A Hammy Encounter

We don’t often name the injured birds that come into our care for treatment but just recently a rather perplexed Tawny Owl arrived with quite a story to tell.

The young chap was found in Felixstowe caught up on - would you believe? - a ham radio arial, so it wasn't long before we broke with tradition and "Hammy" became his adopted name as we started to look after him. 

The arial was the type used by CB radio enthusiasts and stands about 15 feet in height. We don’t know how the tawny managed to. but he impaled himself on it, the shaft of the mast going straight through his left wing.

Despite impaling himself on a radio mast, the local vet was able to repair the damaged wing

The poor owners of the house were obviously very upset to discover the situation when they awoke, as they found the bird in a naturally very distressed state. But without hesitation, the husband & wife team set about their own rescue mission: firstly they dismantled the framework which held the arial in place; then slowly lowered it to the ground down and finally slid poor Hammy off onto the grass. Then they covered him with a towel to enable them to safely pick him up, popped him in a box and took him straight to the local vet, who was kind enough to operate on him and stitch him back together.

Before long, friend 'Hammy' should be winging his way back to the wild

Hammy was then brought in to us where we kept him under observation and applied liberal helpings of TLC until he was ready to be placed in one of our rehabilitation aviaries. Here he has been able to fly around, so starting to rebuild the damaged muscles in his wing and - as you will see from the pictures - is now well on the road to recovery. Hopefully it won't be long before we can release him back to the wild in a fit and proper state to fend for himself again.

A Hammy Encounter

We don’t often name the injured birds that come into our care for treatment but just recently a rather perplexed Tawny Owl arrived with quite a story to tell.

The young chap was found in Felixstowe caught up on - would you believe? - a ham radio arial, so it wasn't long before we broke with tradition and "Hammy" became his adopted name as we started to look after him.

The arial was the type used by CB radio enthusiasts and stands about 15 feet in height. We don’t know how the tawny managed to. but he impaled himself on it, the shaft of the mast going straight through his left wing.

Despite impaling himself on a radio mast, the local vet was able to repair the damaged wing

The poor owners of the house were obviously very upset to discover the situation when they awoke, as they found the bird in a naturally very distressed state. But without hesitation, the husband & wife team set about their own rescue mission: firstly they dismantled the framework which held the arial in place; then slowly lowered it to the ground down and finally slid poor Hammy off onto the grass. Then they covered him with a towel to enable them to safely pick him up, popped him in a box and took him straight to the local vet, who was kind enough to operate on him and stitch him back together.

Before long, friend 'Hammy' should be winging his way back to the wild

Hammy was then brought in to us where we kept him under observation and applied liberal helpings of TLC until he was ready to be placed in one of our rehabilitation aviaries. Here he has been able to fly around, so starting to rebuild the damaged muscles in his wing and - as you will see from the pictures - is now well on the road to recovery. Hopefully it won't be long before we can release him back to the wild in a fit and proper state to fend for himself again.

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Stand by for take-off!

Here at the Sanctuary we give flying demonstrations during the summer months to help illustrate the diversity of bird types and importance of raptor conservation to our visitors and on the many school visits we undertake. Our 'flying team' comprises owls, eagles falcons, hawks and vultures which have been captive bred and hand-reared for the purpose so that they are comfortable and un-stressed when they fly in front of the public - in fact, they seem to relish the chance to show off their aerial skills!

As members of our team come into prime flying condition after their winter lay-offs, our friend Brian McFarlane took some wonderful pictures which show the variety of their beautiful plumage. You'll notice that some birds in the photos have straps of soft leather around their ankles, called jesses - when a bird is kept in the weatherings (an open-fronted shelter) during the day, the straps are used to tether them comfortably on their perches when not flying. Some also have bells attached to their jesses which alert the falconer who handles the birds during demonstrations as to the birds' whereabouts if they have landed, or are flying, out of sight.

