Crestone, Colorado – A rescued Northern Saw-whet owl has made a full recovery and returned to the wild this week, following care at the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

The tiny owl, one of Colorado’s smallest species, was found near Crestone on December 21 unable to fly due to a soft tissue injury to its right wing. The wing was completely immobile, grounding the bird and threatening its survival.

At the rehabilitation center, the owl rested and gradually regained strength. It was later moved to a flight cage to rebuild stamina and prove its ability to catch prey independently.

After completing flight conditioning, the nocturnal owl was released at dusk in the area where it was originally found.

Northern Saw-whet owls are seldom seen but often heard, their distinctive call resembling a saw blade being sharpened. They were recently classified as a Species of Greatest Information Need in Colorado’s State Wildlife Action Plan, highlighting the need for more research.

The rescue and recovery were made possible thanks to Michael Sirochman and the team at Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, along with all those who helped the owl return to nature.

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