A Virginia family experienced the true meaning of surprise this holiday season when they found themselves with an unexpected guest—a barred owl perched majestically on top of their Christmas tree. This charming incident unfolded just before Christmas, adding a unique twist to the family's festive preparations.
The story began when the owl, identified as likely seeking shelter from the winter chill, dropped down their chimney, embodying the spirit of Santa Claus. According to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA), who later responded to the scene, it was as if the bird had declared itself the newest star on top of the Christmas tree, knocking over the existing star to claim its place. “This beautiful Barred Owl decided to play Santa and drop in—literally—through the chimney of a local home,” the organization posted on social media, delighting many with its whimsical narrative.
It all started when Savannah Burgoyne, who was home with her baby, heard unusual noises coming from the fireplace. Concerned, she ventured to the kitchen, only to be greeted by the sight of “a huge owl sitting on our baby’s highchair,” as she recalled later. Her surprise quickly turned to laughter as the owl mesmerized her children, who couldn’t contain their joy at the sight of the bird flapping around their home.
Videos shared by the family depict the owl gracefully soaring around the room, much to the delight of the two young children who laughed and pointed, capturing the magic of the moment. The footage shows the owl having fun, circling the ceiling before eventually landing atop the beautifully decorated tree, where it seemed more than comfortable.
After being alerted to the unusual situation, the AWLA dispatched Sergeant Spencer Murray to safely capture the feathered visitor. The family documented the tender moments as Murray skillfully worked to place the owl onto the captured net, and then successfully released it back outside, unharmed. Chelsea Jones, spokesperson for AWLA, confirmed, “He was completely healthy, and we’re so grateful to the family for allowing us to safely remove the owl.”
AWLA's social media updates served as both information and entertainment, stating, “Twas the week before Christmas, and perched on the tree was an unexpected visitor as majestic as can be!” This incident not only highlighted the joy and wonder of the holiday season but also served as a gentle reminder for homeowners to keep their chimneys capped. Keeping chimneys secured prevents wildlife from unintentionally finding their way inside, particularly during the cold months when animals seek warm shelter.
The Burgoyne family's delight echoed through the neighborhood, sparking attention and warm reactions from online viewers. “It’s been such a wonderful experience seeing the joy this has brought people,” Jones remarked, reflecting on the ripple effect of the owl's unexpected appearance. Indeed, it wasn’t long until locals discussed similar events from past holidays, recalling other incidents of owls making surprising holiday visits.
For example, last December, another family from Kentucky discovered a baby owl had been residing within their Christmas tree, going completely unnoticed for days until the family’s carpet cleaner caught sight of it. Homeowner Michelle White shared the incredulity of the moment, exclaiming to reporters, “I thought he’d put a stuffed animal or ornament in it, so I called him immediately. I’m like, ‘You’re kidding me, right?’”
Interestingly, owls do seem to have developed something of a reputation for holiday surprises. Back in 2019, one family from Georgia woke up to find their evergreen adorned with not only ornaments but also a live owl, enhancing their holiday decor. The stories serve to underline the charm of these remarkable creatures during the festive season.
Throughout the years, wildlife encounters during the holidays have shaped many families' experiences, intertwining the magic of nature with cherished family traditions. The appearance of the barred owl serves as a heartwarming reminder of the beauty of wildlife, and the need to balance our holiday celebrations with regard for our feathered friends. Appropriately, the AWLA's parting message, which humorously warned against leaving chimneys uncapped, struck both caution and lightheartedness.
With its four-foot wingspan and voracious appetite for small animals, the barred owl is not just beautiful but plays a significant role within the ecosystem. Families are encouraged to admire these creatures from afar, allowing them to thrive undisturbed. The season’s spirit runs deep as this incident made it clear—sometimes the unexpected guests bring the most joy, especially at Christmas.
This delightful encounter will likely lead to future vigilance around keeping wildlife out of homes during the colder months, all the way from Virginia to wherever another adventure with nature awaits. Who knows what surprise might come down the chimney next? The Burgoynes, with their unforgettable holiday story, will certainly be prepared!
