl’s best chance of survival. This comprehensive article will provide you with all the information you need to ensure that you handle the situation with care and responsibility.
Understanding the Barn Owl’s Behavior and Nesting Habits
Before taking any action, it’s important to understand the behaviour and nesting habits of Barn Owls. These nocturnal birds are typically found in open country, including farmlands, grasslands, and woodlands. Barn Owls nest in various locations, such as tree cavities, old buildings, and purpose-built nest boxes. They do not build traditional nests but instead lay their eggs on a layer of regurgitated pellets and other debris.
Barn Owlets usually remain in the nest until they are around 8 weeks old when they begin to fly. Adult Barn Owls will almost exclusively feed their young in the nest, meaning that owlets found on the ground are likely in trouble.
The Importance of Finding the Nest Location
One of the most critical aspects of helping a young Barn Owl is determining where it was found. It is not normal for young Barn Owls to leave the nest before they are ready to fly. If you find an owlet on the ground, it is usually not a good idea to leave it alone, as it will likely not receive care from its parents and could die without intervention.
Step 1: Locate the Nest
If you find a young Barn Owl on the ground, the first step is to locate the nest. This is crucial because returning the owlet to its nest is the best course of action. Owlets that are too young to fly must be placed back in the nest as soon as possible. Contrary to popular belief, handling an owlet will not cause the parents to reject it, as Barn Owls have a very weak sense of smell.
Step 2: Assess the Nest’s Accessibility
Once you’ve identified the nest, assess whether it is accessible. Most Barn Owl nests are located in elevated positions, such as tree cavities or loft spaces. If the nest is within reach, you can carefully place the owlet back inside. If the nest is in an inaccessible location, or if you’re unsure of the exact nest location, you may need to seek assistance from a wildlife rehabilitator or a local conservation group that specializes in birds of prey.
Legal Considerations: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Before proceeding, it’s important to be aware of the legal considerations surrounding the handling of Barn Owls. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to willfully disturb nesting Barn Owls, including removing, damaging, or disturbing their nests, eggs, or young. However, there is an exception for returning an owlet to its nest on a single occasion. Repeated visits to the nest would require a license issued by the appropriate Country Agency, such as Natural England or Scottish Natural Heritage.
While the law is strict to protect these vulnerable birds, it recognizes that returning a fallen owlet to its nest is a responsible action. If you are unsure about the legality of your actions, it’s always best to contact a local wildlife authority for guidance.
Assessing the Health of the Young Barn Owl
If you find an owlet on the ground, it’s important to assess its health before attempting to return it to the nest. Owlets can be fragile, and their condition will determine the best course of action.
Initial Observations
When you first find the owlet, observe its behavior and physical condition. A healthy owlet will typically be alert, with bright eyes, and may make defensive hissing or bill-snapping sounds if approached. Its feathers should be clean and free of parasites, and its body should appear well-rounded, not emaciated.
Handling the Owlet
If the owlet appears healthy, you can perform a more thorough examination. Place the owlet on its back in the palm of your hand, with its feet pointing away from you. Gently encircle its legs and wing tips with your thumb and index finger to prevent it from wriggling. With your other hand, feel the breastbone (a raised bony ridge running down the middle of the chest). The breastbone should not protrude significantly above the muscles on either side. If it does, this may indicate that the owlet has been underfed.
Checking for Injuries
Next, check the owlet for any obvious injuries. Gently spread its wings to ensure they retract normally, and check that both legs move freely. The owlet’s eyes should be symmetrical and clear. If one wing, leg, or eye appears different from the other, the owlet may need medical attention from a veterinarian or an experienced wildlife rehabilitator.
What to Do if the Owlet Is Unhealthy or Injured
If the owlet is severely emaciated, injured, or unresponsive, it will need immediate care. In such cases, do not attempt to return it to the nest. Instead, contact a wildlife rehabilitator who has the expertise to provide the necessary care.
Emergency Feeding and Hydration
In emergencies, you may need to provide temporary care until you can get the owlet to a professional. Owlets that have not eaten recently will be dehydrated, which is life-threatening. If you must feed the owlet, raw poultry meat or lean beef can be used as a temporary solution. However, avoid feeding it for more than two days without roughage (fur or feathers), as this can lead to digestive issues. Never use cooked meat, canned pet food, or non-meat food unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
For hydration, you can offer small amounts of fluids using a syringe or dropper, but it’s crucial to be cautious. Dehydration can be a killer, and giving fluids can save the owl’s life. However, improper feeding or hydration can also cause harm, so seek professional advice as soon as possible.
Finding and Accessing the Nest
Once you have confirmed that the owlet is healthy and uninjured, the next step is to return it to its nest. This can be a challenging task, especially if the nest is in a hard-to-reach location.
Identifying the Nest Location
Barn Owls do not build traditional nests, so finding the exact location can be tricky. The nest is often in a tree cavity, loft, or purpose-built nest box. Look for tell-tale signs such as white droppings around the entrance or tiny bits of white fluff from the owlets. You may also notice a strong ammonia smell near the nest, which is a good indicator that you are in the right spot.
Using a Ladder
If the nest is high up, you will likely need a ladder to reach it. Before placing the ladder, thoroughly inspect the area to locate the nest entrance. Once you’re certain of the nest’s location, carefully climb the ladder, being mindful that an adult owl may fly out suddenly. If you’re unsure about your ability to safely return the owlet to the nest, seek assistance from someone experienced with birds of prey.
What to Do if You Cannot Find or Access the Nest
In some cases, the nest may be impossible to locate or access. If you cannot return the owlet to its original nest, it is important to seek help from a wildlife rehabilitator who can foster the owlet into a similar-aged brood at a different site. This ensures that the owlet continues to receive the care it needs.
Fostering the Owlet
Fostering involves placing the owlet into a nest with other owlets of the same age. This should only be done by someone with experience in handling birds of prey. If fostering is not an option, the owlet may need to be hand-reared by a professional until it is old enough to be released back into the wild.
Monitoring the Owlet After Returning It to the Nest
After successfully returning the owlet to its nest, it’s a good idea to monitor the situation. Check the ground around the nest the next morning to see if the owlet has fallen out again. If it has, this may indicate an unsafe nesting environment or a problem with the owlet itself.
Signs of a Healthy Nest
If the nest smells strongly of ammonia and the other young owlets are alert and responsive, these are good signs that the nest is healthy. Additionally, finding uneaten food items or fresh pellets in the nest is an indication that the parents are actively feeding the young.
When to Seek Further Help
If the owlet falls out again or the nest shows signs of neglect, it may be necessary to intervene further. In such cases, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. It’s important not to repeatedly disturb the nest, as this can cause stress to the owlets and their parents.
Legal Responsibilities and Ethical Considerations
Handling a young Barn Owl is not only a matter of care and responsibility but also of legal and ethical importance. As mentioned earlier, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects Barn Owls and their nests, making it illegal to disturb them without proper authorization. Always act in the best interest of the owl, and avoid any actions that could harm or stress the bird.