Double Trouble!

As our supporters will know, S.O.S. is the port of call for members of the public who have encountered a variety of injured wild birds of prey.

During the milder breeding season, many of the casualties are young owls which have fallen from their perch whilst learning to fly. During the winter months, however, the patients usually consist of road traffic accidents caused by birds hunting too close to roads, starvation cases when food sources are compromised, birds which have flown into the windows of houses and, occasionally, chimney falls.

Last week we received from a local couple who heard movement in their (unused!) log burner. Having heard scratching and noticed soot falling for a few days, they decided to contact a chimney sweep to investigate further.

The first job was to clean the poor creatures of all the soot & grime

They were shocked to discover that not one, but two Tawny Owls had taken a tumble down into the grate. A mating pair, it seems likely that the owls had chosen the old, wide chimney as a perfect winter roost, little realising that the bottom was a LONG way down!

The house owners rang S.O.S. for advice on the careful handling and boxing of the dazed pair to facilitate their transportation to our raptor hospital for assessment. On arrival, a thorough health check revealed that the forlorn pair of Tawnies were…..BLACK!…and thin, having been trapped in the chimney for several days. Apart from these very treatable conditions, however, they seemed non the worse for their ordeal.

Maz gently gave one of the rescued Tawnies some reviving sustenance through a crop tube

Maz & Jess quickly got to work with suds and water and after several baths, two handsome looking owls emerged. Both were initially fed by crop tube to ensure that they received immediate sustenance and after all the commotion had died down and a few hours of peace and quiet had passed, they were looking much calmer and brighter.

The tawnies are now eating well and enjoying some time in one of our rehabilitation aviaries, where they can gain strength and build muscle tone without fear of predation.

Ah, that's better! The pair are now well on their way to full recovery and will soon be released to a safe and secure spot well away from chimneys!

Unusually, the pair will not be returned to the location where they were discovered when the time comes for their release back into the wild - breeding pairs will often return immediately to the roost that they thought so ideal for raising young, so on this occasion, a safe secure habitat will be found for them well away from inviting chimneys!

We are extremely grateful to the owl rescuers for their diligence in determining the source of the strange noises they heard in their chimney! Had they ignored the ghostly scrapings and lit their fire, the outcome would not have been a happy one for this lucky pair!

S.O.S. Blog by Catherine

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Something's stirring down in the Woodland Walk!

Once flying demonstrations have finished at the end of September each year, we at S.O.S. have the opportunity to address the “wear and tear” that the site has suffered over the hectic summer season and attention can be turned to the many essential maintenance tasks and new building projects necessary for the improvement of the site.

Over the first few weeks of the new year, the Woodland Walk has been the focus of much attention. Always a “heavy traffic” area of the sanctuary, due to it’s accommodation of the red squirrel colony, wildlife ponds, bug hotel and ladybird houses this pretty woodland area needs woodchip paths replenished, path borders reinstated, weed growth cleared and trees pruned back every winter. In addition the area has been seeded with a plethora of wild flower species which we hope will enhance the area.

WILDLIFE PONDS

Before and after: a year is a long time in nature, which means that the annual refurbishment of the frog pond illustrates the benefit of a good 'Spring Clean'! New barriers have been erected for visitor safety.

The wildlife ponds have also seen some renovation, with clearance of weed, thinning of aquatic plant growth and new wooden safety barriers. Such measures not only improve the appearance of the ponds and the health of the plants, they also encourage frogs, toads and newts and consequently their counterparts in the food chain. We are also making plans to set up our "Bees, Bugs & Butterflies" focal point in the Woodland Walk in an endeavour to illustrate what can be done to encourage these threatened insect species so much in the news these days.

BEES, BUGS & BUTTERFLIES

The S.O.S. Woodland Walk has been re-seeded with wild flowers to refresh the area with some all-year-round colour

SCOTTISH WILDCATS

Further sensitive clearance will take place around the secluded breeding aviaries at the back of the Woodland Walk in order to prepare a space for what we plan to become an enclosure for 2017’s anticipated newcomers - Scottish Wildcats! We see the Woodland Walk as being the ideal place to set up a small colony of these rare animals. Like our Red Squirrel initiative, as a result we hope to contribute pure bloodlines to a project which is sublimating stocks for which the primary threat has been cross-mating with feral domestic cats.

There are thought to be only 100 of these incredibly tough super-predators, capable of surviving Scotland's harshest winters, now at large in the wild. The spacious, naturalistic habitat that we plan to create for these fascinating creatures will allow wheelchair-friendly visibility for visitors, whilst retaining essential cover for the animals. For more information about Scottish Wildcats, their plight and the conservation scheme set up to protect their future, please visit http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk/

MEERKAT CASTLE

Additionally, our team have worked hard to improve access to the popular Meerkat Kastle visitors in buggies and wheelchairs. This development will be the building of a raised viewing area along one side of the animals’ enclosure to improve visibility of the meerkat feeding sessions.

Meekat Kastle is benefitting from some attention as we improve access and sight lines for those in wheelchairs and buggies

Over the past month the team have removed a number of rotten trees and cleared undergrowth in order to create a new, wide, level path giving direct access to the meerkats from the entrance of the Woodland Walk. The gradient and surface of this area will be carefully calculated in order to also minimise any difficulties with turning and balance for all visitors. A new picket fence has replaced the old solid shiplap boundary of the enclosure, also aiding overall ease of movement.

We trust that visitors will enjoy many memorable hours in this newly renovated conservation area.

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When Nature Threatens

Although our daily flying displays do not take place in winter when our flying team are generally in moult, it is usual for visitors to be able to watch a selection of birds flying free in daily exercise sessions with the falconers.

Unfortunately recent visitors have not been able to enjoy that pleasure, as we are currently subject to nationwide Restriction Order put in place by the Government due to spasmodic cases of Avian Flu being discovered in the UK. The disease affects many species of birds including chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese and can be passed between wild and captive birds.

There are many strains of avian ‘flu, most of which do not transmit to humans - indeed no humans have been infected in the U.K. to date. The current strain is an infectious type of influenza which can be spread throughout the native wild bird population by infected migratory birds. Infection is spread from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces.

As a result of the outbreak, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) issued guidelines back in December on bird flying protocol to minimise the threat to the health of captive birds, which we are actively employing. This means we have put biosecurity measures in place with disinfectant foot baths at key points such as site entrances and entrances to bird houses, and have taken precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination between premises, vehicles and equipment.

