Earlier in the spring, Fairfax County Animal Services worked alongside park staff, volunteers, the Wildlife Rescue League and professional arborists to reunite two great horned owl owlets with their parents after both chicks fell from their nest on consecutive days.

The first owlet was discovered on the evening of April 1 by two people walking a trail who heard the chick calling from the woods. They alerted a nearby park volunteer, who notified park staff. Park staff then reached out to Animal Services. One of our Animal Services Officers (ASOs) responded to safely retrieve the owlet, transport it, and coordinate with the Wildlife Rescue League so it could receive a veterinary assessment. The chick was found to be healthy and ready for eventual return.

The next morning, park staff checked the area to make sure the second chick was safe as well. The sibling was soon found on the ground. Animal Services responded again and transported the owlet to the Wildlife Rescue League, where it was examined and cleared for reunification.

With both owlets ready to go back, Animal Services worked with the Wildlife Rescue League to plan a safe renesting.

Great horned owls often move into old nests built by other birds, and those nests can be unstable for growing chicks. To give the family a more secure structure, the Wildlife Rescue League created a man‑made nest using a basket filled with natural materials.

Sheridan Tree Experts, a partner that assists with this type of work, climbed the tree and placed the new nest near the original site. Using specialized equipment to reach the high branch, they secured the basket firmly in the canopy. The owlets were then placed into soft satchels and gently lifted up to the climber, who settled them into their new home. A quick celebratory selfie marked the moment.

After the renesting, park staff quietly monitored the area to make sure the parents returned, which they did. The family reunited quickly. In the weeks that followed, both owlets successfully fledged and are now healthy, strong and doing well in the wild.

A reminder from Fairfax County Animal Services: 
If you come across injured, orphaned or distressed wildlife in a county park, please do not touch or move the animal. Instead, contact park staff, a park volunteer, or Fairfax County Animal Services. Wildlife can be unintentionally harmed by even well‑meaning attempts to help, and trained responders can ensure the safest outcome.

Thanks to quick actions by trail-goers, the teamwork of park staff and volunteers, the Wildlife Rescue League, Sheridan Tree Experts, and the efforts of our ASO, these two owlets are back where they belong.