Volunteers re-nest owlets as high-winds gust across the Kansas City metro

LINWOOD, Kan. (KCTV) - Conservation volunteers in eastern Kansas continue to re-nest owlets blown from their homes as high winds continue to bluster across the metro.

Operation Wildlife leaders announced on Tuesday, March 18, that with recent windy conditions, volunteers have been hard at work to re-nest owlets blown out of their homes.

On Tuesday, Operation Wildlife indicated volunteers completed their third re-nesting within a week. Coordination is crucial to ensure the owlet is healthy, the nest is suitable to re-nest and that it can be done safely.

said they often have to put up a wicker basket to make sure the babies stay in the nest.

Specifically, Operation Wildlife said great horned owls do not build their own nests, instead, they use the abandoned nests of other animals. They are not picky about where the nest sits either as they have occasionally been found on farm equipment.

Conservationists noted that a baby great horned owl could cost up to $1,500 in food if raised to release in rehabilitation - in addition to upkeep and care of the sister parent. There are also risks of improper imprinting and live feeding to ensure the owlet has the skills needed to survive in the wild.

According to Operation Wildlife, re-nesting is the best solution for the successful rehabilitation of owlets. A special thanks has been sent out to OWL volunteers Gary Crain, Katherine Boyce and Kirk Mata for Tuesday’s successful re-nesting.

For more information about Operation Wildlife or to donate, click HERE.

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