In addition we thoroughly disinfect our bird accommodation, wash our clothes after contact with birds, and have sought to minimise direct contact between captive and wild birds - for instance the results of the faeces of wild birds flying over the centre dropping into mesh-topped aviaries - by where possible keeping our birds housed.

Special care is taken when dealing with the injured wild owls and other birds of prey brought into our Raptor Hospital. Their route into the centre is kept entirely separate, they are isolated in the hospital and we are using disposable plastic gloves and aprons on each occasion we handle or feed the birds. When in the opinion of the vet an injured or very sick bird has no expectant quality of life it is humanely euthanised by the vet and a post mortem conducted to clarify that cause of death was not as a result of Avian Flu.

Standby for take-off - Taino starts his fist-jumping exercise
from a perch on the other side of our mews room

The take-off and effort to reach the fist - especially in closed
quarters - helps builds up Taino's strength & stamina in preparation for the flying display season ahead

The beautiful Ashy-Faced Owl arrives safely at his destination - the gloved fist of Emily, one of our young volunteers

Of course, the physical and psychological health of the Sanctuary's demonstration birds is of paramount importance and they still need to be exercised, as the team would normally be starting their training regime in preparation for the display season ahead at this time. To achieve this we take every opportunity to conduct daily “fist jumping” sessions with our large mews room as an effective means of building muscle and maintaining fitness levels, jump from perches or vertically from the ground to the falconer’s glove, which helps to increase the stamina and technique they will need when flying free again.

In spite of the restrictions we are operating under at the moment, visitors can still enjoy all of the sanctuary’s birds within their spacious, naturalistic aviaries and falconers are always on hand to answer questions and inform. The restrictions are currently in place until 28th. February and providing no new cases of avian ‘flu are identified within that timescale, normal service should be resumed at the beginning of March!

Meanwhile we apologise for any inconvenience these temporary measures may cause to our supporters and visitors, but trust all will appreciate that they have been introduced in order to protect the health of both birds and visitors. Thank you for your patience and understanding at this challenging time.

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Support That Builds Society

At the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary we are lucky enough to receive continued support in many forms from diverse sections of the community.

The whole spectrum of such assistance ranges from one-off donations from members of the public, through participation in our Adopt-an-Owl and Wild Owl Nestbox schemes, to whole school fundraising activities and legacies in memoriam.

Each and every penny donated to the sanctuary, by whatever means, is very much appreciated and is absolutely essential in order to secure future facilities for the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of injured wild birds of prey, to develop outreach opportunities in local schools and colleges, to maintain and expand our nestbox scheme and to further engage with a wider audience in the context of wildlife conservation.

The season of goodwill got off to a flying start this week with an extremely generous donation from the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society in Diss, Norfolk.

Pip, Titch, Liz & Maz thank the Norwich and Peterborough staff from the Diss branch for their wonderful donation.

As part of the Yorkshire Building Society group, the Norwich and Peterborough are understandably proud of their hugely successful fundraising and volunteering campaigns on behalf of deserving charities throughout the country.

Indeed, the 2016 Third Sector Business Charity Awards saw the YBS group named Business of the Year as well as winning the Employee Engagement Initiative of the Year title for its colleague volunteering programme.

This award scheme recognises the outstanding contribution many U.K. businesses make to good causes and the YBS group was selected by judges as the best example of a business that has “excelled in helping the wider community by embedding a culture of supporting charitable causes at all levels.” Their impressive record of charity work includes the donation of 11,800 hours of volunteer time during 2015, with the involvement of 35% of employees.

The group’s Charitable Foundation, of which the owl sanctuary has become a beneficiary, is an independent registered charity, predominantly funded by members who donate annual pence of interest from their savings or mortgage accounts. The average donation is less than 50p. per year, but together their small change adds up to "sums which can make a real difference to the lives of others in our communities.

”Since its first donation in 1999, the Charitable Foundation has donated over £6million to charities and good causes and the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary was fortunate enough to be nominated for assistance by a staff member of the Diss branch.

General Manager Maz Robinson and falconer Liz Boyd were invited into the building society today accompanied by Pip the Barn Owl and Titch the Tawny Owl  to receive a cheque for 100.00 to assist with the ever increasing running costs of the sanctuary's raptor hospital.

We would like to thank the inspirational Norwich and Peterborough staff and their very generous customers for this extremely helpful donation and hope that many of them will take the opportunity to visit the sanctuary soon to witness firsthand  the difference their contribution has made.

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Support That Builds Society

At the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary we are lucky enough to receive continued support in many forms from diverse sections of the community.

The whole spectrum of such assistance ranges from one-off donations from members of the public, through participation in our Adopt-an-Owl and Wild Owl Nestbox schemes, to whole school fundraising activities and legacies in memoriam.

Each and every penny donated to the sanctuary, by whatever means, is very much appreciated and is absolutely essential in order to secure future facilities for the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of injured wild birds of prey, to develop outreach opportunities in local schools and colleges, to maintain and expand our nestbox scheme and to further engage with a wider audience in the context of wildlife conservation.

The season of goodwill got off to a flying start this week with an extremely generous donation from the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society in Diss, Norfolk.

Pip, Titch, Liz & Maz thank the
Norwich and Peterborough staff from the
Diss branch for their wonderful donation.

As part of the Yorkshire Building Society group, the Norwich and Peterborough are understandably proud of their hugely successful fundraising and volunteering campaigns on behalf of deserving charities throughout the country.

Indeed, the 2016 Third Sector Business Charity Awards saw the YBS group named Business of the Year as well as winning the Employee Engagement Initiative of the Year title for its colleague volunteering programme.

This award scheme recognises the outstanding contribution many U.K. businesses make to good causes and the YBS group was selected by judges as the best example of a business that has “excelled in helping the wider community by embedding a culture of supporting charitable causes at all levels.” Their impressive record of charity work includes the donation of 11,800 hours of volunteer time during 2015, with the involvement of 35% of employees.

The group’s Charitable Foundation, of which the owl sanctuary has become a beneficiary, is an independent registered charity, predominantly funded by members who donate annual pence of interest from their savings or mortgage accounts. The average donation is less than 50p. per year, but together their small change adds up to "sums which can make a real difference to the lives of others in our communities.”

Since its first donation in 1999, the Charitable Foundation has donated over £6million to charities and good causes and the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary was fortunate enough to be nominated for assistance by a staff member of the Diss branch.

