We’re all in need of some Christmas cheer and this year it appears to have come in the form of an Owl in a Spruce rather than a Partridge in a Pear tree. This tiny Saw-whet owl, one of the smallest species of owl in the Northwest, hitched a ride on this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and was discovered dehydrated and hungry among the trees giant branches by one the tree’s transport workers.

Tiny Owl Found In Christmas Tree

Dehydrated and hungry but otherwise unharmed, this tiny owl was found hiding out amongst the giant branches of the 75 foot tall Norway Spruce being transported for display in New York’s Rockefeller Center by one of the workers.

The adorable Saw-whet owl, now aptly named Rockefeller, is actually a full-grown adult male and was spotted on Monday by a worker for the company that transports and secures the 75-foot Norway spruce.

Besides being a little discombobulated and undoubtedly hungry and thirsty, the tiny owl appeared unharmed and was taken to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, New York.

After being fed a buffet of all-you-can-eat mice, the little owl was given a clean bill of health on Wednesday by a veterinarian and is expected to be released back into the wildlife this weekend.

The tree, a 75-foot (23-meter) Norway spruce, had been brought to Manhattan on Saturday from Oneonta, New York, in the central part of the state. The tree is put in place and then decorated over some weeks before being lit for the public in early December.

Given the type of year 2020 has been, we’re just happy it wasn’t a Pterodactyl.

all images and information courtesy of AP News.