Ray, the Peregrine Falcon

Aukland the Boobook Owl

Nessa the Red Kite

Rheia the Steppe Eagle

Baloo the Indian Eagle Owl

Nigel the Ferruginous Buzzard

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Stand by for take-off!

Here at the Sanctuary we give flying demonstrations during the summer months to help illustrate the diversity of bird types and importance of raptor conservation to our visitors and on the many school visits we undertake. Our 'flying team' comprises owls, eagles falcons, hawks and vultures which have been captive bred and hand-reared for the purpose so that they are comfortable and un-stressed when they fly in front of the public - in fact, they seem to relish the chance to show off their aerial skills!

As members of our team come into prime flying condition after their winter lay-offs, our friend Brian McFarlane took some wonderful pictures which show the variety of their beautiful plumage. You'll notice that some birds in the photos have straps of soft leather around their ankles, called jesses - when a bird is kept in the weatherings (an open-fronted shelter) during the day, the straps are used to tether them comfortably on their perches when not flying. Some also have bells attached to their jesses which alert the falconer who handles the birds during demonstrations as to the birds' whereabouts if they have landed, or are flying, out of sight.

Aukland the Boobook Owl

Ray the Peregrine Falcon

Nessa the Red Kite

Rheia the Steppe Eagle

Baloo the Indian Eagle Owl

Nigel the Ferruginous Buzzard

Spring edition of Free newsletter for schools

We've just launched the latest edition of our newsletter for youngsters, featuring great photos, interesting facts and fun competitions all about owls - a must-read for all those interested in these beautiful birds. The "Stonham Screecher" is published as part of our educational resource for schools and can be downloaded via our website at www.owl-help.org.uk

More New Arrivals

It's a busy time at the Centre now that Spring has finally arrived and many of our avian charges are hatching new families as we speak.

During the past fortnight a trio of European Eagle Owls has joined the fold as well as a young Lanner Falcon chick. Together with the Great Horned owlets that arrived a short while ago, the one thing these peculiar-looking youngsters all have in common at the earliest stages of their lives is their likely inability to win any beauty competitions.

Three European Eagle Owl chicks get their first airing - it won't be long before they're real beauties

At this stage of his life, we think this young Lanner Falcon has something of the Michael Caine about him, but those large eyes are an essential part of his prey-spotting equipment

However regular followers and lovers of all things raptor will know that it's not long before the 'ugly ducklings' turn into extraordinarily beautiful creatures. The example pictured below is Birkett, one of the two Great Horned youngsters which in the space of just a few weeks of hatching as a tiny mite is almost unrecognisable as he sports copious downy plumage and stand nearly 18" tall.

What a difference a month makes - in just 4 weeks this Great Horned Owl chick has developed beyond all recognition

You may also know that last year we started the makings of a colony of meerkats to the Centre to add to the range of small animals which illustrate the diversity of wildlife habitat & lifestyle to our younger visitors. Although not a British species, we felt that their popularity and demonstrable style of 'family living' would add something to the experience of visiting the Sanctuary and so it is proving.

Our meerkats too have appeared full of the joys of spring and just around Easter produced a quartet of youngsters which have rapidly integrated with the group of four - mum, dad and two siblings. Already out and about, the antics of the newcomers as they attempt to discover every nook & cranny of their sandy enclosure is keeping everyone amused!

Introducing Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Moe - a real handful at 3 weeks old

and a fortnight later, already out and about on trips of discovery

More new arrivals

It's a busy time at the Centre now that Spring has finally arrived and many of our avian charges are hatching new families as we speak.

During the past fortnight a trio of European Eagle Owls has joined the fold as well as a young Lanner Falcon chick. Together with the Great Horned owlets that arrived a short while ago, the one thing these peculiar-looking youngsters all have in common at the earliest stages of their lives is their likely inability to win any beauty competitions.

