submitted 13 hours ago by anon6789@lemmy.world to c/superbowl@lemmy.world

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At just over 3 weeks old, Long-eared Owl chicks leave the nest-even though they can't fly yet! Their flight feathers are still growing, so they spend their days hiding in the branches, camouflaged and quiet... unless danger comes close.

To scare off predators, these little owlets hiss, bill- clack, spread their wings, and even rock back and forth to look bigger and more threatening. Meanwhile, their parents swoop in, barking and faking injuries (yes, really!) to distract and draw predators away from their young.

Nature is wild-and brilliant.

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[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 23 points 13 hours ago

[-] Creativity@lemmy.zip 2 points 5 hours ago

"Look at my turkey impression!"

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 2 points 5 hours ago

It is impressive that the turkey is so much bigger, yet the owl is so much scarier. 😄

[-] Panties@lemmy.ca 12 points 12 hours ago

That does make them look huge!

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 12 points 12 hours ago

It is pretty impressive in person. They swell up like when a cat gets mad and they hiss and spit the same. But they also click their beak much louder than you might expect. This is just a medium-sized owl but it is still big enough to really make you think twice about touching them. For most animals, I'm sure it is quite scary.

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 20 points 13 hours ago

[-] zaphod@sopuli.xyz 11 points 12 hours ago

That's a muppet.

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 8 points 12 hours ago

You caught me! 😉

[-] homesweethomeMrL@lemmy.world 8 points 11 hours ago

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 3 points 10 hours ago

Not sure if this would make having relations with a chicken more or less awkward...

this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2025

91 points (100.0% liked)

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For owls that are superb.

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US Wild Animal Rescue Database: Animal Help Now

International Wildlife Rescues: RescueShelter.com

Australia Rescue Help: WIRES

Germany-Austria-Switzerland-Italy Wild Bird Rescue: wildvogelhilfe.org

If you find an injured owl:

Note your exact location so the owl can be released back where it came from. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist to get correct advice and immediate assistance.

Minimize stress for the owl. If you can catch it, toss a towel or sweater over it and get it in a cardboard box or pet carrier. It should have room to be comfortable but not so much it can panic and injure itself. If you can’t catch it, keep people and animals away until help can come.

Do not give food or water! If you feed them the wrong thing or give them water improperly, you can accidentally kill them. It can also cause problems if they require anesthesia once help arrives, complicating procedures and costing valuable time.

If it is a baby owl, and it looks safe and uninjured, leave it be. Time on the ground is part of their growing up. They can fly to some extent and climb trees. If animals or people are nearby, put it up on a branch so it’s safe. If it’s injured, follow the above advice.

For more detailed help, see the OwlPages Rescue page.

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