Young kestrels paired for joint release

This male juvenile kestrel was sadly found alone in a compost heap, with no sign of its parents.

After being rescued and brought into the raptor hospital here at SOS, we discovered the poor bird had 24 ticks around it’s eyes and mouth - so these were urgently removed and the bird was settled in comfortably to rebuild its strength and confidence.

Due to the fact this bird is so young, there is a great risk of it imprinting on the SOS staff. This means that it could possibly come to recognise and trust our falconers as the parents - making for a potentially unsuccessful, and even fatal release.

“It's difficult for falconers to prevent baby birds of prey from imprinting on humans if we have to directly feed them, which, when young, we often have to. This is always kept to a minimum by using screens and minimal time, but birds are intelligent and having strong survival skills (and a massive appetite!) So they soon associate our presence with food.

This is exacerbated by being kept alone. If kept in pairs or small groups, they will instead grow up identifying as a kestrel, and not as a part kestrel/part human! As a group they will react fearfully (as a wild bird should) to us and our presence. In essence, it reduces the chances of the chicks imprinting on people as food providers, and will instead imprint on each other as kestrels.” - Rufus, Head Falconer

We made contact with Phoenix Bird of Prey Rescue, and fortunately they also had care of a young female kestrel. Soon, the two chicks will be placed together in a rehab environment and the birds will have minimal or no human contact - a watchful eye will be kept on them via a spy-hole and food placed through a hatch until it's time for release. This will give them the best possible chance of survival out in the wild.

---

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the response to our ‘Save Our Sanctuary' appeal has significantly helped us towards the expense of feeding, caring, cleaning, veterinary services and medication requirements of the injured or unwell wild birds of prey that pass through our hospital. 

However, accrued financial shortcomings means we need to continue to raise funding to look after birds such as these two kestrel chicks, who need specialist feeding, exercise, medication and veterinary treatment.

Determined to survive, we ask for your help to maintain our full range of rescue, rehab and conservation services through the winter months ahead, without compromise. Donating a few pounds a month to our 'Onwards & Upwards' survival fund by becoming a Friend of S.O.S. will help us to do this.

As always we thank you for your support, and we hope to be able to welcome you back through our doors soon.

---

Double trouble for Tawny chicks

Recently, two tiny tawny chicks have come into our care here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.

The first was found in a compost heap in a very sorry state, emaciated, covered in fly eggs and weak - things did not look promising at all.

The condition of this chick would suggest that it had sustained a long period without food. Sometimes if parents are unable to support their chicks, they will sadly abandon the nest and the chicks will exit out of desperation. This can also happen if one adult is left at the nest site after losing its mate, who would usually help to provide food.

Luckily this little one was found just in time. He spent a few nights under the watchful eye of experienced SOS falconer, Jess, who bathed him and carefully picked eggs. Thankfully the chick has since started to take tiny bits of food soaked in a support fluid, and is slowly gaining weight.

The second chick was found in a rather unfortunate predicament - upside down in a bramble bush! The surrounding area was considered a danger to this little one, so it was also brought in to SOS to build strength and recover in safety.

Luckily for our first chick, he now has another clutch mate to recover with! This will also mean that both of them can now be hacked together in a purpose built release aviary.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the response to our ‘Save Our Sanctuary' appeal has significantly helped us towards the expense of feeding, caring, cleaning, veterinary services and medication requirements of the injured or unwell wild birds of prey that pass through our hospital. 

However, accrued financial shortcomings means we need to continue to raise funding to look after birds such as these two tawny chicks, who need specialist feeding, exercise, medication and veterinary treatment.

Determined to survive, we ask for your help to maintain our full range of rescue, rehab and conservation services through the winter months ahead, without compromise. Donating a few pounds a month to our 'Onwards & Upwards' survival fund by becoming a Friend of S.O.S. will help us to do this.

As always we thank you for your support, and we hope to be able to welcome you back through our doors soon.

