Owls

Some species of owls, especially the great horned owl, leave the nest when they are quite young and are still covered with down. Babies that exhibit this behavior are called "branchers" because they hop from one branch to another gradually moving farther and farther from the nest. The parents follow them around and continue to take care of them. This process can go on for months in some species as the young develop their feathers prior to fledging.

If you find a young owl standing on the ground or on a lower tree branch, and it appears to be alert, then the parents are probably nearby. If, however, the bird has not moved in 24 hours, or is not alert, has flies on it, or it cannot stand, it may need help and you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.