Hoodwinked!

Many visitors to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary will notice that some of the falcons here will be hooded whilst waiting their turn to participate in the thrice daily flying displays. 

The hood is placed on the falcon to keep the bird calm, for example when travelling or within close proximity to other birds of prey, but also to ensure that when the falconer needs to work his bird it will be alert and receptive to his instructions. Hooding a falcon in this way gave origin to the term 'hoodwinked' from the Middle Ages as it tricked the falcon into believing it was nighttime, so that the falconer could recover the prey from the bird's talons. 

A falcon’s sight is up to ten times as acute as a humans so, comparatively speaking, the bird is being constantly bombarded with visual stimuli. Its senses are on high alert as it registers prey targets well beyond the range of the falconer’s eyesight.

Hooding the falcon, therefore ensures that it is the falconer’s target that will be the subject of the bird’s attention when the hood is removed and the bird put to flight, not a distant target that the bird has pinpointed itself, remote from the working environs.

Trained daily by the falconers to accept the hood from a young age, the bird is not bothered by this covering of its head at all. It is carefully fitted to the falcon’s individual requirements for maximum comfort, being handmade from soft but durable kip leather or kangaroo leather. Kip Leather is light, very pliable and has more tensile strength than most other leathers. The fit ensures that it does not damage feathers or hamper breathing and allows air to circulate at all times.

Under no circumstances does the hood ever come into contact with the falcon’s eyes - if it were to cause discomfort to any degree, the bird would reject the hood outright.

The hood is arguably the most important piece of a falconers equipment, enabling a degree of control over what is essentially a wild bird and its history is a long and ancient one. It is thought to have been first introduced into the Western world from Arabia during the 13th. century by Frederick II of Germany.

Frederick had observed that during the Arabian Royal Hunt: ”The practice of hooding was one of the most valuable features of their methods….as we perceived its great utility in taming falcons, we adopted it in manning our own birds and have given it our approval, so that our contemporaries have learned its use from us, nor should it be neglected by our descendants.” Never had falconers ever had such a degree of control over their birds and the practice of hooding quickly became established as a crucial element of English falconry.

Over the centuries, this gentle and logical method of controlling birds of prey has never been bettered and although a whole tradition of regional hood design has evolved through the ages, it remains in essence a very small, modest but highly effective piece of equipment.

The hood affords Lock the Lanner Falcon comfort and security whilst waiting to work in close proximity to other birds of prey.

Hoodwinked!

Many visitors to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary will notice that some of the falcons here will be hooded whilst waiting their turn to participate in the thrice daily flying displays.

The hood is placed on the falcon to keep the bird calm, for example when travelling or within close proximity to other birds of prey, but also to ensure that when the falconer needs to work his bird it will be alert and receptive to his instructions. Hooding a falcon in this way gave origin to the term 'hoodwinked' from the Middle Ages as it tricked the falcon into believing it was nighttime, so that the falconer could recover the prey from the bird's talons.

A falcon’s sight is up to ten times as acute as a humans so, comparatively speaking, the bird is being constantly bombarded with visual stimuli. Its senses are on high alert as it registers prey targets well beyond the range of the falconer’s eyesight.

Hooding the falcon, therefore ensures that it is the falconer’s target that will be the subject of the bird’s attention when the hood is removed and the bird put to flight, not a distant target that the bird has pinpointed itself, remote from the working environs.

Trained daily by the falconers to accept the hood from a young age, the bird is not bothered by this covering of its head at all. It is carefully fitted to the falcon’s individual requirements for maximum comfort, being handmade from soft but durable kip leather or kangaroo leather. Kip Leather is light, very pliable and has more tensile strength than most other leathers. The fit ensures that it does not damage feathers or hamper breathing and allows air to circulate at all times.

Under no circumstances does the hood ever come into contact with the falcon’s eyes - if it were to cause discomfort to any degree, the bird would reject the hood outright.

The hood affords Lock the Lanner Falcon comfort
and security whilst waiting to work in close proximity to other birds of prey.

The hood is arguably the most important piece of a falconers equipment, enabling a degree of control over what is essentially a wild bird and its history is a long and ancient one. It is thought to have been first introduced into the Western world from Arabia during the 13th. century by Frederick II of Germany.

Frederick had observed that during the Arabian Royal Hunt: ”The practice of hooding was one of the most valuable features of their methods….as we perceived its great utility in taming falcons, we adopted it in manning our own birds and have given it our approval, so that our contemporaries have learned its use from us, nor should it be neglected by our descendants.” Never had falconers ever had such a degree of control over their birds and the practice of hooding quickly became established as a crucial element of English falconry.

Over the centuries, this gentle and logical method of controlling birds of prey has never been bettered and although a whole tradition of regional hood design has evolved through the ages, it remains in essence a very small, modest but highly effective piece of equipment.

---

April's Day Out

“Never work with children or animals” is the old adage… "or birds of prey", might be a pertinent addition to this advice!!

Despite the many, many hours that the falconry team spend training and bonding with the sanctuary’s resident birds, they remain essentially wild creatures and, thus, unpredictable.

