Besides the Rockefeller tree appearing to be a little slimmer than usual this year, there was another new discovery: a little owl that was hiding in the branches!
Workers decorating the tree apparently discovered the little creature on Monday, Nov. 16, according to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, NY, which is currently taking care of the fluffy bird.
The poor thing appeared to be living in the tree when it was cut down, and was discovered Monday after it made the journey all the way from Oneonta, New York (170 miles north of the city) down to NYC. The tree itself was brought in on Saturday, Nov. 14, and the director of Ravensbeard said the owl hadn’t eaten in about three days.
The director of Ravensbeard said she got a call from someone who worked at the company that transports and secures the iconic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. She met up with them in between the Center and their home, and discovered the little (adult) Saw-whet owl in a box, the smallest owls we have in the northeast.
They shared the story on Instagram, saying: “Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, we’ve given him fluids and are feeding him all the mice he will eat. It had been three days since he ate or drank anything. So far so good, his eyes are bright and seems relatively in good condition with all he’s been through. Once he checks in with the vet and gets a clean bill of health, he’ll be released to continue on his wild and wonderful journey.
“Our hearts go out to all those “behind the scenes” workers. Great job and thanks for saving ‘Rockefeller’!”
That’s right, they gave the owl the perfect name: Rockefeller! You can help support the important work of Ravensbeard Wildlife Center here.
featured image source: Instagram / @ravensbeardwildlifecenter