We are pleased to be working with the Ipswich Big Hoot Trail this summer and were delighted when the Suffolk Scouts and Girl Guides announced a new badge for their young people to complete.
The Hoot Badge requires participants to learn All About Owls, including how many types of Owls there are, where they live and what they eat.
Debenham Guides completed several of the challenges in the weeks prior to their visit, including a Scavenger Hunt to find items that spelled out THE BIG HOOT, completed an Owl Drive and Quiz, did some Owl crafts and became Pellet Detectives.
Leader Bethany arranged a visit for the Guides and Rainbows and they enjoyed a sunny visit to the Sanctuary. They had a guided walk from our Education Officer, Susan, who was on hand to answer their questions. Due to the heat, many of the Owls were showing off how they are NOT waterproof by taking a bath!
The highlight of their visit was the Flying Display, where the group got to take part in our popular Food Chains game, and watched some of our birds flying freely above their heads.
Guide Alice said “I liked seeing all the different types of Barn Owl & learning about them; I didn’t realise there was more than one type! I also liked seeing the Hedwig look alike!”
One of the parents said “My two really enjoyed the owl day and actually got a lot out of it. They told me so much when we got home and in the car. They particularly liked seeing baby owls and the flying display, especially when the Red Kite flew away! (He did come back eventually, but was enjoying catching some thermals and demonstrating how manoeuvrable Red Kites can be) Martha loved acting as a grasshopper (in the Food Chains game) and Elba told me loads of facts. Great trip that my two girls got a lot out of, thank you.”
At the end of their visit, Susan presented the Girls with their badges, and was honoured to be presented with one herself!