Deep Water Dangers

Water troughs, buckets, water butts and pools are all a huge hazard for our native owls.

As with most birds, owls use these as a source of drinking water, or somewhere to wash.

However, unlike ditches or ponds which have sloping, rough-surfaced sides, these man-made structures are deep and slippery, meaning the owl cannot often climb to safety if it comes into trouble. Owls have soft feathers which help with silent flight, however, these feathers will act like a sponge and absorb water, meaning the owl can become waterlogged and potentially drown.

Summer is generally the worst time of year for this disaster. Adult females (Barn Owls especially) can become quite soiled after weeks of incubation and brooding and will attempt to bathe in the nearest available water. Late summer and autumn will then unfortunately see the inexperienced newly fledged/branching juveniles fall prey to the very same deep water, as they don’t have the skill to manoeuvre away.

There are a few ways in which you can help reduce this hazard...please see below.

Also see here for details on how to create a floating wooden frame for a trough.

Onwards & Upwards

A coronavirus update from S.O.S. Director, Chris Astridge

As Director and a Trustee of Suffolk Owl Sanctuary I would like to tell you about the activities of the charity during the current pandemic lockdown, which I hope will be of interest to the many visitors, donors and volunteers who have supported us in so many ways over the years.

I would also would like to explain the consequences of the predicament we now find ourselves in as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

A sooty tawny owl cared for in our raptor hospital here at SOS

What does S.O.S. do?

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary was established in 2001. Its primary objectives are to promote the need for the conservation of Britain’s wild owls and other birds of prey; to provide rescue, relief and protection for sick and injured wild raptors; and to offer a range of educational resources to schools that encourage the importance of wildlife conservation amongst young people. 

Together with the Thornham Owl Project. S.O.S. also helps maintain a network of nearly 300 wild owl nest boxes; participates in conservation schemes for endangered species; and promotes information nationally about our native species through our “Saving Britain’s Owls” initiative. Finally we also aim to provide a unique, informative, friendly and enjoyable experience for those who visit us at our Stonham Aspal headquarters.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary works in conjunction with Thornham Owl Project to provide materials, transport and manpower to maintain and monitor nearly 300 wild owl nest boxes in the region

Life Under Lockdown

Since the U.K. outbreak of the coronavirus disease in March, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary has been in a state of “suspended animation”. Unable to welcome visitors to the centre, much of what we do is being continued behind closed doors. This includes the rescue, veterinary attention, medication and rehabilitation of the injured wild birds that pass through our hospital together with the husbandry needs - feeding, cleaning, care and exercising - of the many captive-bred birds in the education and flying teams resident at Stonham. 

In addition, many of the birds have started to lay eggs as the breeding season gets underway, each one demanding the daily attention of our experienced falconry team. At the same time the security and safe structure of the centre needs to be maintained.

With the indispensable needs for our wildlife continuing but the effect of the pandemic rolling on, we sadly do not foresee opening the doors of S.O.S. to the public until July at the earliest, when social distancing and sanitising precautions have been put in place to maintain the health and safety of visitors, staff & volunteers. 

A pair of rescued barn owl chicks - one of them rather shy - here at SOS. Currently we are witnessing an upsurge of orphaned Tawny Owls and, as the roads become busier again, an increase in RTA (road traffic accident) cases.

What’s the problem?

Nationally recognised, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary provides a unique and valuable resource to the community at large.

Unfortunately, during ‘life under lockdown’ the major expenses of running the Sanctuary have been met in full at a time when our income has diminished drastically. This is because we have received no income from visitors since the end of March and are now unlikely to do so until Summer is almost over, at the earliest - a time when we normally generate a substantial proportion of the funding necessary to sustain our activities throughout the year.  Our concerns are for our very survival through the winter and into 2021.

May/June is the time of year when orphaned owls start to make their way to us, as in this quartet of beautiful young tawny owls shown the day before their release back to the wild.

