Raptor Hospital Review 2012

As the new year begins, we start archiving our records, this week focussing on the wild owls and other birds of prey admitted to our Raptor Hospital in 2012.

Many of these cases have featured in past S.O.S. blogs and overall the recovery figures are positive, for although we sadly lost birds as a result of their injuries, we did manage to save 41% of those that needed hospital and in many cases veterinary treatment, all of which were successfully released back to their natural habitat.

After rest & recuperation, 41% of the birds who received medical attention with us last year were released in good health

Of the 79 birds in this hospitalised category, 23 were euthanised by the vet, 23 died naturally of their injuries and 33 were released back to the wild in good health. This of course is in addition to an unrecorded number of birds brought into us - usually healthy orphaned owlets brought into us by concerned members of the public - which were successfully released back to their home territory without medical or veterinary attention.

Though having been shot twice, this Buzzard was eventually returned safely to the wild

Of the hospitalised birds, 43 birds had been injured in road traffic accidents, 5 birds were wet, cold and undernourished owing to bad weather conditions, 13 further birds were severely undernourished and otherwise too weak to hunt for themselves for unknown reasons, whilst the balance were admitted for a variety of causes ranging from having been shot, poisoned or getting caught up in barbed wire, to concussion resulting from colliding with windows, falling into vats of cooking fat and in one instance, getting entangled with the roof rack of a travelling car.

This little chap took an unexpected ride in a roof rack
- but lived to tell the tale

With an average recuperation time of between 3-4 weeks for each injured bird it seemed like our resources were pretty stretched at times, but nevertheless one of the most satisfying parts of our role at S.O.S. is knowing that - thanks to the generosity of our supporters - where there's a job to be done, we know that we can, whenever possible, effect a safe return to the wild for our injured avian charges.

---

Raptor Hospital Review 2012

As the new year begins, we start archiving our records, this week focussing on the wild owls and other birds of prey admitted to our Raptor Hospital in 2012. 

Many of these cases have featured in past S.O.S. blogs and overall the recovery figures are positive, for although we sadly lost birds as a result of their injuries, we did manage to save 41% of those that needed hospital and in many cases veterinary treatment, all of which were successfully released back to their natural habitat.

After rest & recuperation, 41% of the birds who received medical attention with us last year were released in good health

Of the 79 birds in this hospitalised category, 23 were euthanised by the vet, 23 died naturally of their injuries and 33 were released back to the wild in good health. This of course is in addition to an unrecorded number of birds brought into us - usually healthy orphaned owlets brought into us by concerned members of the public - which were successfully released back to their home territory without medical or veterinary attention.

Though having been shot twice, this Buzzard was eventuallyreturned safely to the wild

Of the hospitalised birds, 43 birds had been injured in road traffic accidents, 5 birds were wet, cold and undernourished owing to bad weather conditions, 13 further birds were severely undernourished and otherwise too weak to hunt for themselves for unknown reasons, whilst the balance were admitted for a variety of causes ranging from having been shot, poisoned or getting caught up in barbed wire, to concussion resulting from colliding with windows, falling into vats of cooking fat and in one instance, getting entangled with the roof rack of a travelling car.

This little chap took an unexpected ride in a roof rack- but lived to tell the tale

With an average recuperation time of between 3-4 weeks for each injured bird it seemed like our resources were pretty stretched at times, but nevertheless one of the most satisfying parts of our role at S.O.S. is knowing that - thanks to the generosity of our supporters - where there's a job to be done, we know that we can, whenever possible, effect a safe return to the wild for our injured avian charges.

Schools Newsletter Takes Off

As part of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary's charity remit, providing educational facilities forms an important part of our work and we visit regional schools and country shows; host school visits here at your Stonham Barns headquarter and stage special school events like our Mediaeval Days; and for schools across the nation provide free access to a unique suite of on-line education packs for teachers and pupils to download.

Visits to the Sanctuary are enhanced with special school events like the Mediaeval Encampment which visits is every year

In 2012 we attended 20 schools in our region and introduced a total of 2,695 children to the fascinating world of birds of prey and our schedule for the year to come means that we will be visiting even more schools this year. If you would like a FREE introductory 'assembly' visit to your school, then please contact us and we'll put you on the schedule. We're able to visit schools in South Norfolk, all of Suffolk and down into Essex along a rough corridor stretching from Banham down along the A140 to Ipswich and then east along the A12 to Felixtowe & south as far as Colchester.

We also hosted over 30 schools who travelled here to benefit from the wide range of nature-related experiences we can provide, and once again our special Mediaeval Day for schools was well attended, to the extent that 2013 will see an extra day added to the schedule in June. To find out more, click here for details.

The latest edition of our Schools Newsletter is available for free download now

For schools throughout the East Anglia region, across the UK and even further afield, our education packs on a wide range of raptor and British wildlife related subjects for Foundation and Key Stage l & ll pupils remains as popular as ever. Including stories, word games, craft activities and and a whole lot more, they are free to download from our website.

