What to do if You Find a Baby Owl or Hawk
Finding a young owl or hawk on the ground can be surprising—and often concerning. These birds of prey inspire a strong urge to help, but in many cases, the best help is leaving them in their parents’ care. Young raptors develop differently than songbirds, and their time on the ground is often a normal and important part of growing up.
Here's How to Know What to Do.
First: Stay Calm and Observe
Before intervening:
Why Baby Hawks and Owls Are Often on the Ground
Young raptors may leave the nest before they can fly well. During this stage:
If the Bird Is Feathered and Alert
If the young hawk or owl:
What you can do:
If the Bird Is a Nestling
If the bird:
How to Make a Replacement Nest (If the Original Nest Is Unreachable)
If the original nest is too high, damaged, or unsafe to access, you can make a temporary replacement nest to give the parents a safe place to continue caring for their young.
You will need:
Steps:
Important:
Do not use cloth, string, yarn, dryer lint, or anything that can tangle feet or wings.
Parents usually return within 30–60 minutes once people leave the area.
When a Baby Hawk or Owl DOES Need Help
Fill out our intake form (or reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area) and we will be in touch if:
Important Safety Reminder
Adult hawks and owls may defend their young.
What NOT to Do
Why Professional Help Matters
Hawks and owls are protected wildlife. Licensed rehabilitators are trained to provide proper care while minimizing stress and ensuring birds retain the skills needed to survive in the wild.
When in Doubt, Make the Call
If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, pause and fill out our intake form (or reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area). A quick call can prevent unnecessary rescue and protect both you and the bird.
Thank you for helping raptors responsibly.
Here's How to Know What to Do.
First: Stay Calm and Observe
Before intervening:
- Keep your distance
- Keep people and pets away
- Watch quietly for a short time
Why Baby Hawks and Owls Are Often on the Ground
Young raptors may leave the nest before they can fly well. During this stage:
- They hop, walk, or climb using wings and talons
- Parents continue to feed and protect them
- Time on the ground helps build strength and coordination
If the Bird Is Feathered and Alert
If the young hawk or owl:
- Is fully or mostly feathered
- Is standing, hopping, or moving around
- Is alert and responsive
What you can do:
- Keep pets and people away
- If necessary, gently guide the bird a short distance to a safer nearby spot (under or in a bush or low branch)
- Leave the area so parents feel safe returning
If the Bird Is a Nestling
If the bird:
- Has little to no feathers
- Is unable to stand or move well
- Appears very young
How to Make a Replacement Nest (If the Original Nest Is Unreachable)
If the original nest is too high, damaged, or unsafe to access, you can make a temporary replacement nest to give the parents a safe place to continue caring for their young.
You will need:
- A sturdy container (small basket, wash basket, crate or short bucket)
- Drainage holes in the bottom
- Natural nesting material (dry grass, pine needles, straw, or dry leaves)
- Zip ties, wire, or twine (to secure the nest—never nails or staples)
Steps:
- Choose a container that fits the size of the bird—snug but not cramped
- Line it with natural material shaped into a shallow bowl. They need to be able to be able to scoot to the sides to defecate over the side over the nest.
- Secure the nest in a tree or on a sturdy branch as close as possible to the original nest location
- Place the bird gently inside and step away
Important:
Do not use cloth, string, yarn, dryer lint, or anything that can tangle feet or wings.
Parents usually return within 30–60 minutes once people leave the area.
When a Baby Hawk or Owl DOES Need Help
Fill out our intake form (or reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area) and we will be in touch if:
- The bird is injured, bleeding, or weak
- It was caught by a cat or dog
- It is lethargic or unresponsive
- A parent is confirmed deceased
- The bird is in immediate danger (roadway, construction area)
Important Safety Reminder
Adult hawks and owls may defend their young.
- Never attempt to capture a raptor with bare hands
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Protect your face if you must move nearby
What NOT to Do
- Do not feed or give water
- Do not take the bird home
- Do not try to raise it yourself
- Do not assume it has been abandoned
Why Professional Help Matters
Hawks and owls are protected wildlife. Licensed rehabilitators are trained to provide proper care while minimizing stress and ensuring birds retain the skills needed to survive in the wild.
When in Doubt, Make the Call
If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, pause and fill out our intake form (or reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area). A quick call can prevent unnecessary rescue and protect both you and the bird.
Thank you for helping raptors responsibly.
Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation serves Butte, Colusa & Glenn counties in Northern CA. Here is a list of all licensed rehab facilities in California.