Onwards & Upwards

Thanks to the very much appreciated generosity of our supporters, the response to our “Save Our Sanctuary” appeal has so far significantly helped us bridge our immediate financial shortcomings, helping towards the expense of feeding, caring for & cleaning our birds and animals together with the veterinary services & medication requirements of the injured or unwell wild birds of prey that pass through our hospital.

The donations have also contributed towards the cost of staff, rent, materials and utilities during the lockdown period and have made a positive difference to our abilities to continue our work behind closed doors. We are immensely grateful for them and take this opportunity to thank all those who have made a contribution.

However, now the prospect of a prolonged summer closure means we need to raise funding to look after birds who need specialist feeding, exercise, medication and veterinary treatment. Determined to survive, we ask for your help to maintain our full range of rescue, rehab and conservation services through the winter months ahead, without compromise.   

A few pounds a month to our “Onwards & Upwards” survival fund will help us
to do this.

You can contribute by becoming a Friend of S.O.S., adopting an owl, making a donation to the hospital, veterinary and medication expenses or sponsoring a wild owl nest box. Whatever form of donation you choose comes with the flexibility of contributing whatever you would like, when you like. Be assured your donation will make a world of difference… and a difference to our world.

Finally, on behalf of the Trustees of Suffolk Owl Sanctuary I would like to thank our loyal, hard working and ever diligent and compassionate employees and volunteers who have worked in much-reduced teams above-&-beyond during the past months to keep S.O.S. running. Job well done!

You can find out more about S.O.S. by visiting our home page or by dropping us an email with any questions you may have. Meanwhile, thank you for your attention, stay well and please take care in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Chris Astridge
Director
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

---

Tawny suffers beginning stages of frounce

This Tawny Owl was brought to us having been spotted by the roadside. 

Upon inspection, she was found to be incredibly emaciated, dehydrated and suffering the beginning stages of frounce. Sadly this time of year, flies are rife and will take advantage of a poorly animal - so she was also covered head to toe in larvae and eggs.

After being rehydrated, she was bathed to try and loosen some of the eggs, treated for frounce and fed a liquid support food. Over the next 36 hours, periodic washing and removing eggs ensured that she would not be overwhelmed by maggots. At this point, unfortunately some had already found their way into the skin around her eye and they needed careful and time consuming removal. She has been very weak and honestly we did not think she would make it past the first night…but miraculously she did, and is now feeding herself!

Although still a bit bedraggled, she is now a lot stronger and we are all hoping she will pull through this horrible ordeal.

---

We have been nominated!

Boris, Anthony and Rufus have a special announcement to make…

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is proud to have been nominated for the ‘Animal Charity Team of the Year’ category in the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards 2020!

Meanwhile, we can’t thank you all enough for your support throughout this difficult time.

---

UPDATE!

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary are delighted to announce that we scooped up 3rd place in the 2020 Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards ‘Animal Charity Team of the Year’ category!

https://bit.ly/2zSCNM9

The awards received over 6000 nominations, so we are extremely proud to have been recognised alongside many other dedicated individuals and charities for our “entire team working together to deliver outstanding results.”

If you’d like to watch the virtual awards ceremony, you can do so here

---

Cheer for Key Workers

Recent months have seen the globe tried, tested and challenged in ways that we never thought we would ever encounter.

It has affected not only our nation as a whole in terms of health, economy, business, technology and politics (to name just a few), but it has also had a colossal impact on our individual, daily lives, in more ways than we could even begin to summarise.

Throughout this challenging time, our nation has come together in a united effort to fight the invisible enemy, Covid-19.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary would like to take this moment to acknowledge the sacrifices and commitments the world’s key workers have made to keep us safe and healthy. For this, we are eternally grateful. 