Before each period of exercise or the flying demonstrations we give at the Centre between Easter and October, our falconers spend much time carefully assessing the birds that will participate, checking for weight and condition and keeping an eye on possible weather interruptions.

But even then, there will still be instances when flights don’t go to plan!

Such was the case recently with April, one of the centre’s older (and one would presume wiser!) Lanner Falcons. One afternoon, conditions appeared to be ideal for 8 year old April to enjoy a few relaxed turns around the flying ground and then to work with one of the falconers practicing his lure swinging technique.

Bird and handler were working in perfect synergy, with April making some nice flights in to the lure and being rewarded for her efforts. Between flights, she would pick a high vantage point to observe her surroundings and during one such lull in activity, she spotted a dog being exercised by its owner in a field on the adjacent farm

This was enough to send April into a panic and she lost no time in escaping from the perceived threat… and she flew… and she flew… and she flew…..!

Whether she was just enjoying the unusually balmy weather conditions - or lost track of time! - April showed no sign of turning back to the centre.

Luckily, the falconry team are always vigilant to the possibility of such absconding and April had been fitted with telemetry in advance of her exercise session. This consists of a small radio transmitter fitted to the anklet of the bird and a portable receiver which the falconers can use to track the position of the absconder as it moves from place to place..

A telemetry transmitter attaches painlessly to the anklets worn by a bird of prey.

The receiver - shaped rather like a TV aerial - then picks up a locating signal

The handset of the receiver guides the falconer towards the absconder

Telemetry is fitted to all eagles and falcons that are flown free at the sanctuary, as these are the most likely candidates for springing aerial surprises. Experience has taught us that many miles of tramping the countryside and hours of fruitless searching can be saved by the telemetry equipment, which in many ways is a modern equivalent to the traditional bell which many falconers still use as an audible signal as to a bird's location.

And so the falconers embarked on tracking April late into the evening, as the signal from her transmitter ebbed and flowed frustratingly for hour after hour… now a strong signal heralding her presence nearby… now a faint whisper drifting off into the distance as she flew further away.

Over several hours, the falconers tracked April from the Sanctuary to a church 10 miles away, then a supermarket another 5 miles distant, thence onwards to another location a mile further on… and there the signal faded.

At 9.00p.m. cold, weary staff members the some of the volunteers who had joined them reluctantly decided to abandon the search and reconvene in the early morning when April would be hungry!

It is always disappointing to have to make the decision to leave a bird out overnight - captive bred birds are unwilling to fend well for themselves in the wild as they are accustomed to the falconers being their primary food source. However, in this instance, the team were aware that April was in the vicinity and confident that she would not travel far at night.

At 6.00a.m. the next morning, the team resumed their search at the point they left off, and within an hour had picked up a strong, consistent telemetry signal from the grounds of a local factory. After gaining access from a helpful security guard, one of the falconers decided to give the lure a swing and April was on it immediately - normal room service was resumed!!

Happily, this sort of chase across the countryside is not a regular occurrence, but an occasional reminder that birds do have a mind of their own and it does happen from time to time. Although at her age April should know better, like any other 8 year old she doubtless enjoyed her little adventure initially, but was secretly relieved to see her parents turn up to take her home!!!

Safe and sound - April looks none the worse for her adventure!

---

April's Day Out

“Never work with children or animals” is the old adage… "or birds of prey", might be a pertinent addition to this advice!!

Despite the many, many hours that the falconry team spend training and bonding with the sanctuary’s resident birds, they remain essentially wild creatures and, thus, unpredictable.

Before each period of exercise or the flying demonstrations we give at the Centre between Easter and October, our falconers spend much time carefully assessing the birds that will participate, checking for weight and condition and keeping an eye on possible weather interruptions.

But even then, there will still be instances when flights don’t go to plan!

Such was the case recently with April, one of the centre’s older (and one would presume wiser!) Lanner Falcons. One afternoon, conditions appeared to be ideal for 8 year old April to enjoy a few relaxed turns around the flying ground and then to work with one of the falconers practicing his lure swinging technique.

Bird and handler were working in perfect synergy, with April making some nice flights in to the lure and being rewarded for her efforts. Between flights, she would pick a high vantage point to observe her surroundings and during one such lull in activity, she spotted a dog being exercised by its owner in a field on the adjacent farm

This was enough to send April into a panic and she lost no time in escaping from the perceived threat… and she flew… and she flew… and she flew…..! 

Whether she was just enjoying the unusually balmy weather conditions - or lost track of time! - April showed no sign of turning back to the centre.

Luckily, the falconry team are always vigilant to the possibility of such absconding and April had been fitted with telemetry in advance of her exercise session. This consists of a small radio transmitter fitted to the anklet of the bird and a portable receiver which the falconers can use to track the position of the absconder as it moves from place to place..

A telemetry transmitter attaches painlessly to the anklets worn by a bird of prey. 

The receiver - shaped rather like a TV aerial - then picks up a locating signal

The handset of the receiver guides the falconer towards the absconder

Telemetry is fitted to all eagles and falcons that are flown free at the sanctuary, as these are the most likely candidates for springing aerial surprises. Experience has taught us that many miles of tramping the countryside and hours of fruitless searching can be saved by the telemetry equipment, which in many ways is a modern equivalent to the traditional bell which many falconers still use as an audible signal as to a bird's location.

