Owl on a Leash

From North Sky Raptor Sanctuary

Rehabber's log:

After their initial injury and intake, some raptors aren't quite ready for free flight right away. To bridge the gap between rehabilitation and the hopeful freedom flight, we utilize a lightweight tether called a creance to give them room to fly safely. This allows us to monitor their strength, form, stamina, and control before moving to a larger flight enclosure.

This Great Horned Owl needed some extra time and care rebuilding strength before eventually being released to the wild.

From some additional reading:

A creance should be near unnoticeable by the bird if it's being used properly. The line should be light, something that won't snag or tangle easily, and never tied to a fixed object. Line should be let out as the bird flies so it never gets jerked hitting the end of the length of the creance.

It's a training tool and should be designed and used as a safety device for the bird, not as a restraint.