---

Schools Newsletter Takes Off

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary provides a comprehensive range of free education services for schools, both in terms of regional activity and free downloads to aid teachers and pupils in matters concerning wildlife care & conservation. We've just launched the latest issue of our Schools Newsletter, too … read on!

Visits to the Sanctuary are enhanced with special school events like the Mediaeval Encampment which visits is every year

In 2012 we attended 20 schools in our region and introduced a total of 2,695 children to the fascinating world of birds of prey and our schedule for the year to come means that we will be visiting even more schools this year. If you would like a FREE introductory 'assembly' visit to your school, then please contact us and we'll put you on the schedule. We're able to visit schools in South Norfolk, all of Suffolk and down into Essex along a rough corridor stretching from Banham down along the A140 to Ipswich and then east along the A12 to Felixtowe & south as far as Colchester.

We also hosted over 30 schools who travelled here to benefit from the wide range of nature-related experiences we can provide, and once again our special Mediaeval Day for schools was well attended, to the extent that 2013 will see an extra day added to the schedule in June. To find out more, click here for details.

The latest edition of our Schools Newsletter is available for free download now

For schools throughout the East Anglia region, across the UK and even further afield, our education packs on a wide range of raptor and British wildlife related subjects for Foundation and Key Stage l & ll pupils remains as popular as ever. Including stories, word games, craft activities and and a whole lot more, they are free to download from our website.

A Bad Egg

A former Suffolk Police officer pleaded guilty recently to possessing 650 wild bird eggs collected while he was still in the Suffolk Police Force. This follows a successful investigation by the Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies and the RSPB.

The 52-year old was investigated by officers from the Police Professional Standards Department who on conducting a search at the offenders house revealed the eggs, including those of protected species such as Woodlark, Cetti’s Warbler and Marsh Harrier. The egg collection was found in an old suitcase in his loft along with hundreds of egg data cards hidden in a water tank.

These detailed notebooks found at the house documented egg collecting trips around the UK, including visits to the Western Isles to steal Golden Eagle eggs and the New Forest to take Hawfinch eggs. The notebooks also documented the taking Kittiwake eggs from Lowestoft Pier while the officer was on duty as an acting sergeant on three different police night-shifts.

The prosecution resulted in a suspended jail sentence and an order for 150 hours community work

Mark Thomas, the RSPB investigations officer leading the case said: "That a police officer should knowingly break the law in pursuit of this obsession is shocking, and we welcome his conviction."

It has been illegal to take the eggs of most wild birds - irrespective of their age - since the Protection of Birds Act 1954 and it is illegal to possess or control any wild birds's eggs since that time under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1961.

A Bad Egg

A former Suffolk Police officer pleaded guilty recently to possessing 650 wild bird eggs collected while he was still in the Suffolk Police Force. This follows a successful investigation by the Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies and the RSPB.

The 52-year old was investigated by officers from the Police Professional Standards Department who on conducting a search at the offenders house revealed the eggs, including those of protected species such as Woodlark, Cetti’s Warbler and Marsh Harrier. The egg collection was found in an old suitcase in his loft along with hundreds of egg data cards hidden in a water tank.

These detailed notebooks found at the house documented egg collecting trips around the UK, including visits to the Western Isles to steal Golden Eagle eggs and the New Forest to take Hawfinch eggs. The notebooks also documented the taking Kittiwake eggs from Lowestoft Pier while the officer was on duty as an acting sergeant on three different police night-shifts.

The prosecution resulted in a suspended jail sentence and an order for 150 hours community work.

Mark Thomas, the RSPB investigations officer leading the case said: "That a police officer should knowingly break the law in pursuit of this obsession is shocking, and we welcome his conviction."

It has been illegal to take the eggs of most wild birds - irrespective of their age - since the Protection of Birds Act 1954 and it is illegal to possess or control any wild birds's eggs since that time under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1961.

---

Great Grey Owl - The Phantom Of The North

Visitors to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary will be familiar with the impressive good looks of our resident Great Grey Owl, Taiga. But though it's true our part of the world can be a trifle chilly at times, Taiga's Great Grey contemporaries remarkably survive in a far less temperate and far harsher climate than ours in the snowy wastes of climes like Canada and Northern Europe.

British photographer Jules Cox kindly gave permission for us to reproduce some images of Great Grey Owls in their natural habitat, in this case the wastes of Lapland. Jules has previously travelled there in the hope of capturing some images of this magnificent raptor for his wildlife portfolio - and on the last visit, came up trumps.

Busy hospital days - and safe releases

The last few weeks have been busy ones in our Raptor Hospital, where we have received a variety of sick and injured birds brought in for treatment and attention.

Firstly, however, we are very pleased to tell you that our long-term patient “Oily” the kestrel was released this week, along with another kestrel that stayed with us for a period of time after an RTA. It was great to see them both flying off into a beautiful secluded forest where - fingers crossed! - they will both establish territories of their own.

Both Kestrels have now been safely released on a local estate

But our hospital seems to fill up as soon as it empties and the vacancies left by the kestrels were soon taken by a Tawny Owl with a broken leg, a very damp Little Owl and a dazed & confused young Sparrowhawk - all three casualties of RTA’s.

