Shoppers at an antique store in upstate New York were surprised earlier this month to discover a live owl quietly resting on a display shelf next to a ceramic chicken-shaped cookie jar. The unusual encounter occurred at The Market Place in the hamlet of East Durham, roughly 127 miles north of Manhattan.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), customers first noticed what appeared to be “something extremely lifelike” on one of the store’s shelves on February 21. Store staff were alerted, prompting a call to conservation officers.
When officers arrived, they found a brown-and-white eastern screech owl perched peacefully with its eyes closed. The owl, a nocturnal species known for nesting in tree cavities, appeared to be taking an unbothered nap. Officers carefully removed the bird from the store and released it into a nearby wooded area, where it immediately flew to a tree.
Uncommon Indoor Visitor
Eastern screech owls are small, elusive birds rarely seen during the day. They are primarily active at night, making the daytime appearance in a retail space particularly unusual. The DEC did not immediately determine how the owl had entered the store, and an email was sent to the shop’s owners seeking clarification.
While such indoor visits are uncommon, wildlife experts note that eastern screech owls may occasionally explore human structures while hunting or seeking shelter. The DEC emphasized that the bird was unharmed and successfully returned to its natural habitat.
Community Reaction
Local residents shared their surprise and delight at the sighting. Social media posts featuring the story highlighted the owl’s calm demeanor and the rare chance to observe a typically nocturnal species up close. “It was like something out of a storybook,” one resident told a regional news outlet.
The incident underscores the occasional intersection of wildlife and human spaces in rural and suburban areas. DEC officers reminded residents that while such encounters are rare, they can provide valuable opportunities to learn about local species and the importance of coexisting with wildlife.
Source: AP News – Sleepy owl found resting among items on a New York antique store shelf
