This bird was confused for a young owl and rescued over the weekend. They are often mistaken for small owls and people think they are witnessing an animal in distress.
Because they are ground dwellers, they are really easy to approach. They avoid the high trees, where their predators reside, and can sometimes be "kidnapped" instead of rescued. That was the case for this bird.
So, our Patient of the Week is also a good opportunity for a PSA. These nocturnal birds will often freeze and pretend they are invisible. Well meaning citizens may not recognize their behavior as normal. They will also go into torpor (a deep sleep) to preserve energy. Status - released.