And so the falconers embarked on tracking April late into the evening, as the signal from her transmitter ebbed and flowed frustratingly for hour after hour… now a strong signal heralding her presence nearby… now a faint whisper drifting off into the distance as she flew further away.

Over several hours, the falconers tracked April from the Sanctuary to a church 10 miles away, then a supermarket another 5 miles distant, thence onwards to another location a mile further on… and there the signal faded.

At 9.00p.m. cold, weary staff members the some of the volunteers who had joined them reluctantly decided to abandon the search and reconvene in the early morning when April would be hungry!

It is always disappointing  to have to make the decision to leave a bird out overnight - captive bred birds are unwilling to fend well for themselves in the wild as they are accustomed to the falconers being their primary food source. However, in this instance, the team were aware that April was in the vicinity and confident that she would not travel far at night.

At 6.00a.m. the next morning, the team resumed their search at the point they left off, and within an hour had picked up a strong, consistent telemetry signal from the grounds of a local factory. After gaining access from a helpful security guard, one of the falconers decided to give the lure a swing and April was on it immediately - normal room service was resumed!!

Happily, this sort of chase across the countryside is not a regular occurrence, but an occasional reminder that birds do have a mind of their own and it does happen from time to time. Although at her age April should know better, like any other 8 year old she doubtless enjoyed her little adventure initially, but was secretly relieved to see her parents turn up to take her home!!!

Safe and sound - April looks none the worse for her adventure!

Leap Year Baby!

Periodically, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary acquires a new species of bird in order to give visitors access to as many owls and other birds of prey as possible.

The diversity of birds now resident at the centre expands the knowledge of the falconry staff and also enriches the visitor experience, so staff are always ready to rise to the challenge of a new arrival.

On 29th. February - Leap Year Day!! - little Taino, the Ashy-faced Owl became the latest addition to the sanctuary “family”.

At just three weeks old, on arrival with us Taino was hand fed by the falconers every three hours. Just like any other baby, his demands were few… food and warmth! So to begin with, he spent time in incubator with his teddy bear for company, awaiting tweezers of meat!

Since then he has grown rapidly, as all young birds do. Within a few weeks from now he will be fully grown and ready to embark on a training programme that will hopefully culminate in him taking a role in the sanctuary’s flying displays.

Soon after, the falconers will also be able to ascertain whether Taino really is actually a “he” or whether he is a female of the species!  As this is impossible to tell with juvenile birds,  “he” is accepted as a working title for the moment!

This hand is so warm, I might just nod off again!

The Ashy-faced Owl is similar in size and appearance to a Barn Owl, but with slightly darker plumage and, as the name suggests, a grey facial disc. Despite the similarities, however, the Ashy-faced Owl is a distinct species in its own right. It is native to Haiti and the Dominican Republic and favours wooded habitat and forests. The rise in the human population and consequent deforestation of these areas has therefore resulted in a drop in native Ashy-faced Owl numbers.Captive breeding programmes of the species originated in Germany about 10 years ago and the Dominican National Zoo and the Society for the Conservation and Research of Owls responded by initiating a domestic breeding project in the Dominican Republic to ensure the conservation of this pretty species. 

The name Taino pertains to an ancient Arawak people who were indigenous to Florida and the Caribbean. During the 15th. century, the Taino were the principal inhabitants of Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

---

Leap Year Baby!

Periodically, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary acquires a new species of bird in order to give visitors access to as many owls and other birds of prey as possible.

The diversity of birds now resident at the centre expands the knowledge of the falconry staff and also enriches the visitor experience, so staff are always ready to rise to the challenge of a new arrival.

On 29th. February - Leap Year Day!! - little Taino, the Ashy-faced Owl became the latest addition to the sanctuary “family”.

This hand is so warm, I might just nod off again!

At just three weeks old, on arrival with us Taino was hand fed by the falconers every three hours. Just like any other baby, his demands were few… food and warmth! So to begin with, he spent time in incubator with his teddy bear for company, awaiting tweezers of meat!

Since then he has grown rapidly, as all young birds do. Within a few weeks from now he will be fully grown and ready to embark on a training programme that will hopefully culminate in him taking a role in the sanctuary’s flying displays.

Soon after, the falconers will also be able to ascertain whether Taino really is actually a “he” or whether he is a female of the species!  As this is impossible to tell with juvenile birds,  “he” is accepted as a working title for the moment!

The Ashy-faced Owl is similar in size and appearance to a Barn Owl, but with slightly darker plumage and, as the name suggests, a grey facial disc. Despite the similarities, however, the Ashy-faced Owl is a distinct species in its own right. It is native to Haiti and the Dominican Republic and favours wooded habitat and forests. The rise in the human population and consequent deforestation of these areas has therefore resulted in a drop in native Ashy-faced Owl numbers.

Captive breeding programmes of the species originated in Germany about 10 years ago and the Dominican National Zoo and the Society for the Conservation and Research of Owls responded by initiating a domestic breeding project in the Dominican Republic to ensure the conservation of this pretty species.

