A final check before being transported to the release site.
A few weeks ago we wrote about a young Tawny Owl who had been brought in after a suspected collision with a vehicle.
After some time in our aviaries to recover, we determined this was actually a second year bird as it had started to moult it’s primary feathers, and probably a male based on its size. He was rather distinctive as his plumage was more ginger in colour than the usual brown.
Compared to some of our recent hospital admissions, this boy was a perfect patient and took his food and medication without the need for intervention.
He made good progress and we were delighted to release him into woodland last week, under an almost full moon!
Ready for release. We switched our headtorches to a red light after this photo was taken to allow his eyes time to adjust to the darkness, before he flew off into the moonlight.
When choosing release sites, we have to consider the availability of suitable habitat and food, as well as any dangers to owls, such as roads or an already high population of predators.
Although Tawny Owls are predominantly a woodland bird, they do often hunt over open ground, especially if there are tussocks of vegetation for small rodents to hide in. On the walk in, we heard many small scurries in the undergrowth alongside the track, so are confident that this area will have a plentiful supply of rodents for our Tawny to hunt as winter approaches.