Original post – 18 Nov 2020
by Ravensbeard Wildlife Center
located in Saugerties, New York, US
Website | Instagram | Facebook
‘Twas the month before xmas in upstate New York,
when Ellen Kalish had a curious talk.
“Can you help with a bird?” asked the voice on the phone,
“Yes we can,” Ellen said in a welcoming tone.
The caller explained that her husband found loose
an owl on the branch of a Norwegian Spruce.
But this tree? ‘Twas uncommon, no ordinary stock.
‘Twas picked for a place. And that place? 30 Rock!
Indeed the stowaway owl had travelled 170 miles (274 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 ambiguous 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 diligent updates to a world hungry for Rocky pics. 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.”
This story has been collated from various sources, including Ravensbeard Wildlife Center’s website and social media, and news stories released at the time. For more info on Rocky this article by National Geographic in particular is well worth a read.
And lastly, 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
💛🦉
| Species | Common Name | More info |
|---|---|---|
| Aegolius acadicus | Northern Saw-whet Owl | Wiki link |
