Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park welcomes adorable owl family

Local bird enthusiasts are flocking to Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park to catch a glimpse of a new family of Great Horned Owls nesting under the Panther Hollow Bridge.

A remarkable wildlife story is unfolding in the heart of Pittsburgh’s urban landscape. The arrival of a family of Great Horned Owls in Schenley Park has created excitement among local residents and bird enthusiasts, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these magnificent nocturnal predators thriving within city limits.

New feathered family takes up residence in Pittsburgh park

According to Pitt News, a pair of great horned owls established their nest under the Panther Hollow Bridge in late December, successfully hatching two owlets by January’s end. The family’s presence has drawn considerable attention from local wildlife observers, though experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from these wild creatures.

One of the owlets, nicknamed “Muppet,” experienced a dramatic incident when it fell more than 100 feet from its nest in late February. Thanks to quick action by a local hiker and the Tamarack Wildlife Center, the young owl received necessary medical care and was successfully relocated to an artificial nest near its family.

“We didn’t want to return this guy to that bridge nest and see it fall again,” Carol Holmgren, executive director of Tamarack Wildlife Center, told Pitt News. “That wasn’t a very safe place for us to bring back the baby.”

Urban adaptation & family dynamics

While Great Horned Owls rarely nest in urban environments, Schenley Park’s forest patches provide suitable habitat for these adaptable birds. Stephen Bucklin, a naturalist educator with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, notes that their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem: “Anytime we have species living here that need certain conditions to be able to thrive, I feel like that’s a good sign.”

The owl family has displayed fascinating behavior, with both owlets now exploring their surroundings. Local observer Wendy Merrill has documented touching family moments, including the siblings “horsing around” while their parents maintain watchful supervision from nearby trees.

Conservation challenges in an urban setting

Despite their adaptability, these owls face several urban challenges, including noise and light pollution, potential vehicle collisions, and the dangers of rat poison. Bucklin advises visitors to leave pets at home and use binoculars for observation, as these owls are sensitive to potential predators.

The owls may remain in the area long-term, as Great Horned Owl families typically stay together for six to seven months, longer than other owl species. Even after the young owls establish their own territories, they often remain within 15-30 miles of their parents’ location.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Keystone staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.