Original post: 09 Oct 2019
by Cornell Lab of Ornithology / All About Birds

located in Ithaca, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original caption text:

A saw-whet is ready for a quick exam when researchers will collect data and affix an identifying leg band.

The tiny owls are wrapped up in cloth bags to keep them calm until it’s time for researchers to conduct a brief examination.

The full story A Grassroots Banding Project Reveals How Amazing Northern Saw-whet Owls Are by Scott Weidensaul is worth a read 🙂

Link to donate to Cornell Lab of Ornithology for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

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Original post – 28 Sep 2025
by Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital

located in Ithaca, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original text:

Within the walls of our hospital, we see only one of the many steps that a wild animal often goes through from the time it is first found until it is released back to the wild.

In late November 2024, one of our faculty veterinarians was fortunate enough to participate in many of the steps to recovery for a short-eared owl patient. When she was alerted by a family member about an owl on the ground in the front yard of an acquaintance, she drove over to help. She scooped up the short-eared owl that was laying in a ditch next to the road and brought it to the hospital for treatment of its broken wing.

A couple of days later, she repaired the small bone at the tip of the owl’s wing that was fractured into multiple pieces. After several weeks of healing, followed by several more weeks of flight conditioning at Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Childs was thrilled to release the bird in the same location where it was found.

In New York State, short-eared owls are listed as endangered. Open grasslands that support populations of the small rodents that these owls hunt are essential for their survival and recovery. The Finger Lakes region, where this owl was found, is an area in NY where short-eared owls tend to concentrate in the winter. Now that it is fall again and migration is underway, we are hoping that this owl is on its way back home to the Finger Lakes!

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

xo owlsintowels

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Original post – 03 Mar 2026
by Sweetbriar Wildlife Rehab

located in Smithtown, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original text:

Volume on-Someone’s not happy to be here. This little eastern screech owl was hit by a car and rescued by Strong Animal Wildlife Rescue league before being brought to our hospital for evaluation. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to gain lift when he tried to fly. He’ll be staying with us for a few weeks while he recovers from his injuries.

We’re hopeful his lady friend will be waiting for him. Before long, they should be preparing to start their owl family.

Eastern Screech-Owl form stable pairs—usually one male with one female, though occasionally one male may pair with two females. Most pairs are monogamous and remain together for life. In some cases, a second female may evict the first, lay her own eggs in the nest, and incubate both clutches.

But, for now, he’s grounded—with a little rest, care, and time, [we] know he’ll be back to cozy tree-top snuggles very soon.

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Link to donate to Sweetbriar Wildlife Rehab for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

Original post – 18 Nov 2020
by Ravensbeard Wildlife Center
located in Saugerties, New York, US
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Indeed the stowaway owl had travelled 170 miles (270 km) inside the giant 75 foot (23 metre) Spruce tree destined for 30 Rockefeller Plaza to become a centrepiece for that year’s Christmas celebrations.

Ellen arranged to meet the tree-worker halfway, and upon securing the precious owl cargo, she peeked in the box to see this little face looking up at her.

“I was thrilled that he was alert,” Ellen was quoted saying by NBC, “and not just a little heap at the bottom of the box.”

“He/she was a little Saw-whet owl,” she later posted on the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center Facebook Page, adding that they are the smallest owls in the region. And although tiny, it would be unusual for a baby owl to appear in winter. This was an adult – dehydrated and hungry but otherwise unharmed.

Safe at the Center, Ellen gave him fluids and fed him all the mice he would eat. He had not eaten or drank anything for 3 days, so he got his fill in. She reported “His eyes are bright and seems relatively in good condition with all he’s been through.”

It was decided the owl needed a name: Rockefeller, or “Rocky” for short.

In the following days, Rocky’s x-rays came back all clear. And in a small twist, the specialists came back clear on one other matter: Rocky’s gender.

Rocky was a girl!

