Tura's First Walkabout

Tura is a captive-bred Siberian Eagle Owl who - at just 5 weeks old - has just joined the team at S.O.S. She will eventually take part in our flying demonstrations as an example of an impressive bird from beyond our shores, but will first be imprinted - acclimatised to humans - before taking part. Luckily the sun just about shone on us for a little while this Spring Bank Holiday Monday, so we took the opportunity to take her to meet some of our visitors.

What's all this then? Ahh - people!

When Matt let her out of the box up at the flying ground, she wasn’t shy to come forward and say hello, running up to and amongst the feet of the crowd, chirping and saying hello to everyone she met on her walkabout of discovery.

When in comes to taking part in the demonstrations, Tura's weight will be a very important factor in regards to how she flies. Eagle owls are the largest species of owl in the world, and the Siberian one of the largest sub species. When we weighed Tura for the first time she came in at 4lb 4oz - the same weight as Pungu, our fully grown Bateleur Eagle - and over the next five weeks of rapid growth, she'll probably reach about 9lb - more than a fully grown Bald Eagle! That’s one big owl! 

Tura meets her public for the first time.

Compared to a European Eagle Owl, the plumage of the Siberian is much paler and very beautiful. But looks can be deceptive, as in terms of prey in the wild, they are quite capable of catching prey the size of Roe Deer. However, owls are generally very lazy and much prefer to participate in a simpler and less energy-consuming ways of catching smaller prey. This is known as Still Hunting, a method which consists of waiting for prey to walk underneath where they are perched, and then dropping on top of it.  

You can see how Tura's fluffy down is quickly converting to beautiful honey-coloured plumage

A study was recently undertaken to see how active eagle owls were in the wild, and the results were staggering: female European Eagle Owls were recorded as being active for no more than 8 MINUTES a week, though the males tended to exert themselves hunting a little bit more at 25 minutes each week. At their sorts of flying weights, it's perhaps understandable why the impressive Siberian Eagle Owl chooses to conserve its energy whenever possible!

Famous Five visit Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

During the Spring months, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s raptor hospital becomes a melting pot of casualties! From road traffic accidents, to chimney falls, to window crashes, a whole diversity of injuries needing attention are regularly presented to the hospital staff.

Outweighing the numbers of all these cases, however, are the large numbers of baby owls needing assistance early in life. Most have fallen from nests and are often found by individuals walking their dogs.

A case of quintuplets arriving this morning had a slightly different tale to tell and the brood instantly placed added pressure on the hospital facilities! A builder arrived as the sanctuary opened with the five tiny Little Owl chicks which had unfortunately been disturbed during a barn renovation on a local farm.
Workers had removed the roof from the barn whilst the mother of the brood was absent, exposing her nest of young to the elements.

The quick thinking gentleman immediately stepped in to protect the babies from further distress or injury and brought them straight down to us. The quins were assessed in the hospital and found to be extremely healthy and well fed - their mother had done a great job looking after them so far and the sanctuary staff were happy to step in to continue supporting this thriving family!

Estimated to be about two weeks old, the babies, though robust, were still quite vulnerable so were immediately placed into a brooder. This will ensure that they enjoy an environment free from draughts and with consistent temperature until they become accustomed to life without a large fluffy mum to keep them warm! True to owl instincts, the quins all displayed voracious appetites and after wolfing down a sizeable meal, snuggled up together to rest.

It is hoped that at about four weeks of age - once eating independently and gaining mature plumage - this owl family will be removed to a specially selected, isolated location to begin the “hacking back” process.
This means that they will reside in a “hack box”, offering protection from predators but with the freedom to come and go at will. During this period they will also be supported with a regular food supply, whilst gaining the hunting skills necessary for survival in the wild.

Normally we would return them to the place from which they were found, but will not do so on this occasion because of all the fuss and kerfuffle at the building site.

We hope to update this story soon with an account of the Little Owl family’s successful reintegration into the Suffolk countryside.

It may be pertinent to point out in this context that, in Britain it is illegal to knowingly disturb the nest of a bird of prey without a valid disturbance licence. Accidental disturbances, as in this case, do unfortunately happen from time to time, however, intentional disturbance is a prosecutable offence carrying a hefty fine.

Famous Five visit Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

During the Spring months, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s raptor hospital becomes a melting pot of casualties! From road traffic accidents, to chimney falls, to window crashes, a whole diversity of injuries needing attention are regularly presented to the hospital staff.