Three European Eagle Owl chicks get their first airing - it won't be long before they're real beauties

At this stage of his life, we think this young Lanner Falcon has something of the Michael Caine about him, but those large eyes are an essential part of his prey-spotting equipment

However regular followers and lovers of all things raptor will know that it's not long before the 'ugly ducklings' turn into extraordinarily beautiful creatures. The example pictured below is Birkett, one of the two Great Horned youngsters which in the space of just a few weeks of hatching as a tiny mite is almost unrecognisable as he sports copious downy plumage and stand nearly 18" tall. 

What a difference a month makes - in just 4 weeks this Great Horned Owl chick has developed beyond all recognition

You may also know that last year we started the makings of a colony of meerkats to the Centre to add to the range of small animals which illustrate the diversity of wildlife habitat & lifestyle to our younger visitors. Although not a British species, we felt that their popularity and demonstrable style of 'family living' would add something to the experience of visiting the Sanctuary and so it is proving.  

Our meerkats too have appeared full of the joys of spring and just around Easter produced a quartet of youngsters which have rapidly integrated with the group of four - mum, dad and two siblings. Already out and about, the antics of the newcomers as they attempt to discover every nook & cranny of their sandy enclosure is keeping everyone amused!

Introducing Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Moe - a real handful at 3 weeks old

and a fortnight later, already out and about on trips of discovery

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Up, Up… and away!

You may have seen our stories a few weeks ago about the pair of Tawny Owls and a Barn Owl brought into us recently - "Hospital 'springs' into action". We're pleased to say it's usually the case that unfortunates like these are released safely back to the wild, but not so often that we're able to capture the moment - either the circumstances aren't right, or the birds make such a quick getaway that we can't capture the event on camera!

Luckily the kind souls who brought in one of the battered Tawnies late in March were pretty quick on the draw camera-wise, so thanks to Julia Wilson and her partner we're able to show the minute Oscar - so named for the occasion - took his flight back to freedom, fully recovered and with his damaged eye back in full working order.

Julia prepares for the big moment with some trepidation…

… and there, he's off!

Of the event, Julia commented rather ruefully: "He flew off very close to the ground into a wooded area and we didn’t see him again. I was hoping he’d fly up into a tree and call to all his friends but no such luck!"

Well, never mind Julia - you both a did a great job bringing him into us and no doubt the release, however brief, will always stay with you. Thanks for sharing the moment!

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Up, Up… and away!

You may have seen our stories a few weeks ago about the pair of Tawny Owls and a Barn Owl brought into us recently. We're pleased to say it's usually the case that unfortunates like these are released safely back to the wild, but not so often that we're able to capture the moment - either the circumstances aren't right, or the birds make such a quick getaway that we can't capture the event on camera!

Luckily the kind souls who brought in one of the battered Tawnies late in March were pretty quick on the draw camera-wise, so thanks to Julia Wilson and her partner we're able to show the minute Oscar - so named for the occasion - took his flight back to freedom, fully recovered and with his damaged eye back in full working order. 

Julia prepares for the big moment with some trepidation…

… and there, he's off!

Of the event, Julia commented rather ruefully: "He flew off very close to the ground into a wooded area and we didn’t see him again.  I was hoping he’d fly up into a tree and call to all his friends but no such luck!"

Well, never mind Julia - you both a did a great job bringing him into us and no doubt the release, however brief, will always stay with you. Thanks for sharing the moment!

Spring edition of Free newsletter for schools

We've just launched the latest edition of our newsletter for youngsters, featuring great photos, interesting facts and fun competitions all about owls - a must-read for all those interested in these beautiful birds. The "Stonham Screecher" is published as part of our educational resource for schools and can be downloaded via our website at

www.owl-help.org.uk

And now, a word for our Sponsors

As you can imagine, running a charity purely on the basis of donations these days is no longer the simplest of tasks, but it has to be said that the unflinching generosity of corporate sponsors together with private donators and well-wishers makes things a lot easier than they could be in the current climate of unrelenting financial pressure.