Featuring…

Lincoln the Bald Eagle
Ozzie the Kookaburra
Woody the Brown Wood Owl
Odin the Peregrine Falcon
Titch the Tawny Owl

Adopt the stars of the show here

---

SOS is a small non-profit charity, and is entirely dependent on donations to cover the costs of housing, food, medication, surgery and always the support of our expert staff. Any donation you can make to support us at this critical time will go a long way, no matter how big or small.

Click here to help us Save our Sanctuary

---

Striated Caracara enrichment

Say ‘hello’ to Stanely, our male Striated Caracara!

Even during these unprecedented times, enrichment programmes still form an important part of our daily duties here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. Enrichment seeks to replicate natural behaviours, and is important for both the physical and psychological welfare of an animal.

Striated Caracaras are incredibly intelligent scavengers; their learning ability is said to rival that of a crow or a raven - so we must be sure to offer him challenging exercises.

Here, Stanley is being challenged to extract titbits hidden inside bottles.

Rock pool foraging replicates a natural behaviour.

Stanley is being challenged to knock over cones in the search for food.

SOS is a small non-profit charity, and our daily operations - such as enrichment activities - rely entirely on donations. If you are able to donate to help us continue a high standard of care during this crucial time, please click here.

---

A very sticky situation - Part 4

This barn owl found himself in a rather sticky predicament last September, having been found in a glue trap. His leg and wing were stuck fast to each other, and he has since been in our care whilst he moults new feathers.

To read the full story, click here.

Due to the way barn owls hunt, we must be sure this particular owl can sustain prolonged flight - which is tricky without the use of the primary feathers on one side! Currently he is being housed in a purpose-built private flight aviary and monitored daily for signs of a moult.

The camera is a handy tool to assess his movements without disturbing him. As you can see he can get around well thanks to strategically placed perches, so is able to maintain his fitness well in situ until the time comes we feel he has enough skill to be hacked back to the wild. 

---

Save our Sanctuary

SOS is a small non-profit charity so our raptor hospital relies entirely on donations. If you are able to donate to help us continue to provide a high standard of care and rehabilitation during this crucial time, please click here.

---

Lincoln catches his first thermal

We have some good news we are excited to share with you - Lincoln has caught his first thermal!

Lincoln is our resident bald eagle here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. Bald eagles are a bird of prey native to North America, and have been the national icon since 1782.

Lincoln the Bald Eagle by Brian Geer

What is ‘thermalling’?

A thermal is an upward current of warm, rising air. Once a thermal is encountered by a bird, he will fly in circles to keep within that particular thermal, gaining altitude before flying off to the next thermal to continue his journey - this is known as ‘thermalling’. By riding these currents, birds are able to climb to higher altitudes while expending very little energy, extending their flight time as they search for food.

Lincoln is learning

Here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, our falconers have recently been encouraging Lincoln to soar. Lincoln is a young bird so has not yet refined this skill; up until today, he has only been able to fly as high as the tree tops by relying on winter winds, which are forced up off the trees (this is called ‘slope soaring’).

To enable him to reach more natural heights at several hundred feet, we are waiting for the heat of late spring through to early autumn that will produce strong thermals, which Lincoln should be able to ride like an escalator high up into the clouds!

"Thermalling takes a lot of skill which Lincoln is still learning, and is actually quite scary for a novice!” - Jess, Falconer at SOS

Head falconer Rufus with Lincoln, by Mark Leggett

We have a breakthrough!

Finally, after months of effort, Lincoln has caught his first thermal - and we are delighted!

“This is everything we’ve been working towards and is a HUGE step! I’m really delighted! Now we just need to encourage him to go higher and to be consistent…

Enjoy the stoop, I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to have him hurtle towards you like that!” - Rufus, Head Falconer at SOS

This is a very ambitious and long term project, but we are pleased to say he’s doing incredibly well.

