Rescued Barred Owl Nestling on the Road to Recovery

On April 21st, a Barred Owl nestling was admitted to the Carolina Raptor Center’s Raptor Hospital after falling from a tree in Cabarrus County. Upon arrival, the young raptor, Patient #27009, was alert and responsive but infested with fly eggs—a common threat to orphaned nestlings. In the wild, adult raptors play a vital role in protecting their young from predators and parasites. Without this care, nestlings are especially vulnerable to infestations and other dangers.

Thanks to a quick call from a concerned community member, our Raptor Hospital team was able to act fast. The staff removed the fly eggs and provided fluids, nutrition, and essential supportive care. The nestling is now recovering well among a group of other young owls and is on a promising path to rehabilitation and release.

Young raptors like this one need specialized medical attention. They require unique treatments, like time in an incubator for warmth, and their rehabilitation success depends on practices that ensure the bird learns the behaviors it needs to thrive in the wild. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators like the Carolina Raptor Center are trained and permitted to provide the care necessary to give these birds the best chance at survival. By utilizing a variety of specialized tools, techniques, and enclosures, we can help these baby raptors return to the wild and thrive.

If you find what you think may be an injured, sick, or abandoned baby raptor, please contact your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator or our Raptor Hospital at 704-875-6521 x125. Oftentimes, baby raptors don’t need human intervention as they are going through the process of learning to fly while their parents continue to care for them. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator will be able to consult on whether the bird needs help and, if they do, provide instructions for how to safely step in and get them the care they need.

For more information and guidance on helping injured raptors, visit: https://carolinaraptorcenter.org/injured-animal/