Editor’s Note: This story was contributed to The Log by Elle Prager.
A routine paddleboarding outing turned into an unforgettable wildlife rescue when local resident Stephanie Rands helped save a Great Horned Owl in distress inside the Dana Point Harbor channel.
Rands, who paddleboards weekly, spotted the owl floating low in the water, its feathers fully saturated with saltwater and its wings unable to lift. Recognizing the urgency, she used the end of her paddle to gently guide the exhausted bird toward the dock. As she wedged her board alongside the dock, the owl managed to climb onto the paddleboard, where it finally found a place to rest.
Realizing the bird needed immediate help, Rands called out for assistance. Jerry, a passerby on the dock, heard her shout and ran toward the scene. “I heard the scream, ‘Owl!’, so I ran down too,” he said.
With the bird safely perched, Rands and Jerry contacted animal control. The owl remained still, making no attempt to fly, instead soaking up the sunshine as its feathers slowly dried. Rands assisted by offering gentle warmth with a towel while keeping the owl calm until help arrived.
Animal control reached the scene about an hour later and conducted an initial examination. The officer checked under the wings for injuries, prompting the magnificent bird to spread its wings wide. After confirming the owl had no serious harm, animal control carefully transported it for evaluation by wildlife specialists. Once cleared, the bird was later released back into its natural habitat.
It was a rare and uplifting encounter in Dana Point Harbor — one that reminded everyone nearby of the power of being in the right place at the right time. Thanks to Rands’ quick thinking and calm response, a vulnerable Great Horned Owl received the help it needed and a second chance in the wild.
Such a special day indeed.