Save our Sanctuary

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is a small non-profit charity and we rely entirely on donations. Our doors may be closed to the general public but our rescue, care and rehabilitation work for injured wild birds of prey does not stop. If you are able to donate to help us continue our work during this crucial time, please visit: https://www.owl-help.org.uk/save-our-sanctuary

---

The trials and tribulations of Plump

Although Covid-19 may have temporarily closed our doors to the general public, the doors to our raptor hospital are still very much wide open!

Do you remember Plump, our not so little, feathery global superstar…?!

A few months ago we rescued a soggy little owl from a ditch. She was unable to fly, so our falconers initially thought there may a potential injury. Upon arriving at our on-site raptor hospital we recorded her weight, and it was immediately obvious this little owl was in need of some unique care.

Using our keel scoring method (a chart to determine fat distribution around the body of birds) we found this chunky little owl was close to a score of 5, which meant her keel was almost completely shrouded in fatty deposits! Perhaps more worryingly, we were also unable to feel for much muscle. This could possibly have explained why this little owl was found in a ditch as a lack of relative muscle would have undoubtedly hindered her ability to fly - something that we became increasingly aware of when we put her into a large flight aviary at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary during the first stages of her care. 

Little owls are fairly resourceful creatures and are generally quite happy pottering around at ground level, picking up all manner of invertebrates and small rodents - this particular ditch and field became a gourmet buffet to Plump!

At Suffolk Owl Sanctuary we have specially designed private aviaries were we can monitor the health and movement of birds before release, in a discreet manner. Aviaries are designed to encourage as much vertical flight as possible to build and maintain the vital keel muscles used for flight. At first, Plump was unable to even reach the lowest perches, so we had to adapt her aviary by installing a few ‘step’ perches to encourage her up to the higher points. Over a matter of days these perches were removed based on her developing ability, as she was encouraged to take flight around the aviary (a bit like a short circuit training session!).

By nature, owls are sedentary, and would not think much of sitting for hours on end after consuming a big meal - but in Plump’s case, this is no good for a little bird who needed to shed weight. This exercise process therefore was of great benefit. Every other day we encouraged Plump to move around the aviary, building vital muscles and burning fat.

Within a few weeks she was expertly traversing her surroundings and following a couple of weight checks, we felt it was time for her to go back to her field of plenty. Although we were working to trim her weight down, we had to be mindful we didn’t shave too much body mass off - fatty deposits are actually a resource for smaller birds in times of need. Although we were seeing warm winter weather and prey was plentiful, we also had to consider that a cold snap could have seen off a bird with very little body reserves.

Luckily for plump she firmed up well and had a successful release, where she headed off to the top of an old oak tree. 

Upon review of this unusual situation, our experienced team are fairly confident these circumstances are consistent with this bird having been previously released by a lesser-experienced rehabilitation facility or individual. We cannot stress enough just how important it is that any injured wildlife is taken to a highly experienced and specialist treatment centre, in order that the subject receives optimum care and the best possible chance at recovery.

---

Our raptor hospital relies entirely on donations. If you are able to donate to help us continue to provide a high standard of care and rehabilitation during this crucial time, please click here.

---

Young sparrowhawk suffers eye injury

This male sparrow hawk was admitted to our raptor hospital a few weeks ago.

He was found on the ground with facial injuries, and the bruising around his eye could be conducive with either impact injury or an attack from a predator.

After a week of box rest under the watchful eye of our experienced falconers, this youngster has since shown a massive improvement and is currently residing in one of our flight aviaries whilst the bruising recedes.

Our raptor hospital relies entirely on donations. If you are able to donate to help us continue to provide a high standard of care and rehabilitation during this crucial time, please click here.

---

Blowing in the wind

This barn owl recently came in to SOS after being found roadside, suffering facial injuries. Having seemingly being blown onto the road, he is now being treated for abrasions to both eyes.

Sadly, new roads and developments now regularly cut through owls’ preferred hunting habitats, meaning instances such as this is a common occurrence. Barn owls in particular are so light in bodyweight that they easily get blown into oncoming traffic.

