An owl surprised a Virginia family by choosing their Christmas tree as its new perch, prompting a rescue mission by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA). The barred owl reportedly entered the home through the chimney, displaced the star on top of the Christmas tree, and settled in as a festive, feathered ornament.
The AWLA shared the incident on social media, humorously describing the owl as playing Santa and declaring itself the “newest star” on the tree. Photos accompanying the post show the owl calmly perched atop the tree, seemingly content with its unusual holiday roost.
An AWLA officer carefully removed the owl from the tree and released it back into its natural habitat. The organization used the opportunity to remind homeowners to cap their chimneys during winter to prevent wildlife from entering their homes. This precaution can help avoid similar situations and ensure the safety of both animals and residents.
Barred owls are common in the eastern and northern United States and parts of Canada. They typically inhabit forests and woodlands, often nesting in large trees, which may explain the owl’s attraction to the Christmas tree. Their preference for tall trees likely made the decorated evergreen seem like a suitable temporary home.
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This Virginia incident is not an isolated one. There have been several reports of owls taking refuge in Christmas trees during the holiday season. In December 2022, a Kentucky family discovered a baby owl that had been living undetected in their Christmas tree for four days. A carpet cleaner made the unexpected discovery while working in the home.
In 2019, a Georgia family found an owl nestled in their evergreen tree, accompanied by several owl ornaments. This added a touch of real-life wildlife to their holiday decorations. The family considered it a magical and memorable holiday experience.
In 2020, a small saw-whet owl, nicknamed Rocky, was found in the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City. The Ravensbeard Wildlife Center rescued and subsequently released Rocky back into the wild. The tiny owl’s story captured hearts worldwide.
These incidents highlight the importance of being mindful of wildlife, especially during the holiday season when decorations and activities might disrupt their natural habitats. Christmas trees, resembling large, inviting trees in a forest, can inadvertently attract owls and other animals seeking shelter.
