Look whooo’s gone missing again!
A popular barn owl with a history of wanderlust has once again gone AWOL from a Long Island Nature Center.
Nebula, a 6-year-old captive-bred European barn owl, somehow slipped away from her handler over the weekend, and flew away from the only home she’s ever known — Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.
It appears falconry equipment used to restrict the owl may have malfunctioned, letting the 1-pound bird with a 35-inch wingspan loose.
The owl relies on humans for her care, according to Isabel Fernandes, Sweetbriar’s wildlife care coordinator. But it is a bird, so there is a slight chance it could adapt.
“She could possibly be catching food on her own, and she might be figuring out life out there — we’re not 100% sure,” Fernandes said. “We need people to keep their eyes and ears open so we can bring her back safely.”
Concern grows with each passing day Nebula remains in the wind. Barn owls can die after three days without food or water, becoming dehydrated and leading to organ failure.
Fernandes told The Post Nebula still had her lead attached when she flew away three years ago, which made it difficult for her to fly and easier to catch.
This time, though, the bird is unencumbered, complicating matters, nature center officials said.
Unlike the Barred Owl, barn owls do not “hoot,” and instead make what Fernandes described as a “screaming screeching” noise.
The non-profit nature center has fielded several tips about hooting owls, she noted. There have been no confirmed sightings of Nebula yet though, Fernandes said.
Fernandes said Nebula is not aggressive, and feels at ease around people. Chances are she may approach humans “looking for food,” she said.
But people who spot Nebula shouldn’t attempt to catch her. Instead, keep a close eye on her, and contact Sweetbriar at (631) 979-6344.
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