However, in recent decades, efforts have been made to protect wildlife from suffering this fate by creating natural ‘bridges’ over these roads in the form of high hedge-lines. This encourages birds (such as owls) to traverse these problematic roads at a height. Thoughtful management paired with a resurgence of wild meadow space, has led to a rise in species such as the barn owl and kestrel and has also helped to reduce the frequency of roadside accidents.

Sadly we do not yet know the outcome of this particular owl until his injuries begin to heal, however, he is going from strength to strength in our dedicated on-site hospital.

Learn more here

---

If you find an injured owl or bird of prey, call SOS for emergency advice on 03456 807 897 (opt 5)

---

Sparrowhawk suffers potentially fatal collision

A caring member of the public recently heard a rather loud bang on his window, and went outside to discover a concussed sparrowhawk laying on the ground.

Luckily he was extremely quick to act, and was kind enough to take the bird to his local vet for assessment. Although no broken bones were found, he is presenting some quite serious neurological symptoms which are preventing him from flying. This usually points to symptoms of concussion such as swelling of the brain, or in the worst case scenario, a spinal compression that will cause detrimental lasting effects. 

Although this bird is now safely in our care, we cannot currently predict the outcome of his injuries - we need time to monitor and assess the long term damage. Sadly, many impact cases end in euthanasia - especially if the symptoms are limiting the ability of flight, and therefore, survival.

Only time will tell with this particular case…however prevention is far better than cure, and there are a few things you can do at home to prevent situations such as this…

Although some birds collide during a chase, most do so because they see a reflection of the sky and trees in the glass and it looks like an inviting place to fly into. Other times it may be because there is another window or mirror in the room making the bird think there is a way through.

If you have a particular window which is prone to attracting unwary birds, the hazard can be reduced in the following ways:

• Bird deterrent tape
  Apply strips of tape to the outside of windows, spaced about 2.5cm apart.

• Window silhouettes
  Place close together, about 1 hand’s distance apart. You could also use decals, stickers, sun catchers or old CDs to create a reflective deterrent. Remember: placing just one or two window stickers on a large window is not going to prevent collisions - they must cover most of the glass ensuring the spaces between are too narrow for birds to fly through.

• Soap
  Apply a thin film to the outside of your windows.

• Film
  There are window films available that are transparent on the inside but opaque on the outside.

• No plants
  Move indoor plants away from the windows so birds are not attracted to perch on them. 

• Tactical placement of bird feeders
  For predatory birds such as sparrowhawks, tactical placement of bird feeders (away from windows and near to cover such as trees or hedges) will greatly reduce the odds of small songbirds being chased into windows, giving them a chance of escape.

For more info click here

---

If you find an injured owl or bird of prey, call SOS for emergency advice on 03456 807 897 (opt 5)

---

Flightless kestrel discovered in field

A surge of bad weather means that we have recently had an influx of casualties admitted to our on-site raptor hospital here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.

This particular kestrel came to us after being discovered flightless, in the middle of a ploughed field.

Upon initial investigation he was found to be suffering from a swelling of the wing and head, which required some remedial care. It was later discovered that the area of injury was conducive with an attack from another animal, most likely another bird of prey, which had left soft tissue damage around the face and wing.

Hopefully with time and care this one will make a full recovery, however the extent of his injuries will not be clear until the swelling has receded. 

---

Is your garden Hedgehog-Happy?

Make the most of National Hedgehog Day!

On this important day on the 'hog-lovers calendar, it’s worth remembering that our gardens are becoming increasingly important refuges for hedgehogs because their numbers are in severe decline.

Here are our suggestions on how you can make your garden Hedgehog-Happy.

Leave areas wild

Create a nest site by leaving areas of the garden unkept and wild, with piles of logs, leaf litter and nectar-rich flowers. These will also attract a food source in providing a home for the invertebrates that hedgehogs like to eat.