General Manager Maz Robinson and falconer Liz Boyd were invited into the building society today accompanied by Pip the Barn Owl and Titch the Tawny Owl  to receive a cheque for 100.00 to assist with the ever increasing running costs of the sanctuary's raptor hospital.

We would like to thank the inspirational Norwich and Peterborough staff and their very generous customers for this extremely helpful donation and hope that many of them will take the opportunity to visit the sanctuary soon to witness firsthandthe difference their contribution has made.

Christmas comes but once a year!

We held our 'Christmas With The Owls' fundraiser this weekend, which was a great success. Over 500 families visited the Sanctuary over the last two days to visit Father Christmas in his marvellously decorated grotto, whilst Holly Owl and her Woodland Friends provided fun, games and selfies for all the youngsters - our falconer have never looked so smart as they did dressed up as rabbits, squirrels, hedgehogs, owls and bees!  Our reception staff did a sterling job as Santa's elves welcoming people to the centre and showing them round.  Meanwhile our avian residents looked suitably bemused by all the goings-on and the meerkats - as usual - relished all the attention they could get.

The Sooty Show!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s designated raptor hospital is busy at every season of the year, particularly during the Spring, when young, inexperienced owls and other birds of prey are finding their feet and testing their flying skills.

During the autumn and winter months casualties usually present with injuries sustained from road traffic accidents or as victims of the colder weather which equates with depleted food supplies and loss of condition.

Earlier this month, a rather unusual case was brought to the hospital facilities by members of the public who had rescued the bird - a Little Owl - from their (dormant!!) wood burning stove. The couple had been aware of a scratching presence for a day or two and had presumed this was the sound of a bird making a nest on top of their chimney. Louder, more persistent disturbance alerted them to the fact that the mystery presence had travelled down the chimney, coming to rest within the back of the stove!

By now exhausted, the Little Owl was easily extracted from the stove, popped into a covered box in order to alleviate stress as much as possible and then transported to us. “Sooty” arrived at the hospital looking slightly thin, VERY black, but (amazingly) otherwise unharmed.

A bewildered Sooty arrives at the
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary hospital facilities!

His first port of call was the hospital bath! Soot and water form a sticky substance which is not easy to extricate from plumage, but with gentle teasing, the dedicated hospital staff were able to coax a little of the glutinous substance out of Sooty’s feathers.

Bath time begins

It quickly became apparent that there was no quick fix for the problem and that the washing process would have to be repeated several times in order for Sooty to regain his natural colouring. After five gentle, painstaking bathing sessions, a Little Owl emerged from the blackness and Sooty was thence on the road to recovery and rehabilitation.

… but "I hope that’s the LAST bath I’ll need!"

Starting to feel better already!

Having been “out of action" for a week or two whilst being cleaned, Sooty then spent a couple of weeks in our rehabilitation aviaries in order to build up body condition and strengthen his flight muscles. On 4th. December his rescuers will return to the sanctuary to collect him for release back into his familiar habitat.

I AM a Little Owl!!

Since the recent downturn in temperatures, this may be a pertinent time to suggest extra vigilance (and chimney sweeping) before striking up the stove again!

The Sooty Show!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s designated raptor hospital is busy at every season of the year, particularly during the Spring, when young, inexperienced owls and other birds of prey are finding their feet and testing their flying skills.

During the autumn and winter months casualties usually present with injuries sustained from road traffic accidents or as victims of the colder weather which equates with depleted food supplies and loss of condition.

Earlier this month, a rather unusual case was brought to the hospital facilities by members of the public who had rescued the bird - a Little Owl - from their (dormant!!) wood burning stove. The couple had been aware of a scratching presence for a day or two and had presumed this was the sound of a bird making a nest on top of their chimney. Louder, more persistent disturbance alerted them to the fact that the mystery presence had travelled down the chimney, coming to rest within the back of the stove!

By now exhausted, the Little Owl was easily extracted from the stove, popped into a covered box in order to alleviate stress as much as possible and then transported to us. “Sooty” arrived at the hospital looking slightly thin, VERY black, but (amazingly) otherwise unharmed.

A bewildered Sooty arrives at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary hospital facilities!

His first port of call was the hospital bath! Soot and water form a sticky substance which is not easy to extricate from plumage, but with gentle teasing, the dedicated hospital staff were able to coax a little of the glutinous substance out of Sooty’s feathers.

Bath time begins…

It quickly became apparent that there was no quick fix for the problem and that the washing process would have to be repeated several times in order for Sooty to regain his natural colouring. After five gentle, painstaking bathing sessions, a Little Owl emerged from the blackness and Sooty was thence on the road to recovery and rehabilitation.

…but “I hope that’s the LAST bath I’ll need!”

Starting to feel better already!

Having been “out of action" for a week or two whilst being cleaned, Sooty then spent a couple of weeks in our rehabilitation aviaries in order to build up body condition and strengthen his flight muscles. On 4th. December his rescuers will return to the sanctuary to collect him for release back into his familiar habitat.

I AM a Little Owl!!

Since the recent downturn in temperatures, this may be a pertinent time to suggest extra vigilance (and chimney sweeping) before striking up the stove again!

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More young falconers

At S.O.S. we spend a considerable amount of time and human resources on outreach work, engaging with the younger generation and hoping to inspire a life long interest in conservation in future naturalists.

Through a number of channels youngsters are educated about the role that owls and other birds of prey play in our eco-system and their necessity as indicators of the health of native habitat.

During school term time, falconers and avian ambassadors spread the conservation message in classrooms across the whole of Suffolk. Children can either enjoy hour long workshop sessions in the classroom in the company of the birds or free whole school “taster” assemblies.

During the long summer holiday, the sanctuary likes to keep in touch with its young supporters and offer a little extra holiday excitement in the form of its Young Falconers’ Course. This special half day event enables youngsters aged 10 to 14yrs. of age to spend some exclusive time with a falconer as they try their hand at some falconry orientated activities.

Only four youngsters are booked into each course in order that everyone receives optimum instruction and plenty of “hands on” flying time with the owls.

The morning runs from 9.30a.m. until approximately 12.15p.m. and the itinerary takes this form:

* Talk the Talk! - a brief tour of the aviaries to familiarise themselves with the Sanctuary's owls and other birds of prey.

* Equipped for the Job - learning about the equipment used in falconry, trying their hand at making jesses and take their masterpiece home.

* Walk the Walk! - flying owls and other birds of prey under a falconer’s instruction.

* A Lasting Memento - taking part in a group photo with your fellow falconers and one of your new avian acquaintances.

