Young Barred Goes Home

On May 20th, 2021, the Soarin' Hawk call taker was notified of a fledgling owl, on the ground. Lana & I drove to 400 N. Angola and met Jim and his children. The children had found the owl on the ground near C.R. N. 425 W. Steuben county. Upon our arrival, a Barred Owl was confined and an exam revealed a narrow keel, as if the bird was not eating well. The owl was transported to the Soarin' Hawk facilities where a further detailed examination was performed. No health issues were found and I picked the owl up on May 22nd, transporting it back to the location recovered. Jim, and his children were not able to locate a nest cavity, but had observed the adults in the area. We moved further back from the road and placed the owl on a tree, where it promptly climbed about forty feet up. I feel confident the parent owls will locate the fledgling. The children also made a promise to check the area, without disturbing the owl.