Renovation work at Fire Station 12 in Delacroix hit an unexpected snag on Tuesday when crews found a nest of baby owls tucked inside the building, halting interior demolition while the tiny squatters get checked out and cared for. Parish President Louis Pomes ordered work to pause, and the parish animal shelter has stepped in to monitor the chicks as they grow. Neighbors and station staff have already started tossing around name ideas for the two owlets.
According to the St. Bernard Parish Government, crews were prepping the station for interior work when they spotted the nest. The post says President Pomes called an immediate stop to demolition to protect the birds. The same update notes that the parish animal shelter is tracking the owlets' progress, and commenters have already floated name suggestions, including Mitchell and Robinson.
Protected Birds And Legal Limits
Federal and state rules put tight limits on disturbing or possessing raptors and their nests, which means demolition cannot simply continue while dependent young are still inside. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service explains that most migratory birds, along with their eggs and nests, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Louisiana's falconry and wildlife rehabilitation regulations further spell out who is legally allowed to handle or relocate a raptor.
Work Pause And Project Context
Fire Station 12, listed at 4623 Delacroix Highway in parish records, was already lined up for upgrades this year, which is why crews were stripping out interior surfaces when they stumbled on the nest. The St. Bernard Parish Fire Department directory confirms the Delacroix location. Project listings on GovWin show a posting titled "Fire Station 12 - Phase 1" earlier in 2026, indicating the parish had planned interior work at the site.
Timeline And What To Expect
Most owl chicks leave the nest between roughly four and eight weeks after hatching, depending on species and local conditions, so crews are likely looking at a multi week delay before they can safely pick up interior work again. The Cornell Lab's All About Birds notes that some species commonly fledge at around six weeks. Parish staff say the animal shelter will keep watch while the owlets mature.
How Residents Can Help
Residents who spot the nest or see the young owls nearby are urged to give them space and resist the urge to help by picking them up. Wildlife experts generally advise leaving nestlings alone unless they are clearly injured or abandoned. For both legal and safety reasons, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and state agencies recommend contacting permitted rehabilitators or local animal control instead of trying to move or feed wild owls yourself.
