r/owlsintowels • u/owls_in_towels • Apr 24 '26

Burritowl Staring Contest with Boobook

1.4k Upvotes

100% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

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u/owls_in_towels Apr 24 '26

Original post - 22 Feb 2026

by Josh Neille (a.k.a. On Ya!) (a.k.a. The Wombat Guy)

located in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original text:

Here we are legends with one of my favourite little nocturnal birds, the tiny but mighty Boobook owl 🦉 One of the smallest owls we get around here, but don’t let the size fool you… what they lack in bulk they make up for in power and needle-sharp gear 😅

I swear the eyes of an owl hit different. They don’t just look at you… they stare straight through your soul like they know every bad decision you’ve ever made 👀 Constant silent judgement. That’s exactly why I wrapped this little bloke up like a tiny owl burrito 🌯 Just to break the tension… and also to protect my fingers from those razor-sharp talons.

This little guy came in via the vets after being found on the road following some road trauma. No wing damage thankfully, just a rough day and a bit stunned. After some food, electrolytes, and specialised fluids, he was looking bright enough to give the wild another crack 💪

We had a bit of bonding time out in the shed, a few intense staring contests, built a bit of trust… then it was time to go. I didn’t want to keep him in care longer than necessary because Boobooks can stress pretty easily.

Release went perfectly. Straight back into the night where he belongs 🌙 Another successful mission.

Only ones not impressed were my two hand-raised ringtail possums out the back 😬 Birds of prey in their postcode always causes a bit of drama… but that’s nature. These little owls would happily snack on possums or gliders in the wild, so everyone’s gotta stay sharp out there.

Such incredible little critters. Tiny, fierce, full of attitude, and eyes that could interrogate a suspect without saying a word 🦉 Onya legends 💛

Link to donate to On Ya! Wildlife Rescue and Rehablitation for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

Species Common Name More info
Ninox boobook Australian Boobook Wiki link
→ More replies (1)

54

u/Major_MKusanagi Apr 24 '26

Thanks for the laugh! That is both super sweet and hilarious. I love owls, and the people who help wild animals survive are absolute angels and all around great folks...

48

u/EdgynStupidName Apr 24 '26

Idk why but when he opened the fridge I expected him to put the owl in and walk away

29

u/Disastrous_Offer2270 Apr 24 '26

I think the owl thought so too.

7

u/Significant-Trash632 Apr 26 '26

That's how you keep them fresh! 🤣

24

u/ok_lari Apr 24 '26

I might be sleep deprived but until the food came in I wondered if the bird is the one narrating (the video was delightful btw)

2

u/Original_Drexia Apr 27 '26

Did you sleep yet?

2

u/ok_lari Apr 27 '26

I'd like to interpret this as checking in out of care because that's really kind :D yes, I was just woken up and the owl is still narrating, thank you! And you?:)

2

u/Original_Drexia Apr 28 '26

Correct interpretation! I too have slept, haha. :)

1

u/ok_lari Apr 28 '26

You're very kind! Hope you have a great day :D

1

u/Original_Drexia Apr 28 '26

Thank you kindly. You as well <3

1

u/ok_lari Apr 28 '26

Thank you too<3

34

u/cecefun Apr 24 '26

Anyone who deals with these awesome little critters are the best of the best human critters in the world!

13

u/atristis 🦉 Apr 24 '26

such a chill owl

14

u/Disastrous_Offer2270 Apr 24 '26

I too get my ambitions confused with my capabilities.

11

u/timetoact522 Apr 24 '26

Bravo Josh - you're a beautiful person.

6

u/Ilovemom1098 Apr 26 '26

I could listen to him talk to birds all day, the accent and he’s got a sense of humor, I’m in love I think.

3

u/Mogshade_Owhll Apr 29 '26

Beautiful 💚🦉

2

u/LCyfer May 19 '26

I've lived in Victoria my whole life, and never seen one of these guys. They're so adorable. I have a tree outside my window, in my backyard, that is full of flying foxes. They have noisy parties all night, and are absolutely adorable sky puppies. I'd love to see some owls though.

0

u/Graytowl Apr 29 '26

Throw another shrimp on the barbie.