03/29/2026
🦉 A beautiful little reminder of why community matters 🦉
Yesterday, a member shared a concern about a fledgling that had been left behind after all three had fledged on Thursday. She gently placed it back on the tree and it branched its way partly to safety. Later that evening it was found again on the ground near her front door. She gently placed it in a nearby bush hoping Mom or Dad would find it and coax it to safety. This morning it was found in the same location and at this point, intervention is necessary to reunite the family.
I went out to assess the situation, and after a careful search, we were able to locate Dad nearby in a tree. We safely placed the fledgling up into the same tree, giving it a much better chance of reuniting—and not long after, Mom made her appearance.
While continuing to observe the area, we also discovered a second fledgling, though the third was not immediately located.
Situations like this remind us how important it is not to leave a fledgling on the ground, as they can be vulnerable to predators and other dangers, even if they appear uninjured.
In the end, this turned into a hopeful and heartwarming outcome—Mom and Dad reunited with at least one of her young, and the situation was stabilized thanks to quick action and teamwork.
Grateful for everyone who cares enough to step in, ask questions, and help protect these incredible raptors. 💛
Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
