One quiet afternoon on Long Island, a homeowner let his dogs out to play in the yard. What started as a normal day quickly turned unforgettable.
As the pups darted happily across the grass, something strange caught the man’s attention—a small brown lump resting silently near the fence.
Curious, he called his dogs back inside and walked over to investigate.
What he found left him stunned: nestled in the grass was a baby owl, quietly perched in broad daylight. The fragile creature seemed in need of help.
Baby Owl Rescued And In Good Hands
Concerned for the owl’s safety, the man immediately contacted the Strong Island Animal Rescue League. Wildlife handler Frankie Floridia responded without delay and arrived at the home.
When Floridia pulled up, the homeowner was still in shock. He had never seen an owl this close before, especially not one grounded in the middle of the day.
“He’d never seen an owl down like that. So he was nervous,” Floridia told The Dodo.
Floridia approached carefully, wearing protective gloves as he got closer to the little bird.
Since owls are nocturnal and usually nest high in trees, finding one on the ground like this was unusual. Floridia paused to take in the bird’s striking feathers and piercing yellow eyes.
“He’s a majestic creature. He’s beautiful. It’s such a rare creature to see,” Floridia said.
The young owl remained calm as Floridia gently picked him up. Carrying him toward a travel crate, he softly reassured the bird that he was safe.
Once secure, the owl was transported to Sweetbriar Nature Center on Long Island for care and recovery.
A Quick Recovery At The Nature Center
At Sweetbriar, the owl underwent a full medical exam. Thankfully, he hadn’t suffered any injuries. He was simply separated from his family and a bit disoriented.
The staff provided food and comfort, making sure he felt secure in his temporary home. Hungry from his ordeal, the little owl eagerly ate the snacks offered to him.
With gentle care and patience, he grew stronger. Soon, he was stretching his wings and flying around the center with confidence.
When the time was right, the rescue team returned him to the wild. With a graceful lift, the little owl soared back into the sky—finally free once again.