* Expert Tuition - taking a front row seat at the flying display and seeing how, with a few years of practice, their newfound skills can be developed into a spectacular performance!

Shhhhh! Do Not Disturb

There are many aspects to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s mission statement - although primarily concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of injured wild owls and other birds of prey, with educational outreach work and with raising the conservation status of owls, all of the sanctuary's additional interests and operations are similarly firmly rooted in ecological awareness.

For several years, our pretty Woodland Walk has provided a secluded and densely canopied retreat for a small colony of red squirrels. These extremely pretty and sensitive creatures are of particular interest to many of the sanctuary’s visitors and, although they can be elusive at times of heavy footfall, it is extremely satisfying to eventually catch a glimpse of these delicate and beautiful animals..

A pair of Red Squirrel 'kits' enjoy a snooze…

The red squirrel is one of the rarest of the U.K.'s woodland mammals. The single biggest factor in its decline in the 1970s and ‘80s was the increase of the American grey squirrel population.

The larger grey squirrel is more robust than the red, competes successfully for food resources and (as a carrier) has resistance to squirrel pox virus which is fatal for the red squirrel. Greys can feed more efficiently in broadleaved woodlands and can survive at densities of up to 8 per. hectare, compared to the reds’ survival density of 1 per. hectare.

In the wild, red squirrels also have to contend with predators - significantly the Goshawk and other birds of prey and pine martens. In the urban areas of the island of Jersey, domestic cats are a also threat to red squirrels feeding in gardens. It is for these reasons that when young have been successfully raised at the owl sanctuary, they are donated to a protected breeding programmes like the one operated on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

Tufty, one of our mature Red Squirrels, has been the mainstay of our colony for many years

As an island, Anglesey offers a unique location from which grey squirrels can be excluded to the advancement of red colonies. The Red Squirrel Trust Wales is continually working to eradicate remaining grey squirrels and to improve habitat for native reds.

Red squirrels are solitary animals, only coming together to breed, although related family members will happily share a drey for warmth during cold winter months. Contrary to popular belief, they do not hibernate, though they do lay down stores of food to see them through lean times. They have a varied diet and enjoy seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and fruit. They are also known to take insects, birds eggs and fungi, which are collected and dried by wedging between tree branches.

Red squirrels build nests called dreys from sticks and moss placed high up in the branches of trees. The drey is often the first noticeable sign of red squirrels under a forest canopy - other signs to look out for are chewed pine cone cores (birds leave pecked, ragged remains), split hazel nut shells (dormice gnaw a hole and extract the kernel), cut tree shoots and scattered droppings.

Home sweet homes - our colony make dreys in the fork of tree branches and in the sanctuary’s tree-top squirrel tunnels

On Anglesey, wooden nestboxes have also been used successfully to protect and monitor red squirrels whilst raising young. Between 2001 and 2008, 60 boxes were regularly used by released red squirrels. The boxes were provided filled with hay, to which the squirrels added their own “personalised” mix of dry moss, soft strips of bark, grass, foliage and twigs.

Red squirrels produce 3 or 4 young called kittens in the Spring and can sometimes have a second litter around July. Around 30% of kittens survive to adulthood and are weaned off their mother’s milk after 8 - 12 weeks, when they have developed a complete set of teeth!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary strives to offer visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate these sensitive and beautiful mammals at close quarters in spacious, naturalistic enclosures linked by treetop tunnels. The best way to approach their accommodation is….QUIETLY!! So, if it appears that nobody is at home when you visit their woodland quarters, our advice would be: Shhhh... do not disturb!!!

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Shhhhh! Do Not Disturb

There are many aspects to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s mission statement - although primarily concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of injured wild owls and other birds of prey, with educational outreach work and with raising the conservation status of owls, all of the sanctuary's additional interests and operations are similarly firmly rooted in ecological awareness.

For several years, our pretty Woodland Walk has provided a secluded and densely canopied retreat for a small colony of red squirrels. These extremely pretty and sensitive creatures are of particular interest to many of the sanctuary’s visitors and, although they can be elusive at times of heavy footfall, it is extremely satisfying to eventually catch a glimpse of these delicate and beautiful animals..

A pair of Red Squirrel 'kits' enjoy a snooze...

The red squirrel is one of the rarest of the U.K.'s woodland mammals. The single biggest factor in its decline in the 1970s and ‘80s was the increase of the American grey squirrel population. 

The larger grey squirrel is more robust than the red, competes successfully for food resources and (as a carrier) has resistance to squirrel pox virus which is fatal for the red squirrel. Greys can feed more efficiently in broadleaved woodlands and can survive at densities of up to 8 per. hectare, compared to the reds’ survival density of 1 per. hectare.

In the wild, red squirrels also have to contend with predators - significantly the Goshawk and other birds of prey and pine martens. In the urban areas of the island of Jersey, domestic cats are a also threat to red squirrels feeding in gardens. It is for these reasons that when young have been successfully raised at the owl sanctuary, they are donated to a protected breeding programmes like the one operated on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

Tufty, one of our mature Red Squirrels, has been the
mainstay of our colony for many years

As an island, Anglesey offers a unique location from which grey squirrels can be excluded to the advancement of red colonies. The Red Squirrel Trust Wales is continually working to eradicate  remaining grey squirrels and to improve habitat for native reds.

Red squirrels are solitary animals, only coming together to breed, although related family members will happily share a drey for warmth during cold winter months. Contrary to popular belief, they do not hibernate, though they do lay down stores of food to see them through lean times. They have a varied diet and enjoy seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and fruit. They are also known to take insects, birds eggs and fungi, which are collected and dried by wedging between tree branches.

Red squirrels build nests called dreys from sticks and moss placed high up in the branches of trees. The drey is often the first noticeable sign of red squirrels under a forest canopy - other signs to look out for are chewed pine cone cores (birds leave pecked, ragged remains), split hazel nut shells (dormice gnaw a hole and extract the kernel), cut tree shoots and scattered droppings.

Home sweet homes - our colony make dreys in the fork of
tree branches and in the sanctuary’s tree-top squirrel tunnels

On Anglesey, wooden nestboxes have also been used successfully to protect and monitor red squirrels whilst raising young. Between 2001 and 2008, 60 boxes were regularly used by released red squirrels.  The boxes were provided filled with hay, to which the squirrels added their own “personalised” mix of dry moss, soft strips of bark, grass, foliage and twigs.