The name Taino pertains to an ancient Arawak people who were indigenous to Florida and the Caribbean. During the 15th. century, the Taino were the principal inhabitants of Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Spring Newsletter for Schools out Now!

We've just published the latest in the series of "The Stonham Screecher" - our printed newsletter especially for schools.  

Compiled by Catherine - who runs our Admin Department - in her inimitable style, the new edition is designed specifically for youngsters and includes stories on Aukland the Boobook Owl; our new junior Falconer, Harry, who is training Melvin the Harris Hawk; and some more fun quizzes & conundrums.

You can download a copy from here or if you'd like copies for your school, please email catherine@owlbarn.co.uk and she will send you some, free of charge.

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Spring Newsletter for Schools out Now!

We've just published the latest in the series of "The Stonham Screecher" - our printed newsletter especially for schools. 

Compiled by Catherine - who runs our Admin Department - in her inimitable style, the new edition is designed specifically for youngsters and includes stories on Aukland the Boobook Owl; our new junior Falconer, Harry, who is training Melvin the Harris Hawk; and some more fun quizzes & conundrums.

You can download a copy from here here or if you'd like copies for your school, please email catherine@owlbarn.co.uk and she will send you some, free of charge.

A Barn Owl in the hand...

Although most admissions to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary raptor hospital are injured wild birds brought in by members of the public, referrals from local vets are also responsible for a proportion of patients.

Early in February a dazed Barn Owl was brought to us by the Oakwood Veterinary Group from Norfolk - an adult male owl had been taken to there by a motorist who had been driving in the area. He had been following another car which had hit the owl, but had not stopped - an avian hit and run!

The motorist was able to pick the owl up without any problem - a sure sign that all was not well - and took it to the vets for treatment, whose assessment was that the owl had been extremely lucky to have been just hit a glancing blow by the car.

No damage had been done to its wings - the usual compromising injury - and its legs also looked to be in good condition. The owl was obviously stunned, which is why its close examination was relatively easy, but would recover quickly with rest, food, peace and quiet.

After an overnight stay “on the ward” at the vet’s, the casualty was brought in to us for a period of recuperation. The special enclosed aviaries we have here offer the perfect environment for recovery and after two weeks of food and rest without fear of predators, the owl was ready to be released back into the wild.

Thar she blows! - whilst Liz took a buffeting on a particularly windy day, at least the Barn Owl got off to a flying start as he was returned to the wild.

Unfortunately, the owl’s rescuer was not local, but a travelling sales representative from Devon, so he was unable to take part in the release himself. However, he was able to relay very precise directions as to where the bird was found to the sanctuary’s falconry team, ensuring that the bird was returned to its own territory, exactly where it had been discovered.

---

A Barn Owl in the hand...

Although most admissions to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary raptor hospital are injured wild birds brought in by members of the public, referrals from local vets are also responsible for a proportion of patients.

Early in February a dazed Barn Owl was brought to us by the Oakwood Veterinary Group from Norfolk - an adult male owl had been taken to there by a motorist who had been driving in the area. He had been following another car which had hit the owl, but had not stopped - an avian hit and run!

The motorist was able to pick the owl up without any problem - a sure sign that all was not well - and took it to the vets for treatment, whose assessment was that the owl had been extremely lucky to have been just hit a glancing blow by the car.

No damage had been done to its wings - the usual compromising injury - and its legs also looked to be in good condition. The owl was obviously stunned, which is why its close examination was relatively easy, but would recover quickly with rest, food, peace and quiet.

After an overnight stay “on the ward” at the vet’s, the casualty was brought in to us for a period of recuperation. The special enclosed aviaries we have here offer the perfect environment for recovery and after two weeks of food and rest without fear of predators, the owl was ready to be released back into the wild.

Thar she blows! - whilst Liz took a buffeting on a particularly windy day, at least the Barn Owl got off to a flying start as he was returned to the wild.

Unfortunately, the owl’s rescuer was not local, but a travelling sales representative from Devon, so he was unable to take part in the release himself. However, he was able to relay very precise directions as to where the bird was found to the sanctuary’s falconry team, ensuring that the bird was returned to its own territory, exactly where it had been discovered.

Countdown to Flying!

Spring is in the air which - for the birds of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary - means coming out of the aviaries and back into training for the busy flying season ahead.

Over the winter months the birds which participate in the spectacular summer flying demonstrations relax in their spacious aviaries. They moult and rest after a busy six months illustrating their various aerial characteristics as part of our mission to inform the public at large about the need for the ongoing conservation of similar species in the wild.

New member of staff Mary helps Liz induct a pair of our Red Kites to the 2016 weight watchers club!

After being left to “do their own raptor thing” over this dormant period, the birds are once again ready to work with the falconers to perfect a dazzling displays for visitors. So far this year, the following birds to have come out of the aviaries: Birkett (Great Horned Owl), Mir (Steppe Eagle), Templeton and Ash (Common Buzzards), April (Lanner Falcon) and Lock (Lannerette).

It takes a matter of weeks to bring a bird back to flying condition and the process starts with addressing some weight issues! The birds’ flying weight is necessarily lower than their dormant weight and their body condition is similarly at variance.

In order for a bird to return to the falconer’s glove it must be hungry and motivated by food, so slimming is on the cards for all the winter couch potatoes!!

