Great Horned Owl Babies Rescued in Hampton Bays

The Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons came to the aid of two great horned owl nestlings in Hampton Bays yesterday after they fell from their nest tree. The four-week-old birds fell from their nest after crows began harrassing them, according to Rachel Bristel Stephens, who observed the Wildlife Rescue Center near her home on Wednesday.

Thanks to Bristel Stephens‘ neighbor Jack Roddy, who called in the displaced owls, both birds were safely re-nested. The nest was also reinforced with the help of a tree service company and the Wildlife Rescue Center team, Bristel Stephens explained on her Facebook page, noting that she and her children have been keeping an eye on the nestlings and hoping the mother returns.

Owls are one of the few species of birds locally with babies out this early in April, Cindy Scalzo of the Rescue Center said in a Facebook post today, adding, “It’s not easy out there for growing birds, and even the crows were probably trying to defend themselves against a potential threat, no matter how fuzzy and fluffy.

The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons‘ mission is “To preserve & protect our region’s native wildlife by providing rehabilitation services and education to raise public awareness of the factors that threaten its abundance and diversity.”

To report an injured animal to the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons (228 West Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays), call their 24-hour hotline at 631-728-WILD (9453). Visit wildliferescuecenter.org or call their regular line at 631-728-4200 for more information.