One afternoon on Long Island, a homeowner let his dogs out to enjoy some fresh air and playtime in the yard. But what began as a normal day quickly turned unforgettable.
As he watched his pups dart around the yard, something unusual caught his eye—a brown lump resting quietly near the fence.
Curious, he called his dogs back inside and walked over to investigate.
What he found left him completely stunned: curled up in the grass was a baby owl, resting silently in his yard during broad daylight.
The unexpected guest was clearly in need of help.
Baby Owl Rescued And In Good Hands
Worried for the owl’s safety, the man reached out to Strong Island Animal Rescue League. Wildlife handler Frankie Floridia responded quickly and headed to the home.
When Floridia arrived, the homeowner was still reeling from the surprise. He had never seen an owl up close, especially one grounded during the day.
“He’d never seen an owl down like that. So he was nervous,” Floridia explained to The Dodo.
Floridia approached with care, wearing protective gloves as he moved closer to the little owl.
Since owls are typically active at night and nest in trees, seeing one in this condition during the day was rare—and the handler took a moment to admire the bird’s beautiful feathers and piercing yellow eyes.
“He’s a majestic creature. He’s beautiful. It’s such a rare creature to see,” Floridia said.
The baby owl remained calm as Floridia gently picked him up. Carrying him toward a travel crate, he quietly reassured the young bird that he was safe now.
The owl appeared to relax as he was placed in the crate and transported to Sweetbriar Nature Center, also located on Long Island.
A Quick Recovery At The Nature Center
Once they arrived at Sweetbriar, the little owl underwent a full medical evaluation. Thankfully, he had no injuries—just a bit of confusion and separation from his family.
The staff provided food and comfort, making sure he felt safe in his temporary home. He eagerly ate the snacks they offered, clearly hungry from his ordeal.
With plenty of attention and gentle care, the young owl began to regain his strength. Before long, he was flying around the center, stretching his wings and exploring.
While his unexpected detour may not have been part of the plan, he received warmth and kindness from the people who helped him.
Once he was fully recovered, the team released him back into the wild. With a confident lift, the little owl spread his wings and soared away—free once again.