A Saw-Whet Owl is wrapped in a cosy seafoam coloured garment, looking towards camera with rich sunflower yellow eyes twinkling from a trio of reflected ceiling lights. A syringe of fluid is administered to his open beak by a human wearing lavender nitrile gloves. It's possible he has the barest hint of a scowl in response to the fluids, but it might just be a stray black feather or two, making it look like a raised bottom eyelid. He's a little pink around the maw, probably from his latest meal of diced + defrosted animal treats, being the little carnivore that he is.

8th of Owltober!

This Northern Saw-Whet Owl has featured before, but this particular photo of him is so good it deserves a post of its own.


Original post – 12 Mar 2024
by Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital


located in Ithaca, New York, US 🇺🇸
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Original text:

This tiny saw whet owl was found lying in the middle of a busy road on a dark evening a few days ago in Ithaca, NY. Luckily he was noticed by a Cornell faculty member (and bird of prey expert!) that happened to be driving that way. He was gently gathered up in a soft blanket and whisked right to our front door, where our emergency team arrived to provide him with immediate care. Weighing in at only 75 grams (similar in weight to a kiwi fruit!), this owl, although a strong predator in the wild, is a delicate patient that requires extra special care.

Thankfully, after supportive treatments and thorough testing, he is determined to be releasable, and is well on his way to a complete recovery!


Link to donate to Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital for those willing and able.


xo owlsintowels

💛🦉


SpeciesCommon NameMore info
Aegolius acadicusNorthern Saw-whet OwlWiki link