Great-Horned Owl owlet Bubo Virginianis. Great-Horned Owl owlets are quite "cute" when they are born. This one, unfortunately, fell from its nest and needed to be taken to a rescue facility. Because owl imprint rather quickly, surrogate moms and dads are often used to bring them up until they can be released back into the wild. Rehabbing an orphan like this will include placing it with other owls and adults where it will learn to hunt. Notice those talons, even at this young age they can cause a painful injury. Care should be taken when handling even the youngest of owls. Santa Barbara County, Calfornia.