Although on first inspection things looked bleak for the Tawny Owl, who clearly had a broken leg. A trip to our local vet Paul Canning soon revealed that the break was in a very good place and offered the bird a full chance of recovery, so the owl's leg was set in a little cast and he is now resting in our hospital.

Sporting a cast for his broken leg, we're hopeful this Tawny will make a full recovery

The Little Owl had apparently flown into the slipstream of a vehicle and had been dashed into the gutter, and so was in a pretty wet, dirty & bloodied state when he first came into us. We believe he would probably have died if he had not picked up, as his plumage was very water-logged and he would have struggled to get dry enough to move himself out of harm's way if left alone in that state. However, after a spell of intensive TLC he dried out enough for him to preen himself clean and once fully healed, will be released near to where he was found.

Bloodied but unbowed - and sodden to boot. Despite his trying times, after some R&R time to heal, this Little Owl will shortly be back in the wild.

Finally, we approached looking after the concussed sparrowhawk with some apprehension for, although we think he had just been glanced by a car and needed a little while to recuperate, these birds are notoriously difficult to look after as they are such highly strung little creatures and often die of shock after a trauma

Maz holds this sparrowhawk gingerly to avoid the attentions of some vey sharp talons, in full use now he's recovered from the dazed state in which he was found.

However I am happy to report the little chap was successfully released this week by the people who found him - we always try where possible to ensure rehabilitated birds are release in the same location they are found, as that's where they have already established a territory.

Shortly afterwards the couple who brought him into us sent us a very kind letter, which read: "We released the spar Saturday lunchtime in a field entrance just a few yards from where we picked him up. I’m sorry we failed to take photos we tried but he didn’t come straight out of the box. He sat there for a minute and then was gone in a flash, up & up and soaring around I’m sure he knew where he was. He was very beautiful and I am sure a survivor. Thank you for your help!"

Thanks for your good wishes, which are much appreciated. And that's what we're here for.

---

Busy hospital days - and safe releases

The last few weeks have been busy ones in our Raptor Hospital, where we have received a variety of sick and injured birds brought in for treatment and attention.

Firstly, however, we are very pleased to tell you that our long-term patient “Oily” the kestrel was released this week, along with another kestrel that stayed with us for a period of time after an RTA. It was great to see them both flying off into a beautiful secluded forest where - fingers crossed! - they will both establish territories of their own.

Both Kestrels have now been safely released on a local estate

But our hospital seems to fill up as soon as it empties and the vacancies left by the kestrels were soon taken by a Tawny Owl with a broken leg, a very damp Little Owl and a dazed & confused young Sparrowhawk - all three casualties of RTA’s.

Although on first inspection things looked bleak for the Tawny Owl, who clearly had a broken leg. A trip to our local vet Paul Canning soon revealed that the break was in a very good place and offered the bird a full chance of recovery, so the owl's leg was set in a little cast and he is now resting in our hospital.

Sporting a cast for his broken leg, we're hopeful this Tawny will make a full recovery

The Little Owl had apparently flown into the slipstream of a vehicle and had been dashed into the gutter, and so was in a pretty wet, dirty & bloodied state when he first came into us. We believe he would probably have died if he had not picked up, as his plumage was very water-logged and he would have struggled to get dry enough to move himself out of harm's way if left alone in that state. However, after a spell of intensive TLC he dried out enough for him to preen himself clean and once fully healed, will be released near to where he was found.

Bloodied but unbowed - and sodden to boot. Despite his trying times, after some R&R time to heal, this Little Owl will shortly be back in the wild.

Finally, we approached looking after the concussed sparrowhawk with some apprehension for, although we think he had just been glanced by a car and needed a little while to recuperate, these birds are notoriously difficult to look after as they are such highly strung little creatures and often die of shock after a trauma 

Maz holds this sparrowhawk gingerly to avoid the attentions of some vey sharp talons, in full use now he's recovered from the dazed state in which he was found.

However I am happy to report the little chap was successfully released this week by the people who found him - we always try where possible to ensure rehabilitated birds are release in the same location they are found, as that's where they have already established a territory.

Shortly afterwards the couple who brought him into us sent us a very kind letter, which read: "We released the spar Saturday lunchtime in a field entrance just a few yards from where we picked him up. I’m sorry we failed to take photos we tried but he didn’t come straight out of the box. He sat there for a minute and then was gone in a flash, up & up and soaring around I’m sure he knew where he was. He was very beautiful and I am sure a survivor. Thank you for your help!"

Thanks for your good wishes, which are much appreciated. And that's what we're here for.

Quick Thinking Saves The Day

A mature tawny owl is back in the wild this week thanks to quick-thinking of an alert driver.

Heather Patrick was returning from a meeting with local branch of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust when she came across the stunned bird sitting in the centre of a busy carriageway, very probably having been clipped by a passing vehicle.

