It started as a quiet afternoon on Long Island, the kind where letting the dogs roam the yard feels like any other routine. One homeowner stepped outside expecting nothing more than fresh air and wagging tails, but the moment took an unexpected turn.
While the dogs darted through the grass, the man noticed something odd near the fence, a small brown shape that barely moved and almost disappeared into the ground around it.
Not sure what he was looking at, he called his dogs back inside first, then approached carefully to see it up close.
As he drew nearer, it became clear this was no random object.
A baby owl sat silently in the grass, awake during daylight and clearly not where it was supposed to be. The tiny bird looked disoriented, as if it might need help.
A Young Owl Receives Quick Assistance
Worried for the little bird’s safety, the homeowner immediately reached out to Strong Island Animal Rescue League. Wildlife responder Frankie Floridia arrived soon after to assess the situation.
When Floridia pulled up, the homeowner was still trying to process what he had found. He had never encountered an owl so close before, especially not one grounded and exposed.
“He’d never seen an owl down like that. So he was nervous,” Floridia told The Dodo.
Approaching slowly with protective gloves, Floridia crouched near the tiny raptor. Since owls usually stay in trees and are active at night, finding one alone on the ground was highly unusual. He paused for a moment to admire the bird’s striking features.
“He’s a majestic creature. He’s beautiful. It’s such a rare creature to see,” Floridia said.
The baby owl remained surprisingly calm as Floridia gently lifted him. He carried the owl to a transport crate and quietly reassured him throughout the process. Once the bird was safely secured, they headed to Sweetbriar Nature Center for a full evaluation.
A Safe Place To Recover
At Sweetbriar, staff performed a thorough examination. Thankfully, the owl had not been hurt. He had simply become separated from his family and was disoriented when he landed in the yard.
Caretakers offered food and comfort to help him settle in. After a stressful experience, the hungry little owl wasted no time eating the snacks provided.
With rest and proper care, he quickly regained his strength. Before long, he was stretching his wings, testing his balance, and flying confidently around the center.
Once he was fully ready, rescuers brought him back to the area where he had been found. With a gentle lift, the young owl spread his wings and soared upward, returning to the wild where he belonged.
