If the parents are in the area, leave it alone. Owls often exit the nest very early; therefore, it’s natural for parents to tend to baby owls on the ground.
If this is a small species of owl that may easily fall to predation, you can place the baby high up in a tree for protection.
If this is a larger species, such as a great horned owl, and the baby has developed beyond being a helpless hatchling, leave it where it is. It can defend itself from most predators.
Monitor the family for a few days to make sure the parents don’t abandon the baby because of the nest accident. If it remains strong and healthy, the parents are caring for it. If it becomes weakened, then call a rehabilitator.
Find a Rehabilitator
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