The financial support of individuals is both much appreciated and thankfully admired, but as our collective grandmothers no doubt told us over and over, "Look after the pennies and the £'s will look after themselves". So, the Trustees of S.O.S. would also like to pay tribute to their loyal staff and trusty volunteers for foregoing many of life's luxuries - warmth, leaky office accommodation and a nearby toilet spring to mind - as they go about their daily duties without complaint and cognisant of our financial straits. Thanks, guys!! - without you, none of our endeavours in the sphere of the care and conservation of wild owls and other birds of prey would be possible. If there were medals given for frugality, you'd be the first in line.

But it's not always cash & hard graft that make our place tick: we have also benefitted from the materials and manpower provided on a free-of-charge basis by many local firms who have played a valuable part in keep us going. Over the years Andrews Sykes, B&Q, Barclays Bank, Bardon Concrete, Clarkes of Walsham, The Co-OP, Eastern Concrete, Freecycle, Jewson and Lafarge have all stepped into the breach with supplies and muscle-power to help with maintenance and general upkeep.

So now it's with pleasure that we add another - albeit slightly different - corporate sponsor to the roster - Birketts LLP. This highly successful local law firm have stepped in with the generous sponsorship of one of our latest arrivals, the Great Horned Owl hatched here just a few weeks ago, to help celebrate the firms 150 years in business. With offices in Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge & Chelmsford, Birketts - who provide a full range of legal & financial services to businesses, institutions and individuals - will also be promoting the Sanctuary across the region through its many lines of communication to their customers and the public at large, helping us raise awareness about wildlife care & conservation interests of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. May we say thank you, and welcome!

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A Long-Eared Story

We have had another busy week here in the S.O.S. raptor hospital, with one of the owls a very unexpected visitor!

It's rare that we see (and certainly receive into our care) a wild Long Eared Owl but such was the case when just recently, one was brought into us all the way from way over of the coast at Sizewell, home of the infamous power station. We suspect caught out by the cold snap and late covering of snow of the last few weeks, it arrived in a very weakened, extremely hungry and obviously exhausted state when it came to us. But after a spell in our warm treatment room followed by a few days of regular food, the little chap was as good as new and we'll be taking him back to home ground for release very shortly.

Fit for the off! After a few days good food this once-emaciated visitorwas ready to go back to the wild

As with all releases of birds back to wild it's preferable that, where possible, they are turned loose in proximity to where they were found, firstly because they are likely to have an established and recognisable territory there, and secondly they could have a partner in situ - many's the time when at the point of releasing birds, we have been surprised by the appearance of another bird then able to rejoin its mate. I have to say, it's a joy to behold knowing we have effectively released a bird back to its family.

A Long-Eared Story

We have had another busy week here in the S.O.S. raptor hospital, with one of the owls a very unexpected visitor!

It's rare that we see (and certainly receive into our care) a wild Long Eared Owl but such was the case when just recently, one was brought into us all the way from way over of the coast at Sizewell, home of the infamous power station. We suspect caught out by the cold snap and late covering of snow of the last few weeks, it arrived in a very weakened, extremely hungry and obviously exhausted state when it came to us. But after a spell in our warm treatment room followed by a few days of regular food, the little chap was as good as new and we'll be taking him back to home ground for release very shortly.

Fit for the off! After a few days good food this once-emaciated visitor was ready to go back to the wild

As with all releases of birds back to wild it's preferable that, where possible, they are turned loose in proximity to where they were found, firstly because they are likely to have an established and recognisable territory there, and secondly they could have a partner in situ - many's the time when at the point of releasing birds, we have been surprised by the appearance of another bird then able to rejoin its mate. I have to say, it's a joy to behold knowing we have effectively released a bird back to its family.

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Hospital 'springs' into action

As regular readers of our blog will know, the Raptor Hospital at S.O.S. sees a steady stream of visitors throughout the year and this last week was no exception with three 'patients' brought in from the wild in various states of disrepair.

The week started with a pair of Tawny Owls involved in separate road traffic accidents - RTA's as we call them, which regrettable appear to the prevalent cause of wild bird-of-prey injuries we come across. One of them had a badly bruised wing and the other had received a serious knock to the head, as the accompanying images will illustrate. 