Meanwhile, news about Rocky the Xmas Owl was going viral. Messages and donations poured in to Ravensbeard from all over. Naturally, merchandise followed: cards, mugs, t-shirts, ornaments, and eventually a book. This was a huge boon for the Center, being a small non-profit and as Ellen put it, “in desperate need of a permanent home.”

Ellen posted diligently to a world hungry for Rocky updates. A week after being found, Rocky was in an outdoor enclosure acclimating to the chilly November air and getting ready for release.

“We have exciting new to share!” Ellen reported. “[Rockefeller] has been cleared by specialists for take off.” The team had scouted the perfect release spot: a quiet cluster of conifers that offered plenty of cover from the elements and predators.

“Rocky will continue on her migratory journey south today at dusk. The release will happen at sunset so that she can find safe cover by nightfall.”

Ravensbeard soon posted a video of the clearing, showing Ellen lifting Rocky from the carrier and raising the owl on an outstretched arm.

“It was a perfect release. She sat on my hand for a few minutes, scoped out her surroundings and flew beautifully to the nearest pine tree.”

“After about 5 minutes, she decided to leave. Saw-whet owls are extremely nocturnal, meaning they are rarely seen during the day so they don’t have many encounters with humans. Therefore, humans are not seen as a threat. They also don’t flush easily so you can get quite close, if you are lucky enough to spot one.”

For those willing and able, please consider sending a donation to Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. Your support will help them continue their work ensuring birds like Rockefeller are properly cared for before returning to the wild.

xo owlsintowels

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Original post – 05 Oct 2024
by Doc’s Veterinary Wildlife
located in New York, US
Facebook | Instagram

Original text:

This rufous morph Eastern screech owl was lucky to survive after being hit by a car. He broke a bone in his wing (ulna) and foot (tarsometatarsus). Here he has just woken up from surgery. Send him good healing vibes!

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This is where we’d usually post a link to donate to the clinic but Doc’s Veterinary Wildlife doesn’t seem to have an official website. That said, they have posted a QR code which goes to to their Venmo page, so if you are feeling charitable and can spare the cash, why not send a small amount their way? https://venmo.com/u/docsveterinarywildlife

xo owlsintowels

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21st of Owltober!

Original post – 06 May 2024
by Wild Bird Fund
located in New York, New York
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Original text:

We welcomed another owl guest — a juvenile great horned owl who had fallen on very hard times before even getting started in the world. This BIG kid was found in the Bronx, emaciated, dehydrated and very weak. He’d lost one of his ear tufts and appeared to have been pecked on the head.

We treated him for potential rodenticide poisoning, a likely culprit, and provided urgent supportive care. This morning he was more stable and we’re sending him off to our excellent friends at The Raptor Trust for longer-term recovery. Thank you to TRT and to the NYC Parks rangers who rescued the owl. We truly hope this young beauty will get the chance at a long life in the wild.

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Link to donate to Wild Bird Fund for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

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9th of Owltober!

Original post – 13 Mar 2024
by Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital – Cornell College of Vet Medicine

located in Ithaca, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The JLS Wildlife Hospital posted this Northern Saw-whet Owl with the following info:

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!

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

xo owlsintowels

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Original post – 30 Sep 2015
by Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital – Cornell College of Vet Medicine

located in Ithaca, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The patient was found in late July, in a backyard in Lansing, NY. He was in bad shape: thin body condition, his head tilted almost 180 degrees over one shoulder. His rescuers estimated his age at about five months.

The young Great Horned Owl was brought to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Health Center at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, NY. The staff provided supportive care, including fluids, pain medication, nutrition, antibiotics, and anti-fungal medication.

The patient made a speedy recovery. His headset straightened. After his medical condition was stabilized at the Wildlife Health Center, the bird was transferred to a rehabilitator in Syracuse for convalescence. There he slowly recovered. As the head tilt resolved, he started fly and soon after was able to catch live prey.

