Last week, the tree that would become the 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was cut down in Oneonta, New York. The tree was secured to a truck and made the long 170-mile journey over 2 days before arriving and being lifted into position in Rockefeller Center.
A lot of people have been less than impressed at their first glimpse of this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, but we’re definitely impressed at the quick thinking of one of the men who helped transform and secure the tree.
While securing the Christmas tree, one man noticed something unusual in the tree. It was a tiny owl, and he assumed it was a baby. He carefully removed the owl from the tree and put it in a box so that he could take it somewhere where it would be safe. He also told his wife what happened.
His wife called Ravensbeard Wildlife Center and, according to their Facebook post about this unusual holiday story, she asked if they rehabilitate owls. When they responded “yes,” she explained that her husband had the owl in a box and that he found it in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Watch the video below to learn more about this tiny owl.
This owl is not actually a baby. It is a full grown Saw-whet owl which is the smallest type of owl that lives in the northeast.
The workers at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center are feeding and caring for the little owl who they have nicknamed Rockefeller since he was found in Rockefeller Center. Once he is rehabilitated, they plan to release him in Saugerties, New York, since they think the long journey back to his hometown might be more than he could handle.
Some people on Facebook have expressed concern about the little owl not returning to his original home, but Ravensbeard Wildlife Center addressed the concern and explained why this is the best decision.
“Saw-whet owls find a new mate every year and are resilient in finding safe places. This owl is a full grown adult and is very capable of finding new territory. We believe it would be even more traumatic to transport him yet again when he can be safely released here on the grounds of Ravensbeard Wildlife Center where there are acres of trees to choose from.”
It seems that this little owl should not have trouble adapting to his new home.
Have you ever found an animal hiding in your Christmas tree?