With a number of Raptor Hospital patients due for release around the same time, we took the opportunity to invite Dr Hugh Hanmer from the British Trust for Ornithology to come and continue training Jess on how to ring birds. All of these birds were checked and given the all clear by our specialist vet Dr Elliot Simpson prior to being booked for release.
The first bird to be ringed was a Little Owl, which was found beside a road locally. When it arrived it was a very healthy weight of just over 200g, meaning that this was a female (as male Birds of Prey are smaller than females). Having spent some time in one of our outdoor aviaries to monitor for any injuries, we were pleased to find nothing wrong with her.
Jess ringing the Little Owl
Little Owls always appear to be scowling, and this one was no exception. Having said that, she was very well behaved during the ringing process.
The second bird to be ringed was the Kestrel found at a local Tesco. This bird also had no injuries and showed the typical feisty attitude of these mini predators when being ringed.
Jess with the Tesco Kestrel
Lastly, two Barn Owls were ringed together. One of these was picked up on a dual carriageway locally, while the other was found in a recent barn conversion. Both had minor injuries which were treated upon arrival and had made a full recovery. Interestingly, both these Owls were juvenile (hatched this year) females, but had very different plumage.
The two Barn Owls in one of our outdoor aviaries before being rung.
Dr Hugh Hanmer from the British Trust for Ornithology with Jess, studying the feathers on the Barn Owl to determine her age.
All four of these birds are booked for release this week, and we’ll post any footage or updates on our social media channels.