Hedgehog highways

Hedgehogs can travel a mile (1.6km) or so every single night, so make your garden boundary easy for them to cross. Try cutting small holes (13cm) in fences or digging a tunnel to create ‘hedgehog highways’ which will allow local hogs to move in and out of your garden.

Lawnmowers

Lift the layers of undergrowth and long grass with a blunt pole to check for sleeping hogs before using electric strimmers and mowers - these could result in fatalities to our sleeping friends.

Bonfires

Build your bonfire as close to the time of lighting as possible, so as not to attract unwanted visitors. Ensure you check for sleepy hogs before lightning it.

Slug pellets

Slug pellets and pesticides can poison hedgehogs and should be avoided. If you must use pellets, place them under a slate which is inaccessible to hedgehogs.

Compost heaps

Check compost heaps for hogs before forking it over.

Water sources

Deep water is a hazard for hedgehogs. Cover swimming pools when not in use, and ensure your pond has a gentle slope for them to climb out of should they fall in. Empty out buckets and water troughs in the areas you want to make hedgehog-friendly.

Drain covers and holes

Ensure drain covers are in good condition and any holes are well covered. Should a hedgehog fall down one, they could suffer a slow and agonising death.

Netting

Remove netting from plants and trees where possible (try mesh instead!) and store away football goals and sports nets when not in use. This will prevent hedgehogs getting tangled up and injured.

Litter

Keep your garden free from litter. Hedgehogs can get their head stuck in tins, plastic rings or bags, so dispose of your rubbish safely!

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue join forces

A hedgehog hospital has been set up here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, initially to provide wintering accommodation for hibernating hedgehogs in an effort to support the overflow and enormity of requests from Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue. We have also set up displays around the Hotel to illustrate best practice in setting up a "Hedgehog Happy" garden.

A second phase of this project and installation will be to provide recuperation facilities for recovering hedgehogs who have firstly been rescued, housed and treated by the Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue team.

We are very excited to see this partnership develop, and to work to relieve the load pressuring our local wildlife rescue services.

Hedgehog care at SOS

Click here to learn more about Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue

Click here to donate or support Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue

Click here to adopt a hedgehog

If you have found a hedgehog that looks sick, lost, injured or dehydrated, call Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue on 07469 177 090

---

National Bird Feeding month

February is National Bird Feeding month in the United States - so we thought we’d jump on the bandwagon and offer you some information about how to help feed your feathered garden visitors this winter!

But first…let’s take a look at who you can expect to welcome to your garden…

• Dunnock

• Song thrush

• Chaffinch

• Wren

• Treecreeper

• Goldfinch

• Starling

• House sparrow

• Blackbird

• Blue tit

• Great tit

• Robin

• Greenfinch

• Collared dove

• Siskin

• Sparrowhawk

• Brambling

• Feral ring-necked parakeet

• Fieldfare

• Redwing

• Mistle

• Song thrush

• Blackbird

• Great spotted woodpecker

• Nuthatch

• Coal tit

• Marsh tit

• Long-tailed tit

• Blackcap

Not sure who you saw? Try out the RSPBs bird identifier!

Blackbird

So what can I feed the birds in my garden?

• Bird seed mixtures containing:

  • Flaked maize

  • Black or striped sunflower seeds

  • Peanut granules - buy them from a reputable dealer as they contain high levels of natural toxins which can be poisonous

  • Millet

  • Wheat and barley

  • Pinhead oatmeal

  • Split peas, beans

  • Dried rice

  • Lentils

  • Nyjer seeds

• Fat balls, bird cake and suet

• Lard and beef suet

• Mealworms and waxworms

• Meaty tinned pet food

• Fresh coconut - rinse out the middle to prevent black mildew building up

• Breakfast cereals or uncooked oats in small quantities only

• Brown or white rice, cooked or uncooked

• Finely chopped, unsalted bacon rind

• Crumbled bread is ok in small quantities 

• Mildly grated cheese

• Baked potatoes

• Dried fruit such as raisins, saltines and currants (do not pout these in areas dogs or cats might eat them)

• Apples and pears

• Pastry

• Don’t forget fresh water is just as important - make sure you check that it isn’t frozen over during the colder days

Don’t forget that different foods will attract different birds - make sure you do your research on suitable foods before laying out your banquet.