Thankfully, Heather managed to avoid further harm being done. Perfectly equipped to handle the situation, as an environment adviser with UK Power Networks and had a hi-vis jacket and leather gloves in her car, part of her regular safety and protection gear.

Heather's quick thinking saved the day

“I managed to flag down a motorist to help avert the traffic while I got the owl into a jute carrier bag that I had with me, which turned out to be the perfect shape for containing her, and popped her in the passenger foot well. I knew I needed to do this as cleanly and quickly as possible to avoid panicking her but when it came to it she was incredibly docile and put up very little resistance.”

Heather was able to keep her household guest warm and safe overnight until she was able to speak to bring the owl in to us for a check-up the following morning.

A few days later, after the Tawny had received some TLC and enjoyed a little quiet recuperation time, her bruised wings had fully recovered she was passed 'fit for flight'. Heather then collected her from the Sanctuary took her for release her back into the wild near to the spot where she was discovered.

Ready for the 'off' - Heather, Andy and the recuperated Tawny Owl before she was taken off for release

Our falconer and fund-raiser Maz commented: “These rather majestic tawny owls often arrive with us after a road traffic accident. This one was particularly lucky, having been rescued from the centre of a busy road in the dark. The next vehicle may not have been able to avoid her. Thanks to Heather’s prompt and efficient actions, the owl was able to recuperate with us and rebuild the muscle strength in her wings in readiness for her release.”

Maz hopes Heather’s actions will encourage others to have the confidence to act if they come across an injured bird of prey. “It’s surprising just how many people think that an injured bird will recover of its own accord or that it will attack them if they try and pick it up. In reality, catching an injured bird isn’t usually a problem since the bird is likely to be incapable of moving and too weak or shocked to put up any sort of resistance to handling.”

---

You'll find more about what to do in this sort of situation on our "Help For Injured Owls" pages. And thanks, Heather - job well done!

Click here for more information on The Suffolk Wildlife Trust

---

Quick Thinking Saves The Day

A mature tawny owl is back in the wild this week thanks to quick-thinking of an alert driver.

Heather Patrick was returning from a meeting with local branch of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust when she came across the stunned bird sitting in the centre of a busy carriageway, very probably having been clipped by a passing vehicle.

Thankfully, Heather managed to avoid further harm being done. Perfectly equipped to handle the situation, as an environment adviser with UK Power Networks and had a hi-vis jacket and leather gloves in her car, part of her regular safety and protection gear. 

Heather's quick thinking saved the day

“I managed to flag down a motorist to help avert the traffic while I got the owl into a jute carrier bag that I had with me, which turned out to be the perfect shape for containing her, and popped her in the passenger foot well. I knew I needed to do this as cleanly and quickly as possible to avoid panicking her but when it came to it she was incredibly docile and put up very little resistance.”

Heather was able to keep her household guest warm and safe overnight until she was able to speak to bring the owl in to us for a check-up the following morning.

A few days later, after the Tawny had received some TLC and enjoyed a little quiet recuperation time, her bruised wings had fully recovered she was passed 'fit for flight'. Heather then collected her from the Sanctuary took her for release her back into the wild near to the spot where she was discovered.

Ready for the 'off' - Heather, Andy and the recuperated Tawny Owl before she was taken off for release

Our falconer and fund-raiser Maz commented: “These rather majestic tawny owls often arrive with us after a road traffic accident. This one was particularly lucky, having been rescued from the centre of a busy road in the dark. The next vehicle may not have been able to avoid her. Thanks to Heather’s prompt and efficient actions, the owl was able to recuperate with us and rebuild the muscle strength in her wings in readiness for her release.”
Maz hopes Heather’s actions will encourage others to have the confidence to act if they come across an injured bird of prey. “It’s surprising just how many people think that an injured bird will recover of its own accord or that it will attack them if they try and pick it up. In reality, catching an injured bird isn’t usually a problem since the bird is likely to be incapable of moving and too weak or shocked to put up any sort of resistance to handling.”

You'll find more about what to do in this sort of situation on our "Help For Injured Owls" pages. And thanks, Heather - job well done! Click here for more information on The Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Helping Hands from Aviva

We were grateful to have the assistance of a group of volunteers from the Aviva Solutions Delivery team recently, who spent what they graciously called :-) 'an enjoyable day' painting aviaries and clearing overgrown bramble hedges at the centre. 

Painting the outside of some of the creche aviaries no doubt made a change from the daily desk routine - but there were no complaints!

Aviva is the major insurance company based in the region (formerly known as Norwich Union) and as part of its’ commitment to the community allows staff time away from their normal jobs to contribute to their community.

The team started with breakfast at the Stonham Barns complex, setting themselves up  for the hard work ahead. Aviary painting followed, then a spot of lunch and then a really enjoyable tour and presentation on the work that SOS carries out. 

Fresh air and good company was enjoyed by the volunteer group as they cleared some of the bramble overgrowth at the perimeter of the Centre

Further into the afternoon saw the crew back at work and clearing some overgrown Bramble hedges before finally retiring for tea and scones - as they commented, 'all very English'.

