Hilarious moment owl flies through family home and perches on top of Christmas tree

The nocturnal bird fell down the chimney of Savannah and Jason Burgoyne in Arlington, Virginia, in what social media users described as a "magical Christmas moment"

An amusing image captures an owl perching itself atop a family's festive tree in a "magical Christmas moment"

The image has gone viral on social media showing the nocturnal bird sitting atop a the tree and glaring back at the stunned family in Arlington, Virginia.

Homeowner Savannah Burgoyne said she was baffled when she heard a strange sound coming from their fireplace while looking after her baby. A few hours later, she recalled her dog becoming nervous and barking. She then entered the living room to find a feathery intruder atop their Christmas tree. As the creature entered, it even knocked over their Christmas star.

Speaking to NBC Washington, she said: "I walked into our kitchen and there was a huge owl sitting on our baby's highchair." After shooing the bird away, the owl flew to the top of the Christmas tree where it remained. The mother added: “It’s a magical Christmas moment that it felt comfortable on top of the Christmas tree."

She even joked that she was left disappointed that the Hedwig-lookalike wasn't carrying a "Hogwarts enrollment letter". After coming face to face with the bird, she Facetimed her husband Jason Burgoyne - who was with their three and six-year-old daughters at gymnastics. Jason contacted a local animal welfare charity to help with their new feathery friend.

Jason arrived home as Sgt Spencer Murray of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington arrived to take care of the owl, which had decided to stay put even after the family opened up the big doors in the room. Their six-year-old was particularly thrilled by the Christmas visit.

Sgt Spencer, who'd been expecting a smaller bird that the family had mistaken for an owl, said it was only the second time he'd rescued one in his four-year career. “It was one of my favorite calls that I’ve ever responded to,” he said. “It’s just a picture-perfect moment of the owl looking at us while on top of the Christmas tree.”

Social media users were delighted when a photo of the encounter was uploaded on the Welfare League's page.

“This is so magical and so beautiful,” one said. “What an amazing photo. Next year’s Christmas card for the family.”