Liz cradles Ash, one of our buzzards, in the comfort of a towel as she fits his new jesses

Once the birds are returned to their slimline form, their flying equipment must be renewed. Each bird will be fitted with soft leather jesses attached to its leg with anklets. A leash can then be fitted to the jesses in order for the bird to sit out on the weatherings waiting to fly, instead of in an aviary.

Catching up the birds to attach their equipment also offers the falconers an opportunity to check the birds’ general condition. If necessary, beaks can be coped and/or talons trimmed.

Coping (or trimming) beaks can be necessary in captive bred birds. In the wild, birds cope their own beaks by breaking open bones and tearing meat from the bones of their prey. In captivity, they do not have this opportunity so, as well as providing material in the aviaries for birds to cope naturally, the falconers must occasionally clip or file a beak into shape. If a beak was left to grow unchecked it could become so long that it would crack, causing the bird considerable pain.

Ash's beak is very carefully filed - if it grew too long it may split and cause pain to the bird

Once all the flying team birds have passed this annual M.O.T. they are ready to embark on the season’s programme of activities once again.

Countdown to Flying!

Spring is in the air which - for the birds of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary - means coming out of the aviaries and back into training for the busy flying season ahead.

Over the winter months the birds which participate in the spectacular summer flying demonstrations relax in their spacious aviaries. They moult and rest after a busy six months illustrating their various aerial characteristics as part of our mission to inform the public at large about the need for the ongoing conservation of similar species in the wild.

New member of staff Mary helps Liz induct a pair of our Red Kites to the 2016 weight watchers club!

After being left to “do their own raptor thing” over this dormant period, the birds are once again ready to work with the falconers to perfect a dazzling displays for visitors. So far this year, the following birds to have come out of the aviaries: Birkett (Great Horned Owl), Mir (Steppe Eagle), Templeton and Ash (Common Buzzards), April (Lanner Falcon) and Lock (Lannerette).

It takes a matter of weeks to bring a bird back to flying condition and the process starts with addressing some weight issues! The birds’ flying weight is necessarily lower than their dormant weight and their body condition is similarly at variance.

In order for a bird to return to the falconer’s glove it must be hungry and motivated by food, so slimming is on the cards for all the winter couch potatoes!!

Once the birds are returned to their slimline form, their flying equipment must be renewed. Each bird will be fitted with soft leather jesses attached to its leg with anklets. A leash can then be fitted to the jesses in order for the bird to sit out on the weatherings waiting to fly, instead of in an aviary.

Catching up the birds to attach their equipment also offers the falconers an opportunity to check the birds’ general condition. If necessary, beaks can be coped and/or talons trimmed.

Coping (or trimming) beaks can be necessary in captive bred birds. In the wild, birds cope their own beaks by breaking open bones and tearing meat from the bones of their prey. In captivity, they do not have this opportunity so, as well as providing material in the aviaries for birds to cope naturally, the falconers must occasionally clip or file a beak into shape. If a beak was left to grow unchecked it could become so long that it would crack, causing the bird considerable pain.

Ash's beak is very carefully filed - if it grew too long it may split and cause pain to the bird

Once all the flying team birds have passed this annual M.O.T. they are ready to embark on the season’s programme of activities once again.

---

Out With The Old!

The winter months bring an opportunity for the staff of the owl sanctuary to carry out an annual maintenance audit. From this they can ascertain what needs to be done to renovate and refresh current facilities and to decide upon new developments for the following year.

As all the aviaries and grounds are furnished in natural materials, an ongoing programme of maintenance and renewal is embarked on every winter. A new intake of birds for the 2016 season also necessitates new aviary builds and the extension of existing stock. 

To these ends, the falconry team are now adept at turning their hands to building design work, carpentry, construction, painting, roofing and landscaping, so every year the talented team undertake more improvements to the site and 2016 is no exception.

Since last October, an impressive array of tasks has been completed. To date: the weatherings have been re-roofed and trimmed, the hospital has been painted, the falconers’ hut has been remodelled and the mews room renovated.

Head Falconer Matt gets down & dirty as he concretes in the new barrier supports

Volunteer Peter makes a valiant attempt to find the pole vault as he specs out the design of the new barriers

This contender for "World's Most Exciting Photograph" at least shows you that re-furbishing the hospital exterior has not been forgotten

The safety barriers around the whole site have also been replaced and the height raised from 2 to 3 feet.  This rise has not only afforded visitors a comfortable “leaning” facility whilst observing the birds, but it also allows new information boards with Braille overlays to be accommodated on the barriers at a perfect height for reading.

Other jobs have included some selective shrub clearance has opened up a new viewing lawn next to the falconers’ hut - this will be used specifically for baby birds to become accustomed to visitors, allowing plenty of space between “them" and the "us”! The debris from this project has been recycled into wood chipping for replenishing the paths in the Woodland Walk. And there's more… the boxes holding the stamps for the children’s Owl Safari have also been replaced, the dog kennels painted and new fencing and a gate incorporated into this corner of the compound.

