Fuzz Ball wanted to be free, and this morning the little owlet flew to its maker. Yesterday the little guy decided it was time to branch, which was made difficult because its temporary nest was not in the reach of branches. Yesterday morning after two attempts at placing Fuzz Ball in a pine tree yesterday morning only to see the Great Horned Owlet fall repeatedly to the ground, I returned it to its chair nest. However, just before sunset yesterday evening once Fuzz Ball jumped again to the ground and was off to explore. I knew putting the bird back up in its temporary nest was useless. It would just jump/fall again. Instead I relocated it on the ground deep in a protected bunch of deadfall. Given the parents were hooting at me, I knew they were well aware of the owlet’s location.
This morning I went hiking at 5:15 am, but could not find FuzzBall in the protected area. After a thorough search I found the owlet 100 yards away, next to a hiking path. I left the owlet for 20 minutes to return home and get some supplies. Upon my return I discovered Fuzz Ball had become prey … I suspect for some local foxes. While sad, staying in the wild under the care of its parents was Fuzz Ball’s best opportunity to live free. Unfortunately its real nest was too high to reach safely.
It is worth reading yesterday’s blog post, Fuzz Ball falls again, and again, and again.
R.I.P. Fuzz Ball
- Nest discovered: March 11th
- First Family Portrait of Fuzz Ball and its Mom: May 5th
- Fuzz Ball Falls Out of Real Nest: May 15th
- Fuzz Ball Dies: May 26th
Videos (links for email subscribers)
- Fuzz Ball on its real nest
- Fuzz Ball Gets Fed (new nest)
- Fuzz Ball Explores (yesterday)
- Fuzz Ball Falls (yesterday)
The poor little fuzzball. You did everything you could to try to save him and many thanks for your efforts! RIP Fuzzball.
You gave Fuzzball your best efforts, Rich. Sad to hear he didn’t make it…
Jeanne Shallow
This makes me so sad. But, it is nature.
Gosh, that baby was a determined explorer. Thanks for sharing the story with us, and for all the good energy and skills you put into the rescue.
Sorry to read the news about Fuzz Ball Rich. Nature takes it course. Thank you for all you did for the little owlet.
You did the best you could. So sorry to hear. It’s hard in the wild.
Only through your efforts did the owlet have a chance. Nature’s way seems cruel to us that’s how the foxes survive.
Thank you for all your care!
This is heart breaking. Had such hopes for him. Thank you for your care.
So sorry, Rich, but you made the right decision to keep him wild
Fuzz Ball demise? Not unexpected. (Misc. – Eagles along Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Mn, have diversified their diet apparently because of the continuing high water. They are now feasting on pigeons and other birds around the US Bank Stadium home of the NFL Vikings.)
I applaud your efforts to help the little guy. Looks like your plan worked for awhile. So sorry for all of us. I appreciate the amazing images that you share.
Oh NO!! I am so sorry to hear this. I have been following your story, as I do all your stories and pictures…. Very sad. Well done you though, in your attempts.