Red squirrels produce 3 or 4 young called kittens in the Spring and can sometimes have a second litter around July. Around 30% of kittens survive to adulthood and are weaned off their mother’s milk after 8 - 12 weeks, when they have developed a complete set of teeth!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary strives to offer visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate these sensitive and beautiful mammals at close quarters in spacious, naturalistic enclosures linked by treetop tunnels. The best way to approach their accommodation is….QUIETLY!! So, if it appears that nobody is at home when you visit their woodland quarters, our advice would be: Shhhh... do not disturb!!!

Many hands...

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is extremely lucky to receive help from a very dedicated band of volunteers… throughout all the seasons of the year! Without volunteer help, the falconry team would be unable to maintain the outstanding welfare and visitor standards which are the hallmark of the centre.

Supporters who are pet owners will know only too well how labour intensive and time consuming the essential care of any creature is… multiply that by 80 and you have a mammoth task which can only be managed with regular, reliable assistance.

We are continually indebted to many individuals who give up their free time to help to ensure that the sanctuary’s facilities are maintained in tip top condition. On occasion, we are also fortunate enough to receive practical help “en masse” from groups interested in donating time and skills to charities in general or our charity in particular.

This week we welcomed just such a very sweet offer of help from an enthusiastic group - from Lindt Chocolate, no less! Team leader Jackie introduced a seven-strong band of workers who proved willing to turn their hands to any task and so they were immediately equipped with rakes, buckets and sponges for a cleaning session down in the breeding aviaries.

They’re smiling now, but wait till they see the next aviary!!

As the name implies, these aviaries are used for birds to lay eggs and produce progeny in seclusion and with as little disturbance as possible. As a result, this special suite of aviaries had not been subject to the sanctuary’s usual stringent cleaning regime for the duration of the breeding season.

“Cleaning”, therefore, does not quite convey the true magnitude of the cleansing necessary after birds of prey have resided in this accommodation for several weeks rearing young! Nevertheless, the Lindt team proved to be a zealous and ebullient workforce and they powered through the “litter” in double quick time! In fact, our falconry team who were manufacturing new perches to refurbish the clean aviaries, had quite a task keeping up with them!

The team sped through the chores in double-quick time!

Particular mention must be made here of Louise, who travelled all the way from Northern Ireland to take part in this working party and returned thence after a sleepover in Suffolk… had she known she would be scraping “litter” off walls, she may have had second thoughts!

The Lindt BDT team, as this volunteer group is called, are a fun, hardworking and dedicated band who take great pride in their charity work, organising such working parties twice every year.The sanctuary is truly indebted to them for their generosity of time, industry and spirit and hope that they also enjoyed their “down time” after chores, handling some of the centre’s resident owls and sharing some intimate moments with the meerkats!

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Many hands...

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is extremely lucky to receive help from a very dedicated band of volunteers… throughout all the seasons of the year! Without volunteer help, the falconry team would be unable to maintain the outstanding welfare and visitor standards which are the hallmark of the centre.

Supporters who are pet owners will know only too well how labour intensive and time consuming the essential care of any creature is… multiply that by 80 and you have a mammoth task which can only be managed with regular, reliable assistance.

We are continually indebted to many individuals who give up their free time to help to ensure that the sanctuary’s facilities are maintained in tip top condition. On occasion, we are also fortunate enough to receive practical help “en masse” from groups interested in donating time and skills to charities in general or our charity in particular.

This week we welcomed just such a very sweet offer of help from an enthusiastic group - from Lindt Chocolate, no less! Team leader Jackie introduced a seven-strong band of workers who proved willing to turn their hands to any task and so they were immediately equipped with rakes, buckets and sponges for a cleaning session down in the breeding aviaries.

They’re smiling now, but wait till they see the next aviary!!

As the name implies, these aviaries are used for birds to lay eggs and produce progeny in seclusion and with as little disturbance as possible. As a result, this special suite of aviaries had not been subject to the sanctuary’s usual stringent cleaning regime for the duration of the breeding season.

“Cleaning”, therefore, does not quite convey the true magnitude of the cleansing necessary after birds of prey have resided in this accommodation for several weeks rearing young! Nevertheless, the Lindt team proved to be a zealous and ebullient workforce and they powered through the “litter” in double quick time! In fact, our falconry team who were manufacturing new perches to refurbish the clean aviaries, had quite a task keeping up with them!

The team sped through the chores in double-quick time!

Particular mention must be made here of Louise, who travelled all the way from Northern Ireland to take part in this working party and returned thence after a sleepover in Suffolk… had she known she would be scraping “litter” off walls, she may have had second thoughts!

The Lindt BDT team, as this volunteer group is called, are a fun, hardworking and dedicated band who take great pride in their charity work, organising such working parties twice every year. The sanctuary is truly indebted to them for their generosity of time, industry and spirit and hope that they also enjoyed their “down time” after chores, handling some of the centre’s resident owls and sharing some intimate moments with the meerkats!!

Ethics Unwrapped

Every year, representatives of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary staff take part in a meeting with the local veterinary surgeon and trustees in order to review the ethical premise on which the Sanctuary’s mission statement stands. This Ethics Meeting is fundamental to our standards of practice and it’s consequent application of procedures.

The eagle lawn offers a protected environment in the fresh air by day adjacent to warm, dry accommodation by night to foster optimum eagle health.

Although the care and welfare of the resident owls and other birds of prey and wild injured hospital admissions take priority in an ethical context, health and safety reviews and public safety issues are also of necessary concern in a facility which welcomes visitors almost every day of the year.

It's impossible to relate the whole gamut of discussion here but our supporters make like to be aware of the proceedings, which hopefully convey the ethical awareness and integrity which underpin all aspects of the sanctuary’s work.

Aviaries for our display birds are spacious and apposite to their needs

The care of all birds, whether captive bred residents or wild injured hospital patients, depends upon adherence to comprehensive, correct procedures and the improvement or amendment of these procedures when pertinent.

Existing protocol for bird care includes:

* daily health checks for all sick and recuperating birds

* visual daily checks of resident aviary birds

* maintenance of daily record sheets for extra care of sick birds

* maintenance of progeny rearing record sheets

* maintenance of aviary cleaning record sheets

* feedcharts for the close monitoring of individual bird diets

* weight charts for daily monitoring of flying team condition

* maintenance of hospital medication sheets

* date rotation and monitoring of hospital supplies and medication…

to name but a few!!

Our Raptor Hospital provides medication, first aid and post-op care & recuperation for wild birds of prey

A responsible approach to the breeding of progeny is also upheld - birds are not bred for financial gain and breeding is dedicated to the sanctuary’s participation in the wider context of rare breed conservation.

