At New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Observatory, winter brings more than just snowdrifts and icy winds. For the dedicated team members and interns stationed atop this famously frigid peak, it also brings a vital responsibility: measuring snow depths every six hours to support the National Weather Service and the Mount Washington Avalanche Center. But this past March, what was supposed to be a routine snow check turned into a heartwarming wildlife rescue—one that highlighted both the harshness of nature and the quiet heroism of those who work in it.

While conducting their usual measurements, two observatory interns noticed something unexpected nestled in the snow. Among the swirling flakes and biting wind, a tiny creature was barely visible. Upon closer inspection, they discovered a small owl, shivering and nearly motionless, with its eyes frozen shut. The bird was caught in the midst of snowy, foggy, and windy conditions—conditions that can turn perilous for even the hardiest wildlife.

According to a representative from the observatory, the interns acted quickly. They gently scooped the owl from the snowbank and brought her indoors, hoping to give her a fighting chance. I found this detail striking: in such an extreme environment, where temperatures and visibility can plummet rapidly, these young scientists didn’t hesitate to shift from data collection to animal rescue. It speaks volumes about their compassion and presence of mind.

Recognizing that the owl needed more specialized care, the interns consulted a volunteer who is also a birding enthusiast. The volunteer transferred the bird into a cat carrier to keep her safe and warm, then reached out to New Hampshire Fish and Game for guidance. Later that day, staff from New Hampshire State Parks transported the owl down the mountain to the fish and game base, where she was examined by wildlife experts.

The bird was identified as a northern saw-whet owl, one of North America’s smallest owl species. Known for their oversized heads and striking yellow eyes, these owls are typically elusive and nocturnal, making this daytime, snowbound encounter all the more unusual. Fortunately, the examination revealed no injuries. The owl was simply cold and disoriented, likely caught off guard by the mountain’s rapidly changing weather conditions.

Once inside and away from the elements, the owl began to recover. She opened her eyes, shook the moisture from her feathers, and slowly regained her composure. The observatory reported that she was in good health and, after warming up, was released back into the surrounding wilderness where she belongs. The successful return of the owl to her habitat was a moment of relief and celebration for everyone involved.

This story, though brief, underscores the unpredictable intersection of wildlife and weather. Mount Washington, known for its extreme conditions and critical meteorological research, is also a place where nature’s fragility is on full display. The northern saw-whet owl, small and vulnerable, was lucky to be spotted in time. Without the interns’ careful attention and swift action, her fate might have been very different.

It also highlights the importance of collaboration between organizations. From the observatory interns and birding volunteers to New Hampshire State Parks and Fish and Game, each played a role in ensuring the owl’s survival. Their coordinated efforts turned what could have been a tragic discovery into a hopeful outcome. The observatory later shared the story on Instagram, writing, “We hope our Northern Saw-Whet owl friend lives a long and healthy life.”

For those interested in supporting the observatory’s work—not just in weather and climate research, but also in the quiet acts of stewardship that sometimes accompany it—donations are welcome. These contributions help sustain the observatory’s mission and ensure that both data and compassion continue to guide their efforts atop one of the Northeast’s most formidable peaks.

Stories like this remind us that even in the most remote and challenging environments, moments of kindness and connection can emerge. A snow measurement turned into a wildlife rescue, and a frozen owl found her way back to the wild—all thanks to the vigilance and care of a few observant individuals.

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