9. Little Rockefeller the Christmas Tree Owl
When the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrived in New York City in 2020, there was a little extra surprise stowed away. Little Rockefeller, the big-eyed owl stole the hearts of New York City and brought some Christmas cheer when she hitched a ride from Oneonta to Rockefeller Center. After she was discovered by a crew member on the transport team, Little Rockefeller, as she was dubbed, was sent to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties to recover from her journey.
Secrets of Rock Center Tour
Though it looks like a baby, Rocky, as the owl was affectionately called, was a full-grown Saw-Whet Owl, the smallest type of owl in the northeast. At Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, Rocky was given fluids and fed “all the mice she would eat.” After receiving a clean bill of health from the vet, the owl was released back into the wild at dusk.