The team went on to say how enjoyable the day had been and how having thirteen pairs of hands certainly made quick progress on the jobs that head falconer Matt Lott had set them. Spokesman Ed Godbold of Aviva said: "The team mostly work on assignments day-to-day which may not see them actually working together on projects, but today allowed our team to grow and let people get to know each other better in a fabulous environment, helping to keep a much need facility running."

The team certainly made a sterling contribution to our winter work schedule and we appreciate their help very much - thanks guys!

You can find out more about Aviva Solutions, who provide private medical insurance, at www.aviva.co.uk/healthcare zone/

Helping Hands from Aviva

We were grateful to have the assistance of a group of volunteers from the Aviva Solutions Delivery team recently, who spent what they graciously called :-) 'an enjoyable day' painting aviaries and clearing overgrown bramble hedges at the centre.

Painting the outside of some of the creche aviaries no doubt made a change from the daily desk routine - but there were no complaints!

Aviva is the major insurance company based in the region (formerly known as Norwich Union) and as part of its’ commitment to the community allows staff time away from their normal jobs to contribute to their community.

The team started with breakfast at the Stonham Barns complex, setting themselves up for the hard work ahead. Aviary painting followed, then a spot of lunch and then a really enjoyable tour and presentation on the work that SOS carries out.

Fresh air and good company was enjoyed by the volunteer group as they cleared some of the bramble overgrowth at the perimeter of the Centre

Further into the afternoon saw the crew back at work and clearing some overgrown Bramble hedges before finally retiring for tea and scones - as they commented, 'all very English'.

The team went on to say how enjoyable the day had been and how having thirteen pairs of hands certainly made quick progress on the jobs that head falconer Matt Lott had set them. Spokesman Ed Godbold of Aviva said: "The team mostly work on assignments day-to-day which may not see them actually working together on projects, but today allowed our team to grow and let people get to know each other better in a fabulous environment, helping to keep a much need facility running."

The team certainly made a sterling contribution to our winter work schedule and we appreciate their help very much - thanks guys!

You can find out more about Aviva Solutions, who provide private medical insurance, at www.aviva.co.uk/healthcare zone/

---

Thornham Owl Project Annual Review

As you may know, our East Anglian Nest Box Scheme for wild owls and other birds of prey has progressively surveyed and then built, sited, erected and monitored a network of wild owl nesting boxes to replace the diminishing number of derelict barns, outbuildings and natural nesting cavities favoured by raptors in our Mid-Suffolk vicinity. 

Earlier this year we were pleased to announce that we are beginning to amalgamate our efforts with another long-standing regional conservation group - The Thornham Owl Project - in order to strengthen, consolidate & extend the important work of providing safe & secure lodgings for wild birds of prey, especially those species which are under threat.

As winter approaches, Roger Buxton of The Thornham Owl Project reports on activity & findings during the past year - research which was carried out under the auspices of a mandatory Disturbance License issued by the Government in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The wild owl boxes are located in a variety of suitable locations

Barn Owls

Whilst nationally Barn Owl breeding activity has been very poor, in the Eastern region thankfully this trend has not been duplicated with good returns being reported on nest box usage and brood sizes. The Thornham Owl Project can report as having its most successful year to date with 97 pullis being subjected after ringing or banding to normal process of checking weight to establish condition and health followed by ageing. 

Safely secured in a soft muslin bag, the youngster is weighed...

Ageing is carried out and determined by measuring the quill (pin) or emerged feather (unfurled) of the seventh primary and checked off against a graph. In early June when boxes were first checked they were yielding excellent returns with up to five pullis per box but results tailed off with one or two pullis per box when checking into late July and August, possibly attributed to the very cold and wet weather conditions which prevailed during June. Nevertheless an average return of 2.7 pullis per nest site or box was an excellent result and should boost Barn Owl population in the immediate area. 

… measured to determine age …

There was also a further 8 boxes identified as roost sites and 7 additional adults ringed, plus 5 re-traps. The re-trap ring numbers have been forwarded to the appropriate personnel who will establish and plot the movement of these birds. The project now has 166 Barn Owl boxes covering an area from South Norfolk to South Suffolk, mainly centering on the Waveney and Gipping valleys. However the project has and will continue to erect nest boxes in any suitable habitat if identified.

… and carefully ringed for future tracking purposes

Tawny Owls

The project currently has 48 nest boxes designed for this species of which 7 were used, producing 14 pullis. A further 4 boxes were used but these nests were abandoned, possibly due to harsh weather conditions prevailing at the wrong time. This was a disappointing result and down on last years figure of 17, though Tawny Owls continue to show an inclination for using the triangular boxes intended for Barn Owls.

Little Owls

Out of 26 nest boxes only one was used producing three pullis. There definitely appears to be reluctance for this species of Owl to use artificial sites, maybe attributed to the number of natural sites available for these smaller owls

Kestrels

In total the project has 36 Kestrel boxes and we had a reasonably successful year with 11 boxes being used to produce an average brood of 4, with some broods yielding up to 5 pullis, with all young fledging. (We also found Egyptian Geese had taken up residence in one of the boxes - a first for us

Sadly there were some losses - 4 boxes had pullis on our first visit which were too small to ring, but on our second visit none were found, which we assumed to have been predated by either Squirrels and/or Buzzards.

