For a nestling owl with a destroyed nest, what is the recommended action?

• A. Leave the nestling and monitor from distance
• B. Promptly pick up and transport to a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator
• C. Attempt to raise the bird at home
• D. Contact the homeowner’s association about the nest

Answer: (B)

When a nestling owl has a destroyed nest, the best move is to promptly transport it to a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator for care. Owls are wild animals that require specialized care, feeding, and housing that only a trained rehabilitator can provide. A licensed rehabilitator has the permits and knowledge to assess for injuries, give the correct diet, and manage warmth and nutrition, all of which are crucial for survival and eventual release. Delaying care or handling the bird without proper setup increases the risk of hypothermia, dehydration, malnutrition, or disease, and can result in imprinting on humans, which makes release more difficult. Keeping or raising the bird at home is not appropriate or legal in many places, and contacting a homeowner’s association doesn’t address the animal’s welfare. The safest, most humane option is rapid handoff to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can ensure proper treatment and a successful rehabilitation pathway.