Outweighing the numbers of all these cases, however, are the large numbers of baby owls needing assistance early in life. Most have fallen from nests and are often found by individuals walking their dogs.

A case of quintuplets arriving this morning had a slightly different tale to tell and the brood instantly placed added pressure on the hospital facilities! A builder arrived as the sanctuary opened with the five tiny Little Owl chicks which had unfortunately been disturbed during a barn renovation on a local farm.
Workers had removed the roof from the barn whilst the mother of the brood was absent, exposing her nest of young to the elements.

The quick thinking gentleman immediately stepped in to protect the babies from further distress or injury and brought them straight down to us. The quins were assessed in the hospital and found to be extremely healthy and well fed - their mother had done a great job looking after them so far and the sanctuary staff were happy to step in to continue supporting this thriving family!

Estimated to be about two weeks old, the babies, though robust, were still quite vulnerable so were immediately placed into a brooder. This will ensure that they enjoy an environment free from draughts and with consistent temperature until they become accustomed to life without a large fluffy mum to keep them warm! True to owl instincts, the quins all displayed voracious appetites and after wolfing down a sizeable meal, snuggled up together to rest.

It is hoped that at about four weeks of age - once eating independently and gaining mature plumage - this owl family will be removed to a specially selected, isolated location to begin the “hacking back” process.
This means that they will reside in a “hack box”, offering protection from predators but with the freedom to come and go at will. During this period they will also be supported with a regular food supply, whilst gaining the hunting skills necessary for survival in the wild.

Normally we would return them to the place from which they were found, but will not do so on this occasion because of all the fuss and kerfuffle at the building site.

We hope to update this story soon with an account of the Little Owl family’s successful reintegration into the Suffolk countryside.

It may be pertinent to point out in this context that, in Britain it is illegal to knowingly disturb the nest of a bird of prey without a valid disturbance licence. Accidental disturbances, as in this case, do unfortunately happen from time to time, however, intentional disturbance is a prosecutable offence carrying a hefty fine.

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Welcome to Tura!

At the start of each flying season, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary staff are always vigilant for an opportunity to increase the range and diversity of the centre's captive bred birds.

The wider the variety of accessible birds, the more bird knowledge visitors can acquire and the deeper their understanding of the conservation issues facing owls and other birds of prey becomes.

A recent addition to the sanctuary is a Siberian Eagle Owl chick - a somewhat misleading moniker as the “chick” arrived at the centre at 4 weeks old and already weighing in at 1lb 5oz! Quite a hefty youngster!

Tura the baby Siberian Eagle Owl attempts to hypnotise the falconer with the food supply!

Once mature, this owl will fly in one of the thrice daily demonstrations at the sanctuary at a weight of around 9lb and demonstrate its spectacular flying technique and dramatic presence to visitors.

Thought  by many to be the most attractive of the Eagle Owls, the Siberian is lighter in colour than the European eagle Owl with distinctive orangey-yellow eyes.

Although these owls can be found over a wide area in the wild, ranging from central Siberia, throughout the Altai mountains and into Northern Mongolia, they are increasingly scarce and locally endangered, due mainly to hunting.

The new arrival has been named Tura, alluding to the river running through the owl’s native habitat.

The River Tura flows eastwards from the central Ural mountains into the Tobol River and was historically important as the main entry point for goods and travellers into Siberia.

Regular visitors to the sanctuary will be privy to Tura’s gradual training regime which will transform her from a clumsy, awkward youngster into a magnificent and graceful free flying member of the sanctuary “family”.

Tura's downy appearance will soon change into the dramatic colouring of a fully-fledged bird just beginning to appear

Initially, she will have soft leather anklets fitted around her legs to enable training to begin - these anklets will be custom made to her own requirements to ensure that they are both comfortable and effective.

Jesses are then attached to the anklets - these leather straps will enable the falconers to hold her gently on the glove whilst acclimatising her to a “free flying” situation.

When she is comfortable to be out on the glove with the falconers, a creance (or long line) will be attached, allowing her to fly freely but securely around the demonstration ground.

Once she is familiar with this territory and flying happily within its perameters, the falconers will allow her to work on her own, with their guidance from a distance.

We trust that Tura’s presence in the displays will serve as a reminder of the impressive and irreplaceable nature of so many of the creatures which are now threatened by human predation.

Welcome to Tura!

At the start of each flying season, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary staff are always vigilant for an opportunity to increase the range and diversity of the centre's captive bred birds.

The wider the variety of accessible birds, the more bird knowledge visitors can acquire and the deeper their understanding of the conservation issues facing owls and other birds of prey becomes.