Due to the prevailing weather in early summer the breeding for these birds was inconsistent, with in excess of four weeks difference between egg laying from one clutch to another.

Other Information

Stock Doves still regularly use the Barn Owl boxes with 37 birds being ringed or banded. Approximately one third of the world population for this species of bird breed here in the British Isles with some having the tendency to move South in the winter during an inclement cold period.

Other box residents include both Jackdaws and Squirrels

The project continues to make and erect boxes in suitable habitat and is primarily run on a voluntary basis with the only income being derived from sponsorship of boxes by the general public, if you wish to help by sponsoring a box or you have suitable habitat for a nest box information can be obtained about the Thornham Owl Project by telephoning 01449 711788

During 2012 the project was centered at Thornham Magna with workshop and vehicle kindly being supplied by Mid Suffolk Council. However as of the end of year this facility will no longer be available and we will be based at The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns who will supply transport, workshops, storage and other facilities and with whom the project will run as a joint venture from 2013 onwards.

Thornham Owl Project Annual Review

As you may know, our East Anglian Nest Box Scheme for wild owls and other birds of prey has progressively surveyed and then built, sited, erected and monitored a network of wild owl nesting boxes to replace the diminishing number of derelict barns, outbuildings and natural nesting cavities favoured by raptors in our Mid-Suffolk vicinity.  

Earlier this year we were pleased to announce that we are beginning to amalgamate our efforts with another long-standing regional conservation group - The Thornham Owl Project - in order to strengthen, consolidate & extend the important work of providing safe & secure lodgings for wild birds of prey, especially those species which are under threat.

As winter approaches, Roger Buxton of The Thornham Owl Project reports on activity & findings during the past year - research which was carried out under the auspices of a mandatory Disturbance License issued by the Government in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The wild owl boxes are located in a variety of suitable locations

BARN OWLS
Whilst nationally Barn Owl breeding activity has been very poor, in the Eastern region thankfully this trend has not been duplicated with good returns being reported on nest box usage and brood sizes. The Thornham Owl Project can report as having its most successful year to date with 97 pullis being subjected after ringing or banding to normal process of checking weight to establish condition and health followed by ageing. 

Safely secured in a soft muslin bag, the youngster is weighed…

Ageing is carried out and determined by measuring the quill (pin) or emerged feather (unfurled) of the seventh primary and checked off against a graph. In early June when boxes were first checked they were yielding excellent returns with up to five pullis per box but results tailed off with one or two pullis per box when checking into late July and August, possibly attributed to the very cold and wet weather conditions which prevailed during June. Nevertheless an average return of 2.7 pullis per nest site or box was an excellent result and should boost Barn Owl population in the immediate area. 

… measured to determine age …

There was also a further 8 boxes identified as roost sites and 7 additional adults ringed, plus 5 re-traps. The re-trap ring numbers have been forwarded to the appropriate personnel who will establish and plot the movement of these birds. The project now has 166 Barn Owl boxes covering an area from South Norfolk to South Suffolk, mainly centering on the Waveney and Gipping valleys. However the project has and will continue to erect nest boxes in any suitable habitat if identified.

… and carefully ringed for future tracking purposes

TAWNY OWLS
The project currently has 48 nest boxes designed for this species of which 7 were used, producing 14 pullis. A further 4 boxes were used but these nests were abandoned, possibly due to harsh weather conditions prevailing at the wrong time. This was a disappointing result and down on last years figure of 17, though Tawny Owls continue to show an inclination for using the triangular boxes intended for Barn Owls.
LITTLE OWLS
Out of 26 nest boxes only one was used producing three pullis. There definitely appears to be reluctance for this species of Owl to use artificial sites, maybe attributed to the number of natural sites available for these smaller owls
KESTRELS
In total the project has 36 Kestrel boxes and we had a reasonably successful year with 11 boxes being used to produce an average brood of 4, with some broods yielding up to 5 pullis, with all young fledging. (We also found Egyptian Geese had taken up residence in one of the boxes - a first for us

Sadly there were some losses - 4 boxes had pullis on our first visit which were too small to ring, but on our second visit none were found, which we assumed to have been predated by either Squirrels and/or Buzzards.

Due to the prevailing weather in early summer the breeding for these birds was inconsistent, with in excess of four weeks difference between egg laying from one clutch to another.  

OTHER INFORMATION
Stock Doves still regularly use the Barn Owl boxes with 37 birds being ringed or banded. Approximately one third of the world population for this species of bird breed here in the British Isles with some having the tendency to move South in the winter during an inclement cold period.