For example, this year a beautiful example of the Ashy Faced Owl has been acquired - a species forecast to face extinction within the next 20 years, without the support of captive breeding programmes and the educational amplification of its situation. Similarly, working in partnership with other conservation agencies, the sanctuary hopes to also play a part in developing dwindling populations of the Philippine Scops Owl and the Honey Buzzard.

We plan to find a mate for our new Ashey Faced Owl - if they breed this will provide new bloodlines and stock to aid re-population

To this end, co-operation with other agencies employed in the conservation of birds of prey is recognised as essential - by actively working with breeding programmes and loaning stock to maintain healthy bloodlines, real advances can be made in the conservation status of many species.

Specialist handling and/or environment is also recognised as a necessity for several bird of prey species, for example Sparrow-hawks, Ospreys, Goshawks and Harriers. These birds, with more specific needs are of great educational importance and make interesting additions to the visitor experience, but require custom built housing and special diet - both of which the Sanctuary aims to provide.

In every instance, falconry staff endeavour to replicate a natural environment for the birds, both physically and mentally, allowing and encouraging natural behaviours and pairing birds wherever availability of stock and temperament of individuals allows.

For example, recent renovation of the Red Kite aviaries reflects how such considerations impact on aviary design; whilst a spacious and naturalistic environment must be visually accessible to visitors, accommodation must also retain a feeling of remoteness and protection from close contact for the birds.

The aviary for Red Kites has perches shaped to their needs and aviary design free from hindrance so they have room to stretch their wings when not in display

Therefore a hatch has been built into one end of this new aviary, allowing the birds to take flight out to the display ground independently - quite a spectacle for visitors and a welcome freedom from constraint for the birds. A feeding hatch at the rear of the aviary allows for feeding by “invisible” staff and an innovation for introducing water into the Kites' bath without trespass into their territory has been established.

Goshawks are also recognised as a species requiring extra care - they receive a strictly regulated diet and are provided with special perches and tail guards to protect feathers during confinement to aviaries.

-

With regard to the accommodation of visitors, the sanctuary staff strive to:

* maintain public safety at all times

* address additional public needs to this end e.g. braille overlays on signage, wheelchair accessible picnic tables, wheelchair accessible playground equipment, raised flower beds.

* provide clear signage outlining safety protocol

* provide trained first aid assistance by accredited staff

* maintain an accident book

* conduct risk assessments regularly

All of these initiatives hopefully fulfil the centre’s obligation to both birds and visitors, to provide a natural, safe, clean, stimulating and healthy environment in which raptors and humans may experience each other at close quarters without causal stress or intimidation.

Spacious, naturalistic aviaries benefit the birds whilst clear signage, safety barriers and level paths assist visitors.

The centre is inspected annually by Mid Suffolk & Babergh District Council and every six months by a local veterinary surgeon and avian specialist. In this context, the current status of the ethical standards of the sanctuary have been adjudged as above and beyond expectations for an establishment of our size.

We hope that visitors will continue to enjoy all aspects of the Sanctuary’s work, safe in the knowledge that it is built upon aspirational foundations of integrity and ecological awareness.

---

Ethics Unwrapped

Every year, representatives of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary staff take part in a meeting with the local veterinary surgeon and trustees in order to review the ethical premise on which the Sanctuary’s mission statement stands. This Ethics Meeting is fundamental to our standards of practice and it’s consequent application of procedures.

The eagle lawn offers a protected environment in
the fresh air by day adjacent to warm, dry
accommodation by night to foster optimum eagle health.

Although the care and welfare of the resident owls and other birds of prey and wild injured hospital admissions take priority in an ethical context, health and safety reviews and public safety issues are also of necessary concern in a facility which welcomes visitors almost every day of the year.

It's impossible to relate the whole gamut of discussion here but our supporters make like to be aware of the proceedings, which hopefully convey the ethical awareness and integrity which underpin all aspects of the sanctuary’s work.

Aviaries for our display birds are spacious and apposite to their needs

The care of all birds, whether captive bred residents or wild injured hospital patients, depends upon adherence to comprehensive, correct procedures and the improvement or amendment of these procedures when pertinent.

Existing protocol for bird care includes:

• daily health checks for all sick and recuperating birds
• visual daily checks of resident aviary birds
• maintenance of daily record sheets for extra care of sick birds
• maintenance of progeny rearing record sheets
• maintenance of aviary cleaning record sheets
• feedcharts for the close monitoring of individual bird diets
• weight charts for daily monitoring of flying team condition
• maintenance of hospital medication sheets
• date rotation and monitoring of hospital supplies and medication…

to name but a few!!

Our Raptor Hospital provides medication, first aid and
post-op care & recuperation for wild birds of prey

A responsible approach to the breeding of progeny is also upheld - birds are not bred for financial gain and breeding is dedicated to the sanctuary’s participation in the wider context of rare breed conservation.

For example, this year a beautiful example of the Ashy Faced Owl has been acquired - a species forecast to face extinction within the next 20 years, without the support of captive breeding programmes and the educational amplification of its situation. Similarly, working in partnership with other conservation agencies, the sanctuary hopes to also play a part in developing dwindling populations of the Philippine Scops Owl and the Honey Buzzard.

We plan to find a mate for our new Ashey Faced Owl - 
if they breed this will provide new bloodlines
and stock to aid re-population

To this end, co-operation with other agencies employed in the conservation of birds of prey is recognised as essential - by actively working with breeding programmes and loaning stock to maintain healthy bloodlines, real advances can be made in the conservation status of many species.

Specialist handling and/or environment is also recognised as a necessity for several bird of prey species, for example Sparrow-hawks, Ospreys, Goshawks and Harriers. These birds, with more specific needs are of great educational importance and make interesting additions to the visitor experience, but require custom built housing and special diet - both of which the Sanctuary aims to provide.

In every instance, falconry staff endeavour to replicate a natural environment for the birds, both physically and mentally, allowing and encouraging natural behaviours and pairing birds wherever availability of stock and temperament of individuals allows. 

For example, recent renovation of the Red Kite aviaries reflects how such considerations impact on aviary design; whilst a spacious and naturalistic environment must be visually accessible to visitors, accommodation must also retain a feeling of remoteness and protection from close contact for the birds.

