My property has some very tall native grass all around it. I purposely let it grow to seed so more will spread naturally next year. With fire season fast approaching, it was time to cut it down.
As I started clearing away the grass, I spotted this tiny baby owl. It looks like it fell out of a tree (or was it pushed?) and was possibly an orphan.
Being a rather warm day, I quickly (and foolishly) went and got it a container of water to drink from. I was careful to use gloves so I didn’t put my scent on it.
I then went inside the house and got online to see what I should do. Perhaps I could get someone to come pick it up and nurse it?
Some quick ‘Googling’ and I found Wildlife Victoria’s website. In their FAQ section I found this:
“Q. What do I do if I have found a young bird?
During spring, many of Victoria’s young birds are going through the fledgling stage of their development. After fledglings emerge out of their nest, they can spend up to 2 weeks on the ground while learning to fly. During this period, they are still being fed by their parents and should not be interfered with unless obviously injured.”
I also read on another website that you should NOT give them food or water. D’oh! Okay.. with that information I suspected the little chick may be okay after all. I decided what I would do is keep an eye on it for the next 24 hours and if it hadn’t moved and was still looking sad, I would call Wildlife Victoria for advice. There are snakes nearby, so I was worried this flightless bird might end up as a tasty treat.
Later in the day, I’d noticed the little fledgling had moved to a higher point and so I figured it was physically okay for now. The next morning it was nowhere to be seen and I admit I was kind of sad not being greeted by “Owlzie”, but I figure it is somewhere out there being taken care of by its parents and trying to get some proper feathers as quickly as possible.
Update
It’s about ten days later. I went out to the woodpile this morning and was very surprised to be greeted by Owlzie! He’s looking a bit bigger, but still not ready to fly. Obviously very healthy and daddy must be looking out for him (I read the male owls do all the hunting). Am very pleased with the idea that owls are hanging out on my property (or more likely, I am hanging out on their property). We have a decent mouse problem here, so I am very keen on the idea of making sure these guys have some habitat nearby.
Perhaps this little guy has shown me exactly what he needs for habitat, as in this woodpile I have several hollow logs that I could put up on the nearby trees as little houses. I would appreciate any suggestions on what is the best habitat to create for this type of bird.
I can’t be 100% certain yet, but I think this is probably a Greater Sooty Owl.