Things that go bump in the road - luckily we think we can nurse this battered Tawny Owl back to full health

The good news in both cases is that with the right care & treatment, we should be able to help both through to recover and release: it's too early to tell yet, but 'watch this space' and we'll let you know how they get on - one thing you can be sure of is that we'll give them out best attention.

Our other visitor this week was a Barn Owl brought in by a member of the public in a very withered state and who was pretty obviously suffering from a lack of food - not unsurprising as the area has been covered in snow turning to ice over the past week of enduring bitterly cold weather, and this no doubt restricted it's hunting activities. 

Four days at home and keeping hubby awake at night was a price worth paying to get this emaciated Barn owl on the right road to recovery

To be honest, when he first came in we didn't think he would make it through the night and would really need some round the clock care to keep him topped up with small amounts of fluid and food. So - much to the consternation of my long-suffering husband who just loves having his slumbers interrupted by the frequent need to help me administer nocturnal avian TLC - I took the owl home with me to keep an eye on things. I'm more than pleased to report that after four days of intense treatment the little beauty has now been re-located back to our hospital where he's enjoying the warmth and food that will set him on the right road to recovery and probably release before very long.

Please keep reading our blog for regular updates on these and our other 'inmates' and if you are ever in our area or planning a visit to the sanctuary, the hospital is open for inspection year round Please also remember that we are here to offer help or advice, or even take in an injured owl or other bird of prey should you be unlucky enough to come across one.

If you are not local to our sanctuary and are looking for advice, please refer to our information page “What to do if you find an injured bird” where we list the organisations that should be able to assist you in your area. In most cases, you also have the option of taking the bird to your local vet who have a duty of care to injured wildlife and usually be more than happy to help you.

Hospital 'springs' into action

As regular readers of our blog will know, the Raptor Hospital at S.O.S. sees a steady stream of visitors throughout the year and this last week was no exception with three 'patients' brought in from the wild in various states of disrepair.

The week started with a pair of Tawny Owls involved in separate road traffic accidents - RTA's as we call them, which regrettable appear to the prevalent cause of wild bird-of-prey injuries we come across. One of them had a badly bruised wing and the other had received a serious knock to the head, as the accompanying images will illustrate.

Things that go bump in the road - luckily we think we can nurse this battered Tawny Owl back to full health

The good news in both cases is that with the right care & treatment, we should be able to help both through to recover and release: it's too early to tell yet, but 'watch this space' and we'll let you know how they get on - one thing you can be sure of is that we'll give them out best attention.

Our other visitor this week was a Barn Owl brought in by a member of the public in a very withered state and who was pretty obviously suffering from a lack of food - not unsurprising as the area has been covered in snow turning to ice over the past week of enduring bitterly cold weather, and this no doubt restricted it's hunting activities.

Four days at home and keeping hubby awake at night was a price worth paying to get this emaciated Barn owl on the right road to recovery

To be honest, when he first came in we didn't think he would make it through the night and would really need some round the clock care to keep him topped up with small amounts of fluid and food. So - much to the consternation of my long-suffering husband who just loves having his slumbers interrupted by the frequent need to help me administer nocturnal avian TLC - I took the owl home with me to keep an eye on things. I'm more than pleased to report that after four days of intense treatment the little beauty has now been re-located back to our hospital where he's enjoying the warmth and food that will set him on the right road to recovery and probably release before very long.

Please keep reading our blog for regular updates on these and our other 'inmates' and if you are ever in our area or planning a visit to the sanctuary, the hospital is open for inspection year round Please also remember that we are here to offer help or advice, or even take in an injured owl or other bird of prey should you be unlucky enough to come across one.

If you are not local to our sanctuary and are looking for advice, please refer to our information page “What to do if you find an injured bird” where we list the organisations that should be able to assist you in your area. In most cases, you also have the option of taking the bird to your local vet who have a duty of care to injured wildlife and usually be more than happy to help you.

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New kids on the block...

