Sleepy owl found resting among items in Durham, NY antique store shelf

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Shoppers at an antique store in upstate Modern York discovered an unusual item amongst the merchandise earlier this month: a live owl peacefully resting on a shelf next to a cookie jar shaped like a chicken.

Unexpected Visitor at The Market Place

The incident occurred on February 21 in the hamlet of East Durham, approximately 127 miles north of Manhattan. Customers at The Market Place alerted staff after spotting “something extremely lifelike” on one of the shelves, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Did You Know? The owl was an eastern screech owl, a nocturnal bird that typically nests in tree cavities.

Environmental conservation police officers arrived to find a brown-and-white owl perched on a shelf with its eyes closed. The officers carefully removed the owl from the store and released it into a nearby wooded area, where it flew into a tree.

Expert Insight: The presence of a wild animal in a commercial space highlights the intersection of human and natural environments, and the potential for unexpected encounters. The swift and careful response by authorities ensured the owl’s well-being.

The Department of Environmental Conservation sent an email to the owners of The Market Place on Friday, but the cause of the owl’s presence inside the store remains unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did this incident occur?

The incident occurred on February 21.

Where did this happen?

This happened in the hamlet of East Durham, New York, at The Market Place antique store.

What kind of owl was it?

The owl was an eastern screech owl.

What factors might lead a wild animal to seek shelter inside a building?

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