And what should I NOT feed them?

• Milk - their gut is not designed to digest it

• Desiccated coconut - it may swell inside their stomach

• Dry pet biscuits - it is a choking hazard

• Cooked porridge oats - these could harden around a bird’s beak

• Dead or discoloured mealworms - these could cause problems such as salmonella poisoning

• Salted or dry roasted peanuts

• Avoid seed mixture containing green or pink lumps of dog biscuit as they can only be eaten when soaked

• Polyunsaturdated margarines or vegetable oils

• Salt - garden birds in particular are unable to metabolise them

Why will it help by providing food for these birds?

Natural food sources are harder to come by in winter - foods such as insects and fruit are nowhere to be found. The ground is frozen, winds can blow away food sources such as seeds (which are not readily available at this time of year anyway due to low flowering frequencies), and rain water can make food inedible. Shorter daylight hours also means there’s less time to spend looking for food. 

By supplying high fat foods during cold winter months, it will help birds to maintain their fat reserves to survive extra cold and frosty nights. Good nutrition during winter also helps to prepare them for mating when spring arrives. 

Don’t forget, that food limitations aren’t just restricted to colder months - this can happen any time of the year. Make sure you adjust your food types and feeding activity accordingly.

For more details click here

If you’re feeling inspired to help, here’s a few of our favourite ideas for you to try…

Suet feeder in a coffee mug

Carton bird feeder

Pine cone bird feeder

Suet feeder

10 DIY bird feeder ideas

For more information, take a look at this article “How to Attract & Look After Birds In Your Garden”

by Chris Lee at Up Gardener

---

Seeing stars in our raptor hopsital

This little owl was found beside a road looking rather sorry for herself. We suspect she has had a collision with a vehicle as she is showing signs of concussion - but otherwise she is healthy.

She will remain in our care until we are satisfied she has made a full recovery and is fighting fit, ready to be returned to a safe location near to where she was found. It’s important that birds with suspected concussion stay with us long enough for us to feel confident they are over the trauma of the impact. We will observe her behaviour on a daily basis for signs of improvement.

Interestingly, this is the second little owl who we have recently had in our care, that has had an unusually ‘healthy’ body fat distribution for a wild owl! Due to the mild and wet weather in December and early January, we suspect there is a higher activity of insects, worms and rodents that these owls are feasting on!

Read all about Plump here

This rather sad looking tawny owl was also found by the road, unable to fly.

Sadly she is suffering limpness down her left side, but luckily there are no broken bones. We therefore suspect some nasty bruising from a traffic collision that will take some time to recede. In the meantime, she is on rest until she we can see some improvement in her condition.

---

A welcome donation of Christmas trees

Rob, Ben and Jennie were rather happy to receive this large delivery of 50 Christmas trees from Homesbase in Rayleigh, Essex!

Thank you so much, Homebase, for your kind donation - many of the residents at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary will be able to enjoy them in the form of enrichment over the coming months - something which is invaluable in ensuring their health and wellbeing, both psychologically and physiologically.

---

Barn owl suffers possible RTA

This young barn owl came to us after suffering a possible RTA.

For the following few days he was showing signs of a minor head injury, but after a short period of rest he was then given the opportunity to stretch his wings in one of our rehab aviaries.

It was evident he was going from strength to strength with no residual long term issues, so we determined it was safe to get him back home. The member of the public who rescued him, took him back to the area where he was found - but this time released a little further away from the road!

Check out his release here…

---