The aviary for Red Kites has perches shaped to their needs
and aviary design free from hindrance so they have
room to stretch their wings when not in display

Therefore a hatch has been built into one end of this new aviary, allowing the birds to take flight out to the display ground independently - quite a spectacle for visitors and a welcome freedom from constraint for the birds. A feeding hatch at the rear of the aviary allows for feeding by “invisible” staff and an innovation for introducing water into the Kites' bath without trespass into their territory has been established.

Goshawks are also recognised as a species requiring extra care - they receive a strictly regulated diet and are provided with special perches and tail guards to protect feathers during confinement to aviaries.

---

With regard to the accommodation of visitors, the sanctuary staff strive to:

* maintain public safety at all times

* address additional public needs to this end e.g. braille overlays on signage, wheelchair accessible picnic tables, wheelchair accessible playground equipment, raised flower beds.

* provide clear signage outlining safety protocol

* provide trained first aid assistance by accredited staff

* maintain an accident book

* conduct risk assessments regularly

All of these initiatives hopefully fulfil the centre’s obligation to both birds and visitors, to provide a natural, safe, clean, stimulating and healthy environment in which raptors and humans may experience each other at close quarters without causal stress or intimidation.

Spacious, naturalistic aviaries benefit the birds whilst clear
signage, safety barriers and level paths assist visitors.

The centre is inspected annually by Mid Suffolk & Babergh District Council and every six months by a local veterinary surgeon and avian specialist. In this context, the current status of the ethical standards of the sanctuary have been adjudged as above and beyond expectations for an establishment of our size.

We hope that visitors will continue to enjoy all aspects of the Sanctuary’s work, safe in the knowledge that it is built upon aspirational foundations of integrity and ecological awareness.

SOS gets a helping hand...

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is hugely indebted to every one of its generous supporters who consistently donate funds, ensuring that its hospital's treatment and rehabilitation work, conservation programmes and educational outreach work can continue.

It’s body of supporters includes a huge diversity of individuals and groups of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. They are all motivated by one common interest - their passion for wildlife in general and owls in particular!

Talented artist Patrick raised funds for the Sanctuary by selling his paintings and drawings.

The sanctuary was recently lucky enough to receive a large and hard earned donation from one of its youngest fundraisers - eight year old Patrick Hagan.

Patrick attends St. Edmund’s Primary School in Hoxne and enjoys Art and P.E. His greatest loves are dogs and owls and it was whilst out walking in the countryside with his family dog, Miller, that he was inspired to undertake a project to raise money for owl conservation.

Patrick decided to utilise his artistic talents for the cause close to his heart and undertook something of an artistic marathon in order to raise funds! He set to work to build a portfolio of paintings and drawings which he was then able to sell to family and friends and in only a few months raised an astonishing £50.00!

Spirit the Barn Owl and Liz the falconer say a big “Thank You” to Patrick for his generous donation.

This he generously gifted to the owl sanctuary to assist with the costs involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of wild injured owls admitted to the centre's raptor hospital.

The whole falconry team were extremely impressed by all Patrick's hard work and hugely touched by his selfless gesture in donating the proceeds to the work of its charity. Patrick made a special trip to the sanctuary to present the funds he had raised in person and they were graciously received by falconer Liz and Spirit the Barn Owl. Patrick, his Mum and brother spent the rest of the morning enjoying the Sanctuary’s birds and flying display.

In recognition of his fantastic achievement, Patrick received a free owl adoption and an annual pass to the sanctuary for himself and his family. In the artist’s own words “I enjoyed raising money for the owls and hope to do something again soon…”

Thank you once again Patrick, from all the staff and birds of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary!

---

SOS gets a helping hand...

Talented artist Patrick raised funds for the
Sanctuary by selling his paintings and drawings.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is hugely indebted to every one of its generous supporters who consistently donate funds, ensuring that its hospital's treatment and rehabilitation work, conservation programmes and educational outreach work can continue.

It’s body of supporters includes a huge diversity of individuals and groups of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. They are all motivated by one common interest - their passion for wildlife in general and owls in particular!

The sanctuary was recently lucky enough to receive a large and hard earned donation from one of its youngest fundraisers - eight year old Patrick Hagan.

Patrick attends St. Edmund’s Primary School in Hoxne and enjoys Art and P.E. His greatest loves are dogs and owls and it was whilst out walking in the countryside with his family dog, Miller, that he was inspired to undertake a project to raise money for owl conservation.

Patrick decided to utilise his artistic talents for the cause close to his heart and undertook something of an artistic marathon in order to raise funds! He set to work to build a portfolio of paintings and drawings which he was then able to sell to family and friends and in only a few months raised an astonishing £50.00!

This he generously gifted to the owl sanctuary to assist with the costs involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of wild injured owls admitted to the centre's raptor hospital. 

The whole falconry team were extremely impressed by all Patrick's hard work and hugely touched by his selfless gesture in donating the proceeds to the work of its charity. Patrick made a special trip to the sanctuary to present the funds he had raised in person and they were graciously received by falconer Liz and Spirit the Barn Owl. Patrick, his Mum and brother spent the rest of the morning enjoying the Sanctuary’s birds and flying display.

In recognition of his fantastic achievement, Patrick received a free owl adoption and an annual pass to the sanctuary for himself and his family. In the artist’s own words “I enjoyed raising money for the owls and hope to do something again soon…”

Thank you once again Patrick, from all the staff and birds of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary!

Spirit the Barn Owl and Liz the falconer say a big “Thank You” to Patrick for his generous donation.

Falconers of the Future

At S.O.S. we spend a considerable amount of time and human resources on outreach work, engaging with the younger generation and hoping to inspire a life long interest in conservation in future naturalists.

Through a number of channels youngsters are educated about the role that owls and other birds of prey play in our eco-system and their necessity as indicators of the health of native habitat.

During school term time, falconers and avian ambassadors spread the conservation message in classrooms across the whole of Suffolk. Children can either enjoy hour long workshop sessions in the classroom in the company of the birds or free whole school “taster” assemblies.

During the long summer holiday, the sanctuary likes to keep in touch with its young supporters and offer a little extra holiday excitement in the form of its Young Falconers’ Course. This special half day event enables youngsters aged 10 to 14yrs. of age to spend some exclusive time with a falconer as they try their hand at some falconry orientated activities.

Only four youngsters are booked into each course in order that everyone receives optimum instruction and plenty of “hands on” flying time with the owls.