Our next big project for completion before the season starts in a few weeks time is the building of a new buzzard block. The old block will be renovated and an extension added. The latter will feature additional ledges so that the buzzards can roost higher up in the aviary, as is their preference. 

The Red Kites will be housed at the end of the new block, close to the flying ground, and will incorporate special hatches allowing them to be flown straight out of the aviary - quite a spectacle for visitors to enjoy.

Maintenance of the site does not stop once the flying season starts - it is an ongoing issue which throws up constant challenges.  However, due to the generosity of public donors, staff are always able to meet these challenges with enthusiasm and foresight - we would like to "Thank You" all for your continuing support in this respect.

The winter months bring an opportunity for the staff of the owl sanctuary to carry out an annual maintenance audit. From this they can ascertain what needs to be done to renovate and refresh current facilities and to decide upon new developments for the following year.

As all the aviaries and grounds are furnished in natural materials, an ongoing programme of maintenance and renewal is embarked on every winter. A new intake of birds for the 2016 season also necessitates new aviary builds and the extension of existing stock. 

To these ends, the falconry team are now adept at turning their hands to building design work, carpentry, construction, painting, roofing and landscaping, so every year the talented team undertake more improvements to the site and 2016 is no exception.

Since last October, an impressive array of tasks has been completed. To date: the weatherings have been re-roofed and trimmed, the hospital has been painted, the falconers’ hut has been remodelled and the mews room renovated.

Head Falconer Matt gets down & dirty as he concretes in the new barrier supports

Volunteer Peter makes a valiant attempt to find the
pole vault as he specs out the design of the new barriers

This contender for "World's Most Exciting Photograph" at least shows you that re-furbishing the hospital exterior has not been forgotten

The safety barriers around the whole site have also been replaced and the height raised from 2 to 3 feet.  This rise has not only afforded visitors a comfortable “leaning” facility whilst observing the birds, but it also allows new information boards with Braille overlays to be accommodated on the barriers at a perfect height for reading.

Other jobs have included some selective shrub clearance has opened up a new viewing lawn next to the falconers’ hut - this will be used specifically for baby birds to become accustomed to visitors, allowing plenty of space between “them" and the "us”! The debris from this project has been recycled into wood chipping for replenishing the paths in the Woodland Walk. And there's more… the boxes holding the stamps for the children’s Owl Safari have also been replaced, the dog kennels painted and new fencing and a gate incorporated into this corner of the compound.

Our next big project for completion before the season starts in a few weeks time is the building of a new buzzard block. The old block will be renovated and an extension added. The latter will feature additional ledges so that the buzzards can roost higher up in the aviary, as is their preference. 

The Red Kites will be housed at the end of the new block, close to the flying ground, and will incorporate special hatches allowing them to be flown straight out of the aviary - quite a spectacle for visitors to enjoy.

Maintenance of the site does not stop once the flying season starts - it is an ongoing issue which throws up constant challenges.  However, due to the generosity of public donors, staff are always able to meet these challenges with enthusiasm and foresight - we would like to "Thank You" all for your continuing support in this respect.

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Cobweb goes a' visiting

Last week Liz and Mary went to visit the lovely residents at Mills Meadow Residential Care Home in Framlingham, Suffolk with our own bird residents, Cobweb the Barn Owl and Aukland the Southern Boobook Owl, native to Australia and New Zealand.

In the winter months, when it's not so busy with visitors at the Centre, we like to get out and about as much as we can, taking our story about the need for the care & conservation of Britain's wild owl species with us. Visiting residential centres like this is very rewarding - your audience is always attentive and appreciative - and often come up with a fund of their own stories about wildlife in the countryside.

We had a great time speaking about what we do at the Sanctuary, as well all of the weird and wonderful things that Owls do. Everyone had a fabulous time with one resident exclaiming 'They're so cute, I could cry!' See the pictures below - please get in touch on 0345 680 7897if you would like us to visit you in the East Anglian area.

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Cobweb goes a' visiting

Liz & Cobweb 'on the road' during our week visiting local care homes

Last week Liz and Mary went to visit the lovely residents at Mills Meadow Residential Care Home in Framlingham, Suffolk with our own bird residents, Cobweb the Barn Owl and Aukland the Southern Boobook Owl, native to Australia and New Zealand. 

In the winter months, when it's not so busy with visitors at the Centre, we like to get out and about as much as we can, taking our story about the need for the care & conservation of Britain's wild owl species with us. Visiting residential centres like this is very rewarding - your audience is always attentive and appreciative - and often come up with a fund of their own stories about wildlife in the countryside.

We had a great time speaking about what we do at the Sanctuary, as well all of the weird and wonderful things that Owls do. Everyone had a fabulous time with one resident exclaiming 'They're so cute, I could cry!' See the pictures below - please get in touch on 0345 680 7897if you would like us to visit you in the East Anglian area.

S.O.S. 2015 Photo Competition Winners

The SOS 2015 Photo Competition.

Firstly, please accept our apologies for the late announcement of the results of our annual Photo Competition - the participants have all been very patient in waiting for the outcome - thank you!

Secondly, it was a difficult task to find the winners because after all the on-line and personal votes had been cast and totted up there was more than one ’tied’ result. In fairness to all, we have decided to award prizes to both or all winners in such situations. All prize winners have been notified separately by email.

