A family’s Christmas celebration took a whimsical turn when they found themselves hosting an unexpected guest this holiday season. Just days before Christmas, the Burgoyne family of Arlington, Virginia, was astonished to discover a Barred Owl had swooped down their chimney and transformed their Christmas tree from beautiful decoration to its newest perch.
According to reports from NBC4 and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, this intriguing incident began when the family heard unusual rustling inside their home. Captured on video, the family's laughter and surprise unfolded as the owl flew around, seemingly unaware of the Christmas spirit surrounding it. Eventually, the enchanting bird perched atop their Christmas tree, even knocking aside the holiday star to claim its spot.
“Twas the week before Christmas, and perched on the tree was an unexpected visitor as majestic as can be!” the Animal Welfare League of Arlington joyfully captured the moment on their social media, sharing images and videos of the adventure. It seemed this Barred Owl had decided to play Santa, making its grand entrance just like the legendary figure—through the chimney.
Sgt. Murray from the Animal Welfare League responded quickly to the surprising call. The footage shared showed children giggling as the owl exercised its freedom, flapping about the house, caught between the kitchen and the living room, before making its triumphant ascent to the top of the Christmas tree. A man filmed behind the camera remarked, “He’s like, ‘This is the perfect spot!’” capturing the sheer delight of those witnessing the spectacle.
{@social media note: The Animal Welfare League's post not only featured the owl inside but also chronicled its eventual release back to the wild. Murray, Tweeting, highlighted, “It was one of my favorite calls I’ve ever responded to,” blending humor with festive cheer.
Once captured, the owl was safely taken outside for release, providing quite the final act to its little Christmas adventure. The video concludes with the owl being gently released by the officer, swiftly flying off as the sun dipped below the horizon. The scene was magical, with onlookers cheering as the owl soared away—a truly picture-perfect moment.
According to the Audubon Society, Barred Owls are primarily nocturnal, yet this one seemed to have little concern about the daylight runs. Their adaptability allows them to thrive across much of the United States, often taking residence near towns and urban areas. That was the case for the Burgoyne family, whose chimney became the temporary haven for their unexpected guest.
The family expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Animal Welfare League for their swift response and care for the wildlife. Social media users echoed this sentiment, sharing the video and delighting at the unexpected visitor who made their holidays brighter.
The incident serves as gentle reminder about wildlife awareness. Capturing critters like owls or raccoons from entering through chimneys or gaps, experts suggest keeping chimneys properly capped, especially during winter months when wildlife is more prone to seek warmth and shelter.
This delightful encounter reflects the magical yet unpredictable nature of wildlife, reminding us also of the importance of community support systems like the Animal Welfare League, who tirelessly work to help both animals and residents coexist peacefully.
For the Burgoyne family, this unexpected Christmas owl surely will remain part of their cherished holiday memories. After all, who else can say they hosted Santa’s owl? This charming tale of an owl’s holiday visit is bound to spread cheer far beyond the holiday season, inviting laughter and awe for all who hear it.
