A young owl was discovered perched on a Christmas tree in Lexington, Kentucky, on November 27, 2023. The bird was safely released into the family's backyard, as captured by Bobby Hayes in the provided photo.
In a charming twist of holiday festivities, a Lexington, Kentucky family received an unexpected yuletide surprise when their Christmas tree came adorned with more than just ornaments – a baby owl had taken residence in their festive centrepiece.
Michele White, a Lexington resident, shared with WDKY-TV that selecting a Christmas tree is a cherished tradition for her family. This year, however, turned out to be extraordinary. The tree stood proudly in their home for four days without revealing its feathery secret. White, who is a pet owner, expressed her surprise, saying, "I have three dogs. We use this room nonstop: watch TV; the kitchen's right here; no indication."
The unforeseen discovery unfolded when Bobby Hayes, the proprietor of Magic Carpet Cleaning, was at the family's residence while they were away. It was during a routine task, plugging in a piece of equipment, that Hayes noticed an unexpected commotion – the tree began to sway mysteriously.
"The owl was sitting on a lower limb here," Hayes recounted, indicating the tree. Initially unnoticed, the tiny creature eventually revealed itself by inching further up into the tree. "It took me several minutes to even find it," Hayes added.
With the situation at hand, Hayes promptly documented the surprising encounter with photos, sharing them with White. Grateful for his presence, White acknowledged the assistance, and Hayes, exhibiting a commendable gesture of care, managed to safely release the owl in the family's backyard.
In reflecting on the incident, Hayes humorously remarked, "Everybody's going to be able to have a merry Christmas now." The unexpected addition of a feathered friend has undoubtedly added a unique and heartwarming chapter to the family's annual holiday tradition.
As the festive season unfolds, this Kentucky family will not only be adorning their Christmas tree with decorations but will also fondly remember the year when an unassuming evergreen harbored a surprise visitor, making their holiday celebrations all the more memorable.