Thirdly, we would like to express our thanks to all who took part with such enthusiasm. To the winners - congratulations! And to all the other entrants, commiserations - but please try again next year.

JUNIOR CLASS

1st Prize: Kieran Judd - "Innocence"

Joint 2nd Prize: Megan Butcher - "Unruffled!"

Joint 2nd Prize: Harry Myhill - "Feathered Friend"

3rd Prize: Cameron Johnson - "Simply Perfect"

SENIOR CLASS

Joint 1st Prize: Adrian Barnard - "Afternoon Delight"

Joint 1st Prize: Ali Alsawaf - "Still Life"

2nd Prize: Jack Crouch - "Over My Shoulder"

Joint 3rd Prize: John Ellison- "Kissing Cousins"

Joint 3rd Prize: Mark Warner - "Piercing Gaze"

Commended: Katie Kemp - "Am I Cute or what…?"

Commended: Mark Waller - "Royal"

Commended: Colin James - "Poetry in Motion"

Commended: Lynda George - "The Eyes Have It"

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If at first you don't succeed...

Throughout every season of the year, injured wild owls are  brought into our Raptor Hospital.

An initial assessment of their condition gives an indication of how long their stay at the sanctuary is likely to be - on average, about 4 weeks. In every instance, staff will always go the extra mile to attempt a successful outcome - even in cases where fate seems to have decided otherwise!

Now fully recovered, this young Barn Owl has been successfully released with wing feathers all intact

The odds certainly seemed to be stacked against a forlorn Barn Owl brought in for treatment earlier in the year. It was back in May that the Barn Owl first arrived at the sanctuary, having been rescued by Lee Patterson. Lee had discovered the injured bird in a ditch in his village - it was very cold, very wet and both wings were bloodied. He was able to catch the bird up (a sure sign that things were not as they should be) and keep it warm, dry and quiet until S.O.S.staff were able to collect it.

On arrival at the sanctuary’s hospital facility, a close inspection of its injuries suggested that it had damaged both wings by banging them repeatedly against wire or netting. As the owl was discovered on farmland, it was likely that it had become caught in rabbit fencing and had persisted in struggling in order to free itself.

The extent of the owl’s injuries necessitated an examination by the vet, who also administered antibiotics and cleaned and dressed the wounds on both wings. The damage had also compromised the bird's ability to hunt, so the owl was suffering from severe starvation -  the prognosis was not good.

Despite regular crop tubing (introducing food directly into the stomach via a tube) a successful outcome was not a forgone conclusion - the bird was going to need long term intensive treatment. A dedicated member of staff, Maz Robinson, took the owl into her care and proceeded to build up its weight and condition with regular feeding and lots of TLC.

After several weeks, the wing bandages were removed and the owl was able to start building strength and flight confidence in a secluded rehabilitation aviary. Things were starting to look positive. A release date was set for 10th. June and Lee was made ready to undertake this, in the vicinity in which he had originally found the owl.

At the eleventh hour, however, disaster struck! On catching up the bird for transportation, Maz was shocked to find that it had suddenly dropped half the flight feathers on one of its healed wings. Without two healthy, fully feathered wings, the Barn Owl could not be released - in order to survive, it needed to be in optimum condition.

Staff hoped that once the owl had completed its annual moult, its flight feathers would grow back. There was a chance however, that the feather follicles had been permanently damaged and the wings would never be perfect again. The only solution was to return the owl to the aviary…..and wait!!

FIVE MONTHS later, the Barn Owl was proudly sporting new feathers and was raring to go! Lee returned to the sanctuary to collect the owl - now christened Snoop by his young daughter! - for release back to its old territory.

Happy ending! Lee says farewell just prior to release

A keen conservationist, Lee has shared the owl’s story and progress on a Facebook page entitled Rattlesden Wildlife Flora and Fauna and has inspired a new interest in wildlife in many of the residents of his village.  Go to this page for more on the release of the owl which, after six and a half months, now holds the record for the sanctuary’s longest hospital stay!!

If at first you don't succeed...

Now fully recovered, this young Barn Owl has been successfully released with wing feathers all intact

Throughout every season of the year, injured wild owls are brought into our Raptor Hospital.

An initial assessment of their condition gives an indication of how long their stay at the sanctuary is likely to be - on average, about 4 weeks. In every instance, staff will always go the extra mile to attempt a successful outcome - even in cases where fate seems to have decided otherwise!

The odds certainly seemed to be stacked against a forlorn Barn Owl brought in for treatment earlier in the year. It was back in May that the Barn Owl first arrived at the sanctuary, having been rescued by Lee Patterson. Lee had discovered the injured bird in a ditch in his village - it was very cold, very wet and both wings were bloodied. He was able to catch the bird up (a sure sign that things were not as they should be) and keep it warm, dry and quiet until S.O.S.staff were able to collect it.

On arrival at the sanctuary’s hospital facility, a close inspection of its injuries suggested that it had damaged both wings by banging them repeatedly against wire or netting. As the owl was discovered on farmland, it was likely that it had become caught in rabbit fencing and had persisted in struggling in order to free itself.

