Here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, we have been helping sick and injured birds of prey since 2001, and have developed good relationships with many local, national and international rescues who work with birds of prey. As such, we are able to offer advice, support and assistance when asked.
Our facilities on site allow us to treat sick and injured wild birds of prey, as well as caring for lost or abandoned chicks or fledglings during the spring and summer seasons. We work closely with specialist vets to ensure the best care is given to all of our patients, with the ultimate goal being that they are released back into the wild.
We were recently approached by a wildlife rehabber who had been looking after a Tawny Owl. They didn’t have the facilities to hack it back into the wild and asked if we could help. When it arrived, the Owl was not ready for release. It’s talons were worn and blunt and its tail feathers were incredibly worn and broken.
We suspect that the owl was being kept in a meshed aviary with a concrete floor. Whilst these aviaries do serve a purpose for some birds, they are not suitable for birds of prey, who are susceptible to high stress scenarios, which can cause them to hang off the mesh, damaging feathers in the process. Concrete is very abrasive and not a natural substrate for wild birds to be found living on. Anyone who has watched Feral Pigeons in a town or city will notice they often have issues with their feet, and their claws are often very short from stomping on the pavements in search of food.
Thankfully, after a few weeks in one of our aviaries with plenty of food, this owl decided to grow out its tail feathers, and its talons started to sharpen up again. This is very important for release as this could hamper it’s hunting ability, and therefore survival.
We were pleased with it’s progress since arriving with us, and have now released it locally with two Owlets and another adult. Prior to being released, all the Tawny Owls received a full health check and a BTO metal ring. This means that if they are found in the future, we will receive a report telling us where and when they were found, and the condition they were in. It’s hoped that they will stay in the local area and possibly utilise some of the natural tree cavities and artificial boxes in the woods to breed in future years.
If you find a sick or injured wild bird of prey, please check out our list of rescues and facilities who might be able to help. Whilst there are many competent wildlife rescue facilities around the UK, they do not always have the specialist knowledge and facilities required to successfully rehabilitate birds of prey.