For The Birds

​The text came in just before 11:00am, "another owlet needs renesting. Are you free today?” 

A great horned owlet had recently fallen from its nest. The homeowner had found the little one sheltered near the base of the eastern white pine, its nest 45 feet above. Concerned for its wellbeing and aware of the Wildlife in Need Center (www.helpingwildlife.org) in Oconomowoc, the homeowner called to report the fallen owlet.

Their staff was onsite as soon as they could to rescue the owlet and get it out of harm’s way. Predators like eagles, hawks, foxes, racoons, and cats are common in our area. In addition, the sooner the owlet can be renested the better the chance they’ll receive the necessary care and protection from their parents.
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Cleared For Renesting

Once the Wildlife In Need Center (WINC) has the owlets in their care, they can perform health checks such as looking for possible injuries, rodenticide poisoning, and any other health concerns. With a clean bill of health, they are cleared to be returned to the nest. 

This is where wildlife centers utilize the services of skilled tree climbers who are willing to donate their time and skills to get the owlets back where they belong.

​That day was a scheduled office day for me, so I could respond to their call as soon as the request came in. Having climbed the day before, my gear was still in the back of my car. All we needed to do was set a time to meet at the tree, me with my gear and them with the owlet.
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WINC staff explains process of securing nest basket

Taking the First Step

A few years back, a climbing friend had mentioned he was renesting owls. Looking through his photos & videos and listening to his stories was very intriguing. He gave me the details of how I might be able to get involved, but I didn't see enough free time in my schedule to where I could be as responsive as they'd need.

Fast forward to last month, I got a call from another climbing buddy whom I had passed that information along to. He was headed to re-nest 2 fallen owlets, less than a mile from my office.

Being that close, I couldn’t resist the opportunity so I readjusted my schedule to meet them onsite. While assisting my friend on that renest, I had the opportunity to talk with the WINC staff to learn more about their cause and services.
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I was surprised to hear that they had a very short list of volunteer climbers. After seeing the owlets and playing a small role in their renesting, I felt inspired and compelled to finally get on their list.
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Starting the Climb
 
Having a few calls under my belt, I had a general idea of what to expect with the task at hand once I replied to the text. We’ll meet at the property, I’ll climb up to install a sturdy nest basket, then hoist the owlet up and place it in the nest. A straight forward plan.

Apparently great horned owl nests often consist of a few twigs laid over a couple branches right next to the trunk. The ones I have seen are not like what I envisioned them to be (I had assumed they'd be like a robin’s nest just large). I've only seen a couple, but now describe them more as a small, skimpy platform. This is partly why renesting involves installing a sturdy basket where they’ll be less likely to fall again.

Making my way up to the old nest at the top of the tree, I was greeted by a 2nd owlet still in the nest! “I bet you’re wondering, what the heck is this guy doing up here”, I said out loud as if it could understand.

Only one had fallen…or was possibly nudged off the nest given it would have been a little crowded for two. Time for a contingency plan.

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Old nest wasn't very substantial

Baskets need to be secure

Pulling up an owlet for renesting

​Onto Plan B

The WINC staff was prepared with a few sizes of nest baskets, so they prepared a basket for two.

I altered my approach so as to avoid scaring this 2nd owlet off the back side of the nest. At the same time, I worked my way into a position where I could gather it and send it to the ground to be checked out. 

While the caretakers on the ground performed their well-being check, I was able to find a suitable place for the basket and secure it to the tree. With the basket installed in close proximity to the original nest, it was time to bring both back up to their new home one at a time.
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I can only imagine how stressful and disorienting it might be to them. They are placed in an enclosed bucket which I then pull up to me. Opening the lid, their view of the outside world is my face, followed closely by my hands coming in to lift them out.

Once returned to the tree, it was time to let the excitement of their day begin to fade into the past. I bid them good day and began my descent.
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​Make Every Interaction Count

With my previous renesting, one of the adults was nearby the entire time I worked to replace its 3 babies. At one time it had flown into the top of a tree 20 feet away, squawking the entire time given I was messing with the nest and babies.

We did not see nor hear either of the adults during this day's renesting, so were unsure if it was going to be successful.

I received a text the next morning, letting me know that the homeowner had confirmed one of the adults returned and was on the nest! Hearing of the family being reunited triggered a flush of emotion. 

I was reminded of The Tale of the Starfish – “You can’t begin to save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference.” After listening politely, the child bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, said, “I made a difference for that one.”

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Every Little Bit Helps

There are a number of organizations and centers that work to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife. The goal is often to return healthy individuals back to their natural habitat.

These animals are an important part the ecosystem. If you live in an urban area, you likely see them as beneficial considering an adult owl can eat over 1,000 rodents (rats & mice) per year!
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There are many ways to support an organization closer to you – become a member, volunteer, donate. Contact your local center/organization & see what you can do!

These 2 owlets were renested on April 4th.
​I'd like to think they are saying, "thanks, Curt!"

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UPDATE: April 28, 2025
The property owner has shared that both owlets are doing well & will be ready to fly from the nest in the coming days!