Her visitor was a screech owl who didn’t seem to want to leave.

Even though Eastern Screech Owls are small in size – about 8 inches long and weighing less than half a pound – they have sharp beaks and talons. This one found in a Broad Run back yard was relocated to the National Forest. Photo by VSP Trooper James Kennedy

Ellers, who lives across from the old Broad Run Store, said the night before the latest snowstorm, she noticed the owl in her back yard but didn’t think there was anything unusual about it – until later that evening when she took her dog out and found the owl sitting on her barbecue grill two feet from her back door.

“The next morning I went outside and there under my shed was the screech owl, hanging on an electric cord,” she said. “The owl would not leave and acted very tame.”

Ellers said she was concerned for the owl’s safety, because she has two outside cast that are three times its size.

Eastern Screech Owls usually are about 8 to 9 inches long, and weigh less than half a pound.

Virginia State Police Trooper James Kennedy uses thick gloves to pick up this screech owl who was hanging out at the home of Vella Ellers. Photo by Vella Ellers

Ellers was concerned about her pets, too, because, “Of course, the owl has the strong beak and talons.”

She called Craig County Animal Control David Fridley, who also contacted Virginia State Trooper James Kennedy.

Using long, thick leather gloves made for working with animals, “Trooper Kennedy captured the bird quietly and quickly and he and Officer Fridley took the owl to the National Forest and released it.”

On Monday, Kennedy said it was the first time he had helped relocate a screech owl, although he has helped with other animal calls when Fridley requested. “This is a small county and we try to help each other out.”

“We had an emu escape last year. That was probably the big animal for me,” the trooper said.

Ellers explained that she wanted people to know about her visitor so others would know to get proper help with wild animals.

“The screech owl is a beautiful bird but in spite of its small size, can still be dangerous,” she said. “I wanted people to know an owl like this is still a wild animal that you need to take care around,” Ellers added.