Like the rest of the country, only a few days ago we were being hampered by sleet, snow, hail and all sorts of atrocious weather but today we had some welcome sunshine - and with it, news of our first chicks of the year - a pair of Great Horned Owlets from our mature pair Phoenix and Huron.

Both unbelievably tiny, these two owlets are the first to hatch at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary this year

One proud father - our Great Horned Owl Huron in defensive pose in order to warn intruders against paying too close attention to the new arrivals.

We will be hand-rearing one of the chicks and once fully grown, the youngster will become an active member of our flying squad to participate in flying demonstrations during the summer. Also, those lucky enough to have booked onto our "Understanding Owls" courses will have the opportunity to meet our new team member 'up close & personal' at the series of popular events which are held here at the Sanctuary throughout the year (click here if you'd like more information). Meanwhile, we hope they both will grow up to be as handsome as their Dad, above seen strutting his stuff as he ensures that no-one gets too close to the youngsters.

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New kids on the block...

Like the rest of the country, only a few days ago we were being hampered by sleet, snow, hail and all sorts of atrocious weather but today we had some welcome sunshine - and with it, news of our first chicks of the year - a pair of Great Horned Owlets from our mature pair Phoenix and Huron.

Both unbelievably tiny, these two owlets are the first to hatch at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary this year

One proud father - our Great Horned Owl Huron in defensive pose in order to warn intruders against paying too close attention to the new arrivals.

We will be hand-rearing one of the chicks and once fully grown, the youngster will become an active member of our flying squad to participate in flying demonstrations during the summer. Also, those lucky enough to have booked onto our "Understanding Owls" courses will have the opportunity to meet our new team member 'up close & personal' at the series of popular events which are held here at the Sanctuary throughout the year (click here if you'd like more information). Meanwhile, we hope they both will grow up to be as handsome as their Dad, above seen strutting his stuff as he ensures that no-one gets too close to the youngsters.

It's a Funny Old World...

The snow has returned to us here at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary with a vengeance - so much so it is pretty astonishing to think that just a week ago we were all working outside in short sleeves with the temperatures into double figures.

The freezing temperatures have certainly made the Sanctuary look very scenic and thankfully all of our owls and other birds of prey are coping with the weather pretty well thanks to the cover & warmth provided by their downy plumage. Some, like Loki our Snowy Owl who naturally can survive in temperatures as low as minus 40°C, are positively thriving on the acetic conditions.

Others of our winged friends are not quite so well prepared for conditions that freeze the found and water surfaces. As you will be aware we have a very healthy population of songbirds here in our Woodland Walk and during this cold snap, it has been very important to keep the seed feeders, fat ball and peanut dispensers topped up so they keep well fed and healthy.

If you're doing the same at home, please don't forget to put out fresh water daily so the birds can have a drink - a requirement equally as important as being able to feed.  

It's a Funny Old World...

The snow has returned to us here at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary with a vengeance - so much so it is pretty astonishing to think that just a week ago we were all working outside in short sleeves with the temperatures into double figures.

The freezing temperatures have certainly made the Sanctuary look very scenic and thankfully all of our owls and other birds of prey are coping with the weather pretty well thanks to the cover & warmth provided by their downy plumage. Some, like Loki our Snowy Owl who naturally can survive in temperatures as low as minus 40°C, are positively thriving on the acetic conditions.

Others of our winged friends are not quite so well prepared for conditions that freeze the found and water surfaces. As you will be aware we have a very healthy population of songbirds here in our Woodland Walk and during this cold snap, it has been very important to keep the seed feeders, fat ball and peanut dispensers topped up so they keep well fed and healthy.

If you're doing the same at home, please don't forget to put out fresh water daily so the birds can have a drink - a requirement equally as important as being able to feeding.

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Under-The-Bonnet Hitchhiker

Early in February, BBC News reported on a driver on Miami who found she had an unexpected extra passenger on board - a Great Horned Owl who had been travelling under the bonnet of her car.

Click here to see the full story