Helsinki owlets’ first flight ends in embarrassing rescue

A family of rare Eurasian eagle owls, which is nesting on the roof of a Helsinki shopping centre, is continuing to provide entertainment for twitchers and local residents alike. After one of the three chicks aborted a test-flight following a crash landing on tram rails last week, a second adventurous owlet has now been rescued from the neon sign of a fast food restaurant after straying from the nest too early.

A ladder truck and net was used by fireman George Juden, who eventually managed to trap the forlorn looking bird. The baby eagle owl was then tagged and placed back in the nest by researcher Tapio Solonen.

According to Solonen, the bird has a wingspan of 1.5 metres already, despite being only between nine and ten weeks old. ”Its wings are already almost fully developed,” he said in a Helsingin Sanoman report.

He also warned Helsinki residents to call the emergency services rather than approaching the birds if another chick finds itself in a compromising position.

”They can get nervous if they are approached. In addition, the adult birds may turn up, especially at twilight or at night when it is dark. Then there is every reason to be extremely careful,” Solonen noted.

(Owl picture not an eagle owl. Used for illustration purposes only)