Volunteer Michael Fayret has been releasing four young Eurasian scops owls in the commune of Sainte-Croix in Aveyron, southern France, since August 5, 2026.
The nocturnal birds of prey were brought to the Centre régional de sauvegarde de la faune sauvage caussenard (CRSFSC) after falling prematurely from their nests across the region.
The young owls were rescued from multiple locations across two French departments, including Villeneuve-d'Aveyron in Aveyron, as well as Laurens, Le Cap d'Agde, and Cruzy in the neighbouring department of Hérault.
After spending several weeks at the regional wildlife rescue facility receiving intensive medical care, regular feeding, and rehabilitation, the young birds were declared ready to return to their natural environment.
The hacking release method
Fayret is carrying out the release process using a specialized conservation technique known as the "au taquet" or hacking method, which is particularly suited for young raptors.
Under this soft-release protocol, the owls are placed inside an elevated nesting box or open cage positioned high off the ground within their future natural territory.
The birds are initially fed inside the enclosure for several days, allowing them to adapt gradually to the sights and sounds of their new surroundings.
Once the nesting box is opened, the owls can undertake their initial flights and explore the local sector while continuing to receive supplemental food until they achieve full autonomy.
Rescue centre experts emphasize that this gradual transition significantly increases the birds' chances of survival by granting them time to master essential hunting skills.
Europe's smallest nocturnal raptor
Measuring around 20 centimetres in length and weighing approximately 80 grams, the Eurasian scops owl (Otus scops) holds the distinction of being Europe's smallest nocturnal bird of prey.
The species is easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, and intricate bark-like plumage that provides exceptional camouflage against tree trunks.
As primary insectivores, the owls play a critical ecological role in controlling insect populations by feeding heavily on grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, moths, and beetles.
Fayret noted that while the species is exceptionally difficult to spot visually in the wild, its presence can easily be detected by its distinctive, rhythmic vocal call.
Migration to sub-Saharan Africa
In a few weeks, these four rehabilitated owls are expected to join other members of their species on their first major migratory voyage.
The journey will take the small raptors across thousands of kilometres, travelling south from southern France across the Mediterranean to their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.
The release marks a crucial milestone in preparing the young birds for the physical demands of their upcoming long-distance migration.
Surge in wildlife rescue admissions
The release comes during an unprecedented period of activity for the CRSFSC, which operates across the limestone plateau regions of southern France.
During the first six months of 2026, the facility admitted more than 400 wild animals in distress, representing a major surge in animal intake.
Treating these animals required an immense human investment, with staff and volunteers contributing 4,600 hours of labor over the same six-month span.
Call for volunteers and regional support
To sustain its rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs, the centre is actively appealing for new volunteers, particularly in the Millau sector and across Aveyron.
The organisation is also seeking material and financial contributions to ensure it can continue responding to injured and orphaned wildlife across the region.
Thanks to this collective solidarity, the four young Eurasian scops owls are now regaining their independence and preparing for their flight south.