The extent of the owl’s injuries necessitated an examination by the vet, who also administered antibiotics and cleaned and dressed the wounds on both wings. The damage had also compromised the bird's ability to hunt, so the owl was suffering from severe starvation - the prognosis was not good.

Despite regular crop tubing (introducing food directly into the stomach via a tube) a successful outcome was not a forgone conclusion - the bird was going to need long term intensive treatment. A dedicated member of staff, Maz Robinson, took the owl into her care and proceeded to build up its weight and condition with regular feeding and lots of TLC.

After several weeks, the wing bandages were removed and the owl was able to start building strength and flight confidence in a secluded rehabilitation aviary. Things were starting to look positive. A release date was set for 10th. June and Lee was made ready to undertake this, in the vicinity in which he had originally found the owl.

At the eleventh hour, however, disaster struck! On catching up the bird for transportation, Maz was shocked to find that it had suddenly dropped half the flight feathers on one of its healed wings. Without two healthy, fully feathered wings, the Barn Owl could not be released - in order to survive, it needed to be in optimum condition.

Staff hoped that once the owl had completed its annual moult, its flight feathers would grow back. There was a chance however, that the feather follicles had been permanently damaged and the wings would never be perfect again. The only solution was to return the owl to the aviary…..and wait!!

FIVE MONTHS later, the Barn Owl was proudly sporting new feathers and was raring to go! Lee returned to the sanctuary to collect the owl - now christened Snoop by his young daughter! - for release back to its old territory.

Happy ending! Lee says farewell just prior to release

A keen conservationist, Lee has shared the owl’s story and progress on a Facebook page entitled Rattlesden Wildlife Flora and Fauna and has inspired a new interest in wildlife in many of the residents of his village. Go to this page for more on the release of the owl which, after six and a half months, now holds the record for the sanctuary’s longest hospital stay!!

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Moulting Mayhem

During the summer, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s resident owls and other birds of prey demonstrate their exciting aerial skills to crowds of visitors. During this time most spend their days in the open-fronted weatherings and their nights in the mews room.

However, now the shorter autumn days are upon us the talented flying team are released into spacious, naturalistic aviaries to relax for the winter. During this “down time” the birds will succumb to their annual moult.

A moult is when the birds gradually replace their old plumage with new feathers.

Taiga normally presents a pristine appearance

...but in moult has a more bedraggled look about him

Birds’ feathers consist of keratin, the same substance that constitutes fingernails. It has been described as a “miracle substance” as it is very tough and strong, but also lightweight and flexible. Despite these qualities, over time, a bird’s feathers can become damaged - by rubbing together in flight, escaping predators, brushing against tree branches and by constant entering and leaving the nest during the breeding season. New feathers are necessary for efficient flight and insulation.

Common to all birds, wild or captive bred, is the timing of the start of the moult - this always take place after parent birds have raised a brood. Once the young are fledged and can take care of themselves, the parents’ moult can begin.

The rate at which owls and other birds of prey moult depends upon the weather and their body condition: in order for old or damaged feathers to fall out, the bird’s condition must be adequate to compensate for loss of plumage. If a bird is not fat enough to be well insulated, then it will not shed feathers until it has put on weight.

At the sanctuary, all the birds are well fed and cared for, so the owls tend to moult more quickly and neatly than their counterparts in the wild. The process generally takes 3 or 4 months to complete, though this can vary from bird to bird. For example, Cobweb the Barn Owl is a heavy moulter early in the year. Consequently, he cannot take his place in the early flying displays at Easter, but joins them later in the summer season.

The falcons and hawks moult symmetrically, in order that their flight remains smooth and aerodynamic  - an uneven loss of feathers would cause them to wobble and loose height and speed when flying.

The first image shows Cecil our Spectacled Owl as a youngster; and the second, as he looks today. The change did not take place overnight but took a couple of seasons to achieve

The eagles moult more slowly than the smaller birds, as the loss of too many of their large feathers at once would compromise their hunting skills. They lose about a quarter of their feathers annually, so a complete moult will take about four years.

In the wild, owls moult much more slowly, as they need to keep flying and hunting throughout the moult - a flightless wild owl would starve to death or fall victim to a predator if it were compromised by the loss of too many feathers at once. Wild birds will lose a few flight feathers each year until, over the course of 3 or 4 years, their plumage is completely replaced, which accounts for the discrepancy in colour in young, juvenile and adult plumage in many species of owls and other birds of prey.

Having been born covered in pale, fluffy down, the birds gradually attain their mature dark feathers and distinctive adult markings. This can result from just one moult, in the case of most owls, to four or five moults for large eagles. The head of a young spectacled owl, for example, is completely white. A full moult will be necessary before plumage settles into the characteristic adult pattern of dark head with white spectacles.

Similarly, an immature Bald Eagle will not display its iconic white (bald) head until it has passed through five annual moults.

The change in appearance between a young bird and a fully mature one is dramatically illustrated by the Bald Eagle - you can just see the white head dress beginning to appear on Lincoln's plumage

Some of the sanctuary’s birds may, therefore, look slightly “scruffier” than usual after the breeding season but, hopefully visitors will appreciate that this transitionary period is necessary in order for all the birds to look their very best during the summer season.