A recent addition to the sanctuary is a Siberian Eagle Owl chick - a somewhat misleading moniker as the “chick” arrived at the centre at 4 weeks old and already weighing in at 1lb 5oz! Quite a hefty youngster!

Tura the baby Siberian Eagle Owl attempts to hypnotise the falconer with the food supply!

Once mature, this owl will fly in one of the thrice daily demonstrations at the sanctuary at a weight of around 9lb and demonstrate its spectacular flying technique and dramatic presence to visitors.

Thought  by many to be the most attractive of the Eagle Owls, the Siberian is lighter in colour than the European eagle Owl with distinctive orangey-yellow eyes.

Although these owls can be found over a wide area in the wild, ranging from central Siberia, throughout the Altai mountains and into Northern Mongolia, they are increasingly scarce and locally endangered, due mainly to hunting.

The new arrival has been named Tura, alluding to the river running through the owl’s native habitat.

The River Tura flows eastwards from the central Ural mountains into the Tobol River and was historically important as the main entry point for goods and travellers into Siberia.

Regular visitors to the sanctuary will be privy to Tura’s gradual training regime which will transform her from a clumsy, awkward youngster into a magnificent and graceful free flying member of the sanctuary “family”.

Tura's downy appearance will soon change into the dramatic colouring of a fully-fledged bird just beginning to appear

Initially, she will have soft leather anklets fitted around her legs to enable training to begin - these anklets will be custom made to her own requirements to ensure that they are both comfortable and effective.

Jesses are then attached to the anklets - these leather straps will enable the falconers to hold her gently on the glove whilst acclimatising her to a “free flying” situation.

When she is comfortable to be out on the glove with the falconers, a creance (or long line) will be attached, allowing her to fly freely but securely around the demonstration ground.

Once she is familiar with this territory and flying happily within its perameters, the falconers will allow her to work on her own, with their guidance from a distance.

We trust that Tura’s presence in the displays will serve as a reminder of the impressive and irreplaceable nature of so many of the creatures which are now threatened by human predation.

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Aerial Hijack

A photographer from East Anglia recently captured some amazing photographs of an unusual aerial hijack - a Kestrel stealing food from a Barn Owl on the wing! 

The audacious heist was recorded by photographer Chris Skipper over the Norfolk Broads near Wroxham. 

Chris said: ”After watching the Barn Owl spend a good 30 minutes hunting for prey, it was returning to its chicks with food when a Kestrel decided he wanted the kill. The Kestrel just came from out of nowhere and attacked him.”

At first the Barn Owl seemed unaware of the intruder’s presence but before long the Kestrel was attempting to wrench the prey - probably a vole - from the Barn Owl's talons. There was a brief tussle and at one point they both had hold of the prey, but the kestrel eventually won the day. 

Not long after, Chris was able to photograph the Barn Owl out hunting again.

Chris is curator and contributor to the popular Norwich Peregrines website, which showcases his wonderful images of the peregrines who roost and breed in the tower of the city's cathedral. “I try to get down to the cathedral once a week, weather permitting, to keep a digital 'diary' of the peregrines throughout the year.”  

If you’d like to see a selection of Chris’s other superb bird photography, visit his Facebook page here.

All images © Chris Skipper

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Aerial Hijack

A photographer from East Anglia recently captured some amazing photographs of an unusual aerial hijack - a Kestrel stealing food from a Barn Owl on the wing! 

The audacious heist was recorded by photographer Chris Skipper over the Norfolk Broads near Wroxham. 

Chris said: ”After watching the Barn Owl spend a good 30 minutes hunting for prey, it was returning to its chicks with food when a Kestrel decided he wanted the kill. The Kestrel just came from out of nowhere and attacked him.”

At first the Barn Owl seemed unaware of the intruder’s presence but before long the Kestrel was attempting to wrench the prey - probably a vole - from the Barn Owl's talons. There was a brief tussle and at one point they both had hold of the prey, but the kestrel eventually won the day. 

Not long after, Chris was able to photograph the Barn Owl out hunting again.

Chris is curator and contributor to the popular Norwich Peregrines website, which showcases his wonderful images of the peregrines who roost and breed in the tower of the city's cathedral. “I try to get down to the cathedral once a week, weather permitting, to keep a digital 'diary' of the peregrines throughout the year.”

If you’d like to see a selection of Chris’s other superb bird photography, visit his website here.

All images © Chris Skipper

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.