On a late-September afternoon Alice VanDeMark, a veterinary technician from the Swanson Center, drove the owl back to the location where he was found. “As long as it is a suitable environment with plenty of food and shelter, as in this case, it is advisable to release a young owl back to a familiar area giving him the best potential to thrive,” explained VanDeMark.

The patient did not seem particularly grateful for all those weeks of good care. With the outraged expression customary of owls, he glared at VanDeMark as she carried him to the release site and set him gently on the grass. Once free he sailed away without a backward glance, healthy once again and ready for his next adventure.

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Link to ways to give to Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

Original post – 11 Mar 2023
by Wildlife Center of Long Island

located in Long Island, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook

One great way to help your local wildlife rehab is by donating towels that are new or gently-used.

Wildlife Center of Long Island puts it best:

“Towels are used to line enclosures and handle patients during treatments. Towels also help us rescue animals and keep them as comfortable as possible during transport. Your donations will make a big difference to our animals!”

If you want to help WCLI specifically, send an email to info@volunteersforwildlife.org to coordinate. Or you can send needed items through their Amazon wish list.
There are also other ways to give.

Bonus info on the patient in the picture:

“This Great-horned Owl was entangled in a soccer net. After rehabilitation, she healed from her injuries and was able to be released 😊”

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

This Eastern screech owl “Orlando” had his beak and talons trimmed as part of care.

Original post – 30 Sep 2015
by Wildlife Center of Long Island

located in Long Island, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook

For those willing and able please consider helping fund Wildlife Center of Long Island at the following 🔗 DONATION LINK 🔗. Your generosity ensures the best possible care for their animal guests.

Original post – 31 Dec 2020
by Wildlife Center of Long Island

located in Long Island, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook

“Once a month, our Animal Ambassadors have a weight and health check to make sure they’re in tip top condition. Our Great-horned Owl, Marcus, has his beak and talons trimmed as well.”

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For those willing and able please consider helping fund Wildlife Center of Long Island at the following 🔗 DONATION LINK 🔗. Your generosity ensures the best possible care for their animal guests.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

Albany Pine Bush Preserve, New York

website | facebook | instagram

Perhaps our most exciting capture of the Saw-whet owl banding season was a female originally banded in Rockingham County, Virginia. This female was initially banded in 2012 and aged as an “after second year” making her at least 8 years 5 months old when we captured her, the second oldest Northern saw-whet on record.

This data is helping us put the Albany Pine Bush Preserve on the map for Northern saw-whet owls and giving us a better understanding of how preserve management contributes to Northern saw-whet owl conservation in North America.

For those willing and able please consider helping fund Albany Pine Bush Preserve at the following DONATION LINK. Your generosity ensures the best possible care for their animal guests.

xo owlsintowels

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SOUND ON! 🔊🔊🔊

Original post – 19 Oct 2022
by ECSS Sweetbriar Wildlife Rehab

located in Smithtown, New York, US 🇺🇸
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original text:

Newton our ambassador screech owl gets let out of his enclosure every day and is free to fly around our hospital. He is never very happy when he has to go back. Listen to him complain-

Nicknames can often be misleading; the biggest guy in Sherwood Forest was called “Little John.” In the same vein, Screech-Owls don’t usually screech; instead, they make some of those low, soft, comforting, familiar evening forest sounds that you’ve probably heard over and over. Their calls sound more like those of the laid-back mourning doves’ coo than a scary bobcat scream. The only time you would hear one of these owls actually screech is when they are defending their nests or fledglings.

Other names for this little owl are a little more accurate: whinnying owl, shivering owl, whickering owl, red owl, gray owl, little cat owl, little dukelet, scritch owl, squinch owl, mottled owl and little horned owl. Its scientific name is Megascops asio, which means “horned owl” in Latin.

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Link to donate to Sweetbriar Wildlife Rehab for those willing and able. Your generosity ensures the best possible care for their animal guests.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