October 26, 2024 — Chest-mounted bodycam footage released this week shows a wildlife rescuer climbing an old wooden tower in heavy rain to save a juvenile barn owl stranded on a narrow, rain-soaked beam.

The video opens on the young owl, its cream-white and light-brown feathers damp and matted, perched uncertainly on a wet timber high inside the weathered tower. The bird’s distinctive heart-shaped face turns toward the camera, large dark eyes wide, as rain pours through the gaps in the wooden framework.

Moving slowly to avoid startling the bird, the rescuer — wearing a beige waterproof jacket, black protective gloves, and a full climbing harness — carefully works both gloved hands around the owl. The young bird blinks, shifts its talons, and flutters one wing, but makes no attempt to fly.

With both wings held gently folded at its sides, the owl is lifted clear of the beam. Its small feet relax as the rescuer cradles it securely and turns toward a sheltered wooden platform. By the end of the clip, the owl is visibly calmer, blinking slowly as rain continues to hammer the tower walls.

Juvenile barn owls are especially vulnerable during heavy storms, when wet feathers rob them of flight and expose them to hypothermia. Wildlife officials remind the public never to attempt high-angle animal rescues without proper training and equipment — and to call local wildlife services when an animal is stranded in a dangerous location.