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Owl Casually Flies Into Helicopter That’s In Flight Over Californian Wildfires
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Owl Casually Flies Into Helicopter That’s In Flight Over Californian Wildfires

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Even though at times it may not seem like it, our crazy little world can be truly magical. A Disney movie kind of magical. And we’re pretty sure that a helicopter pilot named Dan Alpiner would totally agree with us on this one.

A few days ago, Dan was flying his aircraft and fighting the massive Creek Fire in the state of California when suddenly, he was visited by an unexpected guest.

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    The pilot was hovering about 200 feet above the ground when this majestic creature landed on the seat next to him

    Image credits: Sky Aviation

    The pilot was hovering about 200 feet above the ground, getting ready to unleash a bucket of water, when a majestic owl entered his aircraft and casually landed on the seat next to him.

    “I saw this flutter out of the corner of my eye. I looked over, a little spooked, and we locked eyes. He just kind of chilled out,” the pilot told The Dodo.

    The owl stayed there for two refillings and drops and then flew out the window

    Image credits: Sky Aviation

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    Image credits: Ganslmeier

    Dan told The Dodo that the owl rested there for two refillings and drops and then flew out the window not far from the spot the helicopter had been when he entered. “I’m still trying to comprehend it. It was just unreal,” Alpiner told The Dodo. “It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime kind of things.”

    “I’m still trying to comprehend it. It was just unreal”

    Image credits: Sky Aviation

    Sky Aviation page on Facebook posted the photo capturing the majestic owl and wrote this: “It’s unheard of to have it enter while the helo is in flight. It’s an unexplainable and magical miracle for it to stay with you for several water drops, then leave just as it arrived—safe and unannounced.”

    Image credits: Sky Aviation

    The Creek Fire is a large active wildfire which started at the beginning of September near Shaver Lake, California. The fire has already burned 352,339 acres of land and is about 61% contained. Apparently, the Creek Fire is currently the fifth-largest wildfire and the largest single fire in modern California history.

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    Image credits: Sky Aviation

    Here’s what people on the internet are saying about this incredible encounter

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    Lukas Garnelis

    Lukas Garnelis

    Author, Community member

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    Lukas is a photo editor at Bored Panda. 4th year in Vilnius Gediminas Technical University as a graphic designer. Can do whatever he sets his mind to.

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    Lukas Garnelis

    Lukas Garnelis

    Author, Community member

    Lukas is a photo editor at Bored Panda. 4th year in Vilnius Gediminas Technical University as a graphic designer. Can do whatever he sets his mind to.

    Julija Svidraitė

    Julija Svidraitė

    Author, Community member

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    Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

    Read less »

    Julija Svidraitė

    Julija Svidraitė

    Author, Community member

    Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

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    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are two photos of the yellow UH-1 in the original news story https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/one-in-a-million-shot-owl-lands-inside-helicopter-battling-creek-fire/

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    Sara Salisbury
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How was the little guy not fazed by the strong breeze of the heli?

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How on earth did the little guy get through the rotor wash?

    Load More Comments
    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are two photos of the yellow UH-1 in the original news story https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/one-in-a-million-shot-owl-lands-inside-helicopter-battling-creek-fire/

    Load More Replies...
    Sara Salisbury
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How was the little guy not fazed by the strong breeze of the heli?

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How on earth did the little guy get through the rotor wash?

    Load More Comments
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