It might still be November, but we’ve already had the first ‘miracle’ of the festive season.

A tiny Saw-whet owl, one of the smallest varieties in North America, has been rescued from the Christmas tree that is traditionally placed outside the Rockafeller Center in New York.

The Norway Spruce was felled last week in Oneonta, New York State, before embarking on a three day, 170 mile road trip to the city, along with its feathered resident.

The bird was discovered on Tuesday, tucked amongst the branches, by a worker helping to erect the tree. His wife then contacted a local wildlife rescue charity.

On its Facebook page the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center said: “Yesterday morning, I received a phone call from someone who asked if we take in owls for rehabilitation. I replied ‘yes we do’, there was silence for a moment and she said: ‘OK, I’ll call back when my husband comes home, he’s got the baby owl in a box tucked in for the long ride.’

“I asked where her husband was when he found the owl. She said he works for the company that transports and secures the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

“She lived about an hour south so we met in the middle to do the transfer. Once secured, I peaked in the box and saw this little face looking up at me. He/she was a little Saw-whet owl, the smallest owls we have in the northeast. All baby owls are born in the spring so the idea that there was a baby owl in November didn’t make sense.

“Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, we’ve given him fluids and are feeding him all the mice he will eat. It had been three days since he ate or drank anything. “

“So far so good, his eyes are bright and seems relatively in good condition with all he’s been through. Once he checks in with the vet and gets a clean bill of health, he’ll be released to continue on his wild and wonderful journey.

“Our hearts go out to all those ‘behind the scenes’ workers. Great job and thanks for saving ‘Rockefeller’!

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