Saw-whet Owl released in Tryon Creek State Park

Last Friday, we successfully released a rehabilitated Northern Saw-whet Owl at Tryon Creek State Park. Thanks to the park for providing the little owl with a new home!

The raptor had been found at NE Hancock Avenue and MLK Boulevard this September with signs of a head injury; the bird may have flown into a window or been hit by a car. Saw-whet Owls are birds of the deep forest, so this owl’s urban location suggests it was on the move to wintertime habitat.

Before its release, the Saw-whet Owl spent time in a flight cage, which gave it a chance to rebuild its flight muscles and practice hunting. It was soon flying well – a sign the owl was ready to return to the wild.