Other box residents include both Jackdaws and Squirrels 

The project continues to make and erect boxes in suitable habitat and is primarily run on a voluntary basis with the only income being derived from sponsorship of boxes by the general public, if you wish to help by sponsoring a box or you have suitable habitat for a nest box information can be obtained about the Thornham Owl Project by telephoning 01449 711788

During 2012 the project was centered at Thornham Magna with workshop and vehicle kindly being supplied by Mid Suffolk Council. However as of the end of year this facility will no longer be available and we will be based at The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns who will supply transport, workshops, storage and other facilities and with whom the project will run as a joint venture from 2013 onwards.

---

Sea Eagle Resurgence

A story in the Daily Mail about the resurgence of Sea Eagles in Scotland recently caught our eye as a reminder of now-abandoned attempts to re-introduce this magnificent raptor to our part of the world on the Suffolk coastline.

The mature female sea eagle has a wingspan go up to 8ft (2.5m)

The sea eagle, otherwise known as the white-tailed eagle, is one of the largest in the world and Europe's biggest bird of prey, the females having an impressive wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.5m). Their prey consists of fish, small mammals and they also scavenge carcasses.

“Carefully - and legally - transferred from the Norwegian coastline, the juvenile sea eagles already featured the distinctive hooded eyes and impressive profile of the species”

Hunted to extinction in Britain way back in 1916, successful re-introduction schemes were first initiated in 1975 and over 130 birds were returned to the wilds of West Scotland in the two ensuing decades. Since then further projects have taken place to expand this population, with over 80 juvenile sea eagles - legally collected from nests in Norway - being released along Scotland's east coast. Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland - supported by the R.S.P.B. - are behind the scheme and hope that the numbers will grow as the birds that have been released reached sexual maturity.

Each bird was carefully inspected and vaccinated before release on the eastern shorelines of Scotland

Claw Blimey! The powerful foot and huge talons of thewhite tailed eagle, which has evolved for their specialist hunting needs

As reported in The Telegraph at the time, the Natural England sponsored the idea to reintroduce the birds on the area of mixed heath, forest and farmland along the Suffolk coast known as the Sandlings, centring on the R.S.P.B. flagship reserve of Minsmere. However, this proved extremely unpopular with some of the region's farmers and landowners, who feared for the safety of their livestock and much to the disappointment of the Royal Society the decision to scrap it was taken.

Our photographs are published with the permission of wildlife photographer Peter Cairns, who recorded the reintroduction of some of the sea eagles while taking part in the 2020Vision project - the most ambitious nature photography project ever staged in the UK. It aims to engage and enthuse a massive audience by using innovative visual media to convey the value of restoring our most important but often fragmented natural habitats - to show that healthy ecosystems are not just for wildlife, but are something fundamental to us all. Please visit their website for more about the project and some stunning wildlife images.

Sea Eagle Resurgence

A story in the Daily Mail about the resurgence of Sea Eagles in Scotland recently caught our eye as a reminder of now-abandoned attempts to re-introduce this magnificent raptor to our part of the world on the Suffolk coastline.

The sea eagle, otherwise known as the white-tailed eagle, is one of the largest in the world and Europe's biggest bird of prey, the females having an impressive wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.5m). Their prey consists of fish, small mammals and they also scavenge carcasses.

Carefully - and legally - transferred from the Norwegian coastline, the juvenile sea eagles already featured the distinctive hooded eyes and impressive profile of the species

Hunted to extinction in Britain way back in 1916, successful re-introduction schemes were first initiated in 1975 and over 130 birds were returned to the wilds of West Scotland in the two ensuing decades. Since then further projects have taken place to expand this population, with over 80 juvenile sea eagles - legally collected from nests in Norway - being released along Scotland's east coast. Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland - supported by the R.S.P.B. - are behind the scheme and hope that the numbers will grow as the birds that have been released reached sexual maturity.

Each bird was carefully inspected and vaccinated before release on the eastern shorelines of Scotland

Claw Blimey! The powerful foot and huge talons of the white tailed eagle, which has evolved for their specialist hunting needs

As reported in The Telegraph at the time, the Natural England sponsored the idea to reintroduce the birds on the area of mixed heath, forest and farmland along the Suffolk coast known as the Sandlings, centring on the R.S.P.B. flagship reserve of Minsmere. However, this proved extremely unpopular with some of the region's farmers and landowners, who feared for the safety of their livestock and much to the disappointment of the Royal Society the decision to scrap it was taken.

Our photographs are published with the permission of wildlife photographer Peter Cairns, who recorded the reintroduction of some of the sea eagles while taking part in the 2020Vision project - the most ambitious nature photography project ever staged in the UK. It aims to engage and enthuse a massive audience by using innovative visual media to convey the value of restoring our most important but often fragmented natural habitats - to show that healthy ecosystems are not just for wildlife, but are something fundamental to us all. Please visit their website for more about the project and some stunning wildlife images.

---

Three into Two WILL Go

As regular readers will know, we have been extremely busy over the last nine months in our Raptor Hospital and it has to be said that the up-and-down nature of the weather recently has not helped young birds, who have suffered as a result. 

A consequence of the wet summer has been the resultant profusion of late broods, the health and survival of which have subsequently been threatened by the onset of moulting by the mature birds: this state has weakened the parents, rendering them unable in many instances to provide sufficiently for their offspring who have died of starvation in significant numbers.

