From A Place Called Hope
This baby is too young to be out of his/her nest spot. At this age, they are doomed on the ground. Mom might feed a nest fall victim at first, but the babies who remain in the actual nest takes priority and Mom can't sit on babies in two places.
If you come across a baby bird on the ground, that is not mobile and is downy covered, it needs intervention.
A Place Called Hope works seven days a week when it comes to the birds we cater to, which include all birds of prey, vultures, and the corvids (crows, ravens, bluejays).
This little one will return to a wild nest asap. The nest tree is posing a challenge. It's not a good one for our climbing team. The nest itself is over 80 feet (24.5 meters) up with few limbs. It's incredible this baby is uninjured!
Fledged birds will have adult feathers. If they are moving about and doing things, they are likely fine and just doing owl things. Fuzzy, down covered ones like this can't escape danger or get food, so they do need help. Please do not give them food or water. Note your location (so the animal can be returned home), and get it to a rescue for the best chance of a positive outcome.
holy cats!
Watch that first step! 😅