Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - On Sunday the Orange Beach Wildlife Center and Management Program folks received a report about an owl resting on a beach chair, letting people easily approach it. When they arrived to assess the bird, they were shocked to discover that this bird was a Flammulated Owl!

Flammulated Owls are among the smallest owl species of North America (this one weighing in at just 45 grams!) They are a species native to the West Coast of the US, and Central America. (See map below.) In fact, there are only three records of this species EVER being in Alabama, the last being in 2003. Needless to say, this bird was certainly out of its range and needed intervention.

Upon initial examination, the owl had no physical injuries and was in good body condition. It was alert and responsive initially, but unfortunately its condition began to rapidly decline. Despite the center's best efforts, the owl passed away after a very short time after taking it in. They cannot be certain why this happened, but suspect that the bird was sick. And maybe why it ended up so far out of its normal range. The owl will be sent off for a full necropsy (an autopsy for animals) to determine the cause of death.

While it's sad that this rare bird did not survive, it was very exciting to have it in our state and get to see one up close!