Creature Feature – Whooo’s a Cute Baby?

A photographer friend recently shared the photo shown here, that of an adorable Barred Owl chick looking as though it’s been generously rolled in cotton batting. This awkward youngster is perhaps around 6 weeks old, and although it is still being cared for by its parents, it has left the nest and is exhibiting a developmental behavior known as ‘branching’. 

Like many other bird species, Barred Owl chicks grow rapidly. As they continue to develop, their activity level increases and so does their independence — this includes learning to fly and exploring their forest environment. Eventually, the chicks will begin foraging and hunting for themselves. Still, it’s not unusual for them to hang around the nest area for another 6 months. 

Note that an owlet observed on the ground isn’t necessarily cause for concern or intervention. It depends on the chick’s age and circumstances. For example, is it well-feathered; are the parents caring for it; is there an obvious injury; did you witness it being attacked by another animal; etc. When in doubt, leave it be and observe from afar to help determine the situation. If you think the bird requires intervention, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. A listing of state licensed rehabbers is available on the DEC website page accessible through this link: appfactory.dec.ny.gov.

Article by Margie Manthey
Photo by Philippe Lacroix