This downy youngster was found in a weakened state but was properly nourished before he joined his new family

Such occurrences have frequently been logged by our friends Roger & Chris who - as key members of the Thornham Owl Project, who are partners in our East Anglian Wild Owl Nest Box scheme - have repeatedly come across similar cases in the last few months.

So when we recently received a report of an abandoned young barn owl, on investigation it proved to be just such a case - the survivor of a late brood neglected by parents in moult. Luckily Roger & Chris had just previously recorded a box inhabited by two healthy chicks of a similar age. 

Chris climbs aloft to put return one of the young owlet trio to the nest box.

As a result we were able to introduce the single orphan to this group. To give the trio a better chance of fledging, we are helping the parents out with food by providing extra mice with which to feed the family each day: this should take the pressure off the parents whilst they complete their moult and encourage them to concentrate their efforts on looking after their babies.

All's well that ends well - Maz and Bridget with the trio of owlets.

Our blog here will keep you posted on the outcome, but this close co-operation with other local agencies proves just how valuable such an association can be in our mutual quest for the rescue and re-habilitation of injured or distressed birds of prey.

Three into Two WILL Go

As regular readers will know, we have been extremely busy over the last nine months in our Raptor Hospital and it has to be said that the up-and-down nature of the weather recently has not helped young birds, who have suffered as a result. 

A consequence of the wet summer has been the resultant profusion of late broods, the health and survival of which have subsequently been threatened by the onset of moulting by the mature birds: this state has weakened the parents, rendering them unable in many instances to provide sufficiently for their offspring who have died of starvation in significant numbers.

This downy youngster was found in a weakened state but was properly nourished before he joined his new family

Such occurrences have frequently been logged by our friends Roger & Chris who - as key members of the Thornham Owl Project, who are partners in our East Anglian Wild Owl Nest Box scheme - have repeatedly come across similar cases in the last few months.

So when we recently received a report of an abandoned young barn owl, on investigation it proved to be just such a case - the survivor of a late brood neglected by parents in moult. Luckily Roger & Chris had just previously recorded a box inhabited by two healthy chicks of a similar age. 

Chris climbs aloft to put return one of the young owlet trio to the nest box.

As a result we were able to introduce the single orphan to this group. To give the trio a better chance of fledging, we are helping the parents out with food by providing extra mice with which to feed the family each day: this should take the pressure off the parents whilst they complete their moult and encourage them to concentrate their efforts on looking after their babies.

All's well that ends well - Maz and Bridget with the trio of owlets.

Our blog here will keep you posted on the outcome, but this close co-operation with other local agencies proves just how valuable such an association can be in our mutual quest for the rescue and re-habilitation of injured or distressed birds of prey.

---

Bird Crime against Birds of Prey

The R.S.P.B. has recently released its annual report on Bird Crime and the focus of the document this year highlights the disturbing levels of harmful criminal activity to which birds of prey are subjected. In it, harrowing tales of the poisoning, trapping or shooting of raptors quite beggar belief but the report builds up a powerful case for urgent, top-level attention to the many issues raised therein.

The R.S.P.B.'s Conservation Director Martin Harper prefaces the report by outlining the urgent need for government action in reviewing legislation to make it easier for the perpetrators of such crimes to be prosecuted. It also advocates widening the scope of responsibility for those indirectly connected with these crimes under proposals of vicarious liability. 

The R.S.P.B. then sets out a comprehensive "Manifesto For Change" designed to clarify the issues for improvement of the wildlife laws and the reform of policing of wildlife crime, with recommendations as to how various aspects of the issues involved could be changed.

Finally it covers in some detail the incidents of crime and outcome of successful prosecutions, which in 2011 included:

• 100 reports of poisoning incidents, including 52 confirmed incidents of abuse involving the confirmed poisonings of at least 70 individual birds or animals.

• 202 reports of shooting and destruction of birds of prey, with the confirmed shooting of 30 individual birds of prey.

• 18 reports relating to illegal disturbance or photography of Schedule 1 birds including bird of prey species.

• 26 reports of illegal taking, possession or sale of birds of prey.

Andy Hulme, General manager of Suffolk Owl Sanctuary commented: "This report draws attention to many matters which need to be addressed urgently. It goes without saying that we deplore any persecution of raptors especially by poisoning, which is a horrific way for a bird to die. We have seen a huge increase in the buzzard population in Suffolk in recent years but a notable decline in Sparrowhawks and Kestrels, this latter strongly thought to be caused by secondary poisoning. Regarding shooting, following on from the well publicised instance of one of our own Snowy Owls, Fetlar, being shot dead whilst roaming free and other incidents of birds that had been shot being brought to us, we had a wild Buzzard brought into our Raptor Hospital earlier this year which had also been shot, but thankfully we were able to rehabilitate this bird and release it into a safe environment in a healthy condition. That said, the majority of injured wild birds brought into us are the result of road traffic accidents, which are as great concern to us."

You can download the full report direct from the R.S.P.B. site here