An Eastern Screech Owl surprised shoppers when it was discovered perched on a shelf in an antique store in East Durham, Greene County. Environmental Conservation Officer Milliron safely removed the bird and released it back into the wild. The incident occurred on February 21st.
On Saturday, February 21st, employees at an antique store in the Hamlet of East Durham, Greene County, received reports from shoppers who noticed something unusual on one of the shelves. According to a press release from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the object turned out to be a real Eastern Screech Owl, perched next to a chicken cookie jar.
Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Milliron responded to the call. He found the owl sleeping and gently cradled it to remove it from the store. Milliron then released the bird into a nearby wooded area, where it flew into a tree.
The Eastern Screech Owl is a nocturnal species that typically nests in tree cavities. There is no information available on how the owl entered the antique shop. The DEC highlighted the unique nature of the incident, which drew attention for its unexpected setting amid the store's collection of vintage items.