The morning runs from 9.30a.m. until approximately 12.15p.m. and the itinerary takes this form:

• Talk the Talk! - a brief tour of the aviaries to familiarise themselves with the Sanctuary's owls and other birds of prey.
• Equipped for the Job - learning about the equipment used in falconry, trying their hand at making jesses and take their masterpiece home.
• Walk the Walk! - flying owls and other birds of prey under a falconer’s instruction.
• A Lasting Memento - taking part in a group photo with your fellow falconers and one of your new avian acquaintances.
• Expert Tuition - taking a front row seat at the flying display and seeing how, with a few years of practice, their newfound skills can be developed into a spectacular performance!

Participants in our most recent Young Falconers Course proved to be an enthusiastic bunch, eager to learn about the art of falconry and keen to put theory into practice up on the flying ground.

The concentration required to produce a perfect jess was well worth the impressive results that went home with the young falconers and we hope that the insight gained into the life of owls on these unique half day courses may go some way to inspiring a life long passion for wildlife in general and owls and other birds of prey in particular.

For further details on our next courses please ‘phone 0345 680 7897 or see this page on our website.

Falconers of the future

At S.O.S. we spend a considerable amount of time and human resources on outreach work, engaging with the younger generation and hoping to inspire a life long interest in conservation in future naturalists.

Through a number of channels youngsters are educated about the role that owls and other birds of prey play in our eco-system and their necessity as indicators of the health of native habitat.

During school term time, falconers and avian ambassadors spread the conservation message in classrooms across the whole of Suffolk. Children can either enjoy hour long workshop sessions in the classroom in the company of the birds or free whole school “taster” assemblies.

During the long summer holiday, the sanctuary likes to keep in touch with its young supporters and offer a little extra holiday excitement in the form of its Young Falconers’ Course. This special half day event enables youngsters aged 10 to 14yrs. of age to spend some exclusive time with a falconer as they try their hand at some falconry orientated activities.

Only four youngsters are booked into each course in order that everyone receives optimum instruction and plenty of “hands on” flying time with the owls.

The morning runs from 9.30a.m. until approximately 12.15p.m. and the itinerary takes this form:

* Talk the Talk! - a brief tour of the aviaries to familiarise themselves with the Sanctuary's owls and other birds of prey.

* Equipped for the Job - learning about the equipment used in falconry, trying their hand at making jesses and take their masterpiece home.

* Walk the Walk! - flying owls and other birds of prey under a falconer’s instruction.

* A Lasting Memento - taking part in a group photo with your fellow falconers and one of your new avian acquaintances.

* Expert Tuition - taking a front row seat at the flying display and seeing how, with a few years of practice, their newfound skills can be developed into a spectacular performance!
—
Participants in our most recent Young Falconers Course proved to be an enthusiastic bunch, eager to learn about the art of falconry and keen to put theory into practice up on the flying ground.

The concentration required to produce a perfect jess was well worth the impressive results that went home with the young falconers and we hope that the insight gained into the life of owls on these unique half day courses may go some way to inspiring a life long passion for wildlife in general and owls and other birds of prey in particular.

For further details on our next courses please ‘phone 0345 680 7897 or see this page on our website

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The Fight Against Frounce

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s Raptor Hospital is busy at all year round, but particularly during the warmer weather.

Not only are the patient numbers swelled by a steady flow of young “branchers” that have fallen out of trees, but adult owl and other bird of prey admissions also tend to peak during the Spring and Summer seasons.

In the main, casualties will have suffered some degree of trauma due to incidents such as chimney falls, flights into windows and road traffic accidents. However, around 10% of cases consistently present with symptoms of bacterial infections or disease.

The commonest, but most virulent of these diseases is called Frounce - a yeast infection of the digestive tract (similar to thrush) caused by a protozoan called trichomonas. This debilitating condition is transmitted to birds of prey through eating pigeon meat, the causal bacteria being present in the crop of a dove or pigeon host.

This is why falconers never feed pigeon meat to their birds and why the raptor hospital is unable to accept avian casualties other than birds of prey - the risk of cross contamination from pigeons, doves or other garden birds to the Sanctuary’s resident population or hospital and recuperating inmates being too great.

Compression in the throat caused by the frounce causes the throat to swell and the eyes to close

Transmission of Frounce, which is a protozoa parasite, occurs by the discharge of bodily fluids, during the feeding of young by adult pigeons and doves through regurgitation. It initially manifests itself by white spots around the mouth or crop of the infected bird, often described by falconers as “cheesy plaques”. If not checked, the infection will then spread into the eyes, throat and brain, the latter always resulting in a fatal outcome.

Regrettably, birds suffering from Frounce do not usually arrive at the raptor hospital until they have become so debilitated that their normal functions have become compromised. An infected bird will be unable to hunt efficiently or eat enough to maintain health and condition - it is at this point that they are brought to the hospital for treatment. Frounce is a particularly insidious infection which is difficult to treat once well established, however, there is some chance of a successful outcome if treatment with antibiotics can be initiated early in the developmental cycle of the infection i.e. before it is so entrenched as to prohibit eating and swallowing.

The Tawny Owl admitted to the raptor hospital with classic “cheesy plaque" symptoms of Frounce

Just last week a Tawny Owl suffering from Frounce was admitted to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s raptor hospital.  Although lacking in energy and condition, the owl appeared to be relatively fit and alert: an initial assessment revealed the presence of the infection in the bird’s throat and a course of medication was started immediately.  The medication we use contains anti protozoan as well as antibiotic properties, as Frounce commonly leads to bacterial infections as well. Luckily, the disease did not appear to have spread further, so the prognosis for this Frounce case seemed cautiously positive! The owl now seems to be gaining strength and its condition is improving daily, with the infection stabilised and in the next few days staff hope to see the Frounce markedly subside and the bird’s recovery gain momentum.

Footnote:

Frounce is by no means a “modern” disease and falconers have been forced to contend with its devastating effects for centuries. The National Geographic News recently carried an article shedding new light on parasitic evolution, alluding specifically to the history of the trichomonas organism :

“After surviving countless battles, a giant T.Rex was ultimately taken down by a microscopic parasite akin to one carried by modern pigeons. This finding is a new interpretation of multiple holes in the jawbone of “Sue” the largest and most  complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil yet found. In a new study researchers …propose that the holes are lesions made by an ancient version of trichomonosis, a single-celled parasite that infects the throats and beaks of modern birds”.

This research appears to explore the possibility that this pernicious disease has actually been decimating bird and animal populations for millions of years. Let us hope that a fuller understanding of the nature of trichomonosis may lead to the development of more efficacious treatments for owls and other birds of prey in the future.