Avon's 'Miracle' Owl Recovers Thanks To Friends In Canton

CANTON/AVON, CT — Cue a recording of "Born Free."

Thanks to the efforts of a Canton-based nature center, the "tiny miracle" found injured in Avon last December is healthy and flying again.

Folks may recall that on Dec. 17, Avon Animal Control Officer Angela Grano was on patrol when she stumbled on something lying in the middle of the road.

What was thought to be a piece of ice initially, turned out to be an injured northern saw-whet owl, the tiniest owl species in Connecticut and one that is becoming rare.

But instead of becoming a casualty to what was likely a vehicle strike, this little owl became Grano's "tiny miracle," as she described it at the time.

On Jan. 24, the Canton-based Roaring Brook Nature Center, which rehabs injured creatures and tries to return them to the wild, shared some uplifting news.

The nature center, located at 70 Gracey Road, Canton, announced the full rehabilitation of the owl and its release into the wild, even posting footage of the touching release.

"The owl — the smallest in Connecticut — suffered from a wing fracture and an abrasion," wrote the nature center on social media. "After about a month in our wildlife rehabilitation clinic getting treatment, rest, and an exam by our vet, the owl was moved to an outdoor enclosure to exercise and get ready for release."

According to Roaring Brook, saw-whet owls are designated a "species of special concern" here in Connecticut, "which means their numbers are declining."

"So rehabilitating and releasing this owl, was extra special," Roaring Brook wrote.

Grano was equally elated at the situation's outcome.

"There is no greater feeling than seeing a sentient being brought back to its natural environment, particularly birds and, particularly, wildlife," she told Patch Wednesday.

"My position title is animal control officer, not dog catcher, and I truly believe that wildlife throughout the country are facing unprecedented hurdles."

Grano said "apex birds" like owls are facing all sorts of hazards, from vehicles, environmental poisoning and climate change.

"I was very proud of that little owl and I was grateful to Roaring Brook Nature Center for giving him the time he needed to recover," she said.

From Dec. 18: 'Avon Animal Control Rescues 'Tiny Miracle' In The Road'

For more information on owl species in Connecticut, click on this link.