Watch: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Owl Released Into Wild

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — The tiny, hardy Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree owl was released back into the wild Tuesday evening, capping a strange journey that began more than a week ago with its unlikely rescue.

The Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, N.Y., which has been caring for "Rocky" since Nov. 17, released a video showing director Ellen Kalish carrying the Northern saw-whet owl into a clearing in the woods, letting the bird perch on her hand and then watching as it flies away to roost on a nearby tree.

"She is a tough little bird and we're happy to see her back in her natural habitat," the center wrote. "We are sure that Rocky will feel your love and support through her journey south."

Last week, Patch spoke to Kalish about Rocky's unlikely discovery, made by a worker who had helped transport this year's 75-foot Norway Spruce tree from the city of Oneonta down to Midtown Manhattan.

The worker's wife reached out to Kalish, who has rehabilitated birds of prey for 20 years, and the two agreed to meet up in New Paltz. The owl, who weighed just 2.5 ounces, was handed over last Tuesday.

Kalish said the owl had likely had nothing to eat or drink for three days during its accidental journey to the city, and eagerly gulped down water and frozen mice upon her arrival at the shelter.

Ravensbeard lacks a permanent home despite taking in more than 150 birds last year, and the center is now seeking donations to build one.

Before its release, Rockefeller received X-rays at a local veterinarian's office to ensure that none of its bones had been broken during the ordeal. After that, Kalish said, the center would release her in Saugerties — since saw-whets are migratory birds, there was no need to bring the owl back to Oneonta.

"It doesn't really matter where we release him — he's going to go wherever he wants," she said.

Related coverage:

• Owl Rescued From Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
• See It: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives In Midtown
• PHOTOS: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree-To-Be Cut Down Upstate