The Sooty Show!

November 10, 2016

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s designated raptor hospital is busy at every season of the year, particularly during the Spring, when young, inexperienced owls and other birds of prey are finding their feet and testing their flying skills.

During the autumn and winter months casualties usually present with injuries sustained from road traffic accidents or as victims of the colder weather which equates with depleted food supplies and loss of condition.

Earlier this month, a rather unusual case was brought to the hospital facilities by members of the public who had rescued the bird - a Little Owl - from their (dormant!!) wood burning stove. The couple had been aware of a scratching presence for a day or two and had presumed this was the sound of a bird making a nest on top of their chimney. Louder, more persistent disturbance alerted them to the fact that the mystery presence had travelled down the chimney, coming to rest within the back of the stove!

By now exhausted, the Little Owl was easily extracted from the stove, popped into a covered box in order to alleviate stress as much as possible and then transported to us. “Sooty” arrived at the hospital looking slightly thin, VERY black, but (amazingly) otherwise unharmed.

*A bewildered Sooty arrives at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary hospital facilities!*

His first port of call was the hospital bath! Soot and water form a sticky substance which is not easy to extricate from plumage, but with gentle teasing, the dedicated hospital staff were able to coax a little of the glutinous substance out of Sooty’s feathers.

It quickly became apparent that there was no quick fix for the problem and that the washing process would have to be repeated several times in order for Sooty to regain his natural colouring. After five gentle, painstaking bathing sessions, a Little Owl emerged from the blackness and Sooty was thence on the road to recovery and rehabilitation.

…but “I hope that’s the LAST bath I’ll need!”

Having been “out of action" for a week or two whilst being cleaned, Sooty then spent a couple of weeks in our rehabilitation aviaries in order to build up body condition and strengthen his flight muscles. On 4th. December his rescuers will return to the sanctuary to collect him for release back into his familiar habitat.

Since the recent downturn in temperatures, this may be a pertinent time to suggest extra vigilance (and chimney sweeping) before striking up the stove again!

More young falconers

October 09, 2016

At S.O.S. we spend a considerable amount of time and human resources on outreach work, engaging with the younger generation and hoping to inspire a life long interest in conservation in future naturalists.

Through a number of channels youngsters are educated about the role that owls and other birds of prey play in our eco-system and their necessity as indicators of the health of native habitat.

During school term time, falconers and avian ambassadors spread the conservation message in classrooms across the whole of Suffolk. Children can either enjoy hour long workshop sessions in the classroom in the company of the birds or free whole school “taster” assemblies.

During the long summer holiday, the sanctuary likes to keep in touch with its young supporters and offer a little extra holiday excitement in the form of its Young Falconers’ Course. This special half day event enables youngsters aged 10 to 14yrs. of age to spend some exclusive time with a falconer as they try their hand at some falconry orientated activities.

Only four youngsters are booked into each course in order that everyone receives optimum instruction and plenty of “hands on” flying time with the owls.

The morning runs from 9.30a.m. until approximately 12.15p.m. and the itinerary takes this form:

* Talk the Talk! - a brief tour of the aviaries to familiarise themselves with the Sanctuary's owls and other birds of prey.

* Equipped for the Job - learning about the equipment used in falconry, trying their hand at making jesses and take their masterpiece home.

* Walk the Walk! - flying owls and other birds of prey under a falconer’s instruction.

* A Lasting Memento - taking part in a group photo with your fellow falconers and one of your new avian acquaintances.

* Expert Tuition - taking a front row seat at the flying display and seeing how, with a few years of practice, their newfound skills can be developed into a spectacular performance!

Shhhhh! Do Not Disturb

October 08, 2016

For several years, our pretty Woodland Walk has provided a secluded and densely canopied retreat for a small colony of red squirrels. These extremely pretty and sensitive creatures are of particular interest to many of the sanctuary’s visitors and, although they can be elusive at times of heavy footfall, it is extremely satisfying to eventually catch a glimpse of these delicate and beautiful animals..

*A pair of Red Squirrel 'kits' enjoy a snooze…*

The red squirrel is one of the rarest of the U.K.'s woodland mammals. The single biggest factor in its decline in the 1970s and ‘80s was the increase of the American grey squirrel population.

The larger grey squirrel is more robust than the red, competes successfully for food resources and (as a carrier) has resistance to squirrel pox virus which is fatal for the red squirrel. Greys can feed more efficiently in broadleaved woodlands and can survive at densities of up to 8 per. hectare, compared to the reds’ survival density of 1 per. hectare.

In the wild, red squirrels also have to contend with predators - significantly the Goshawk and other birds of prey and pine martens. In the urban areas of the island of Jersey, domestic cats are a also threat to red squirrels feeding in gardens. It is for these reasons that when young have been successfully raised at the owl sanctuary, they are donated to a protected breeding programmes like the one operated on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

*Tufty, one of our mature Red Squirrels, has been the mainstay of our colony for many years*

Red squirrels are solitary animals, only coming together to breed, although related family members will happily share a drey for warmth during cold winter months. Contrary to popular belief, they do not hibernate, though they do lay down stores of food to see them through lean times. They have a varied diet and enjoy seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and fruit. They are also known to take insects, birds eggs and fungi, which are collected and dried by wedging between tree branches.

Red squirrels build nests called dreys from sticks and moss placed high up in the branches of trees. The drey is often the first noticeable sign of red squirrels under a forest canopy - other signs to look out for are chewed pine cone cores (birds leave pecked, ragged remains), split hazel nut shells (dormice gnaw a hole and extract the kernel), cut tree shoots and scattered droppings.

*Home sweet homes - our colony make dreys in the fork of tree branches and in the sanctuary’s tree-top squirrel tunnels*

Red squirrels produce 3 or 4 young called kittens in the Spring and can sometimes have a second litter around July. Around 30% of kittens survive to adulthood and are weaned off their mother’s milk after 8 - 12 weeks, when they have developed a complete set of teeth!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary strives to offer visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate these sensitive and beautiful mammals at close quarters in spacious, naturalistic enclosures linked by treetop tunnels. The best way to approach their accommodation is….QUIETLY!! So, if it appears that nobody is at home when you visit their woodland quarters, our advice would be: Shhhh... do not disturb!!!

Shhhhh! Do Not Disturb

October 08, 2016

There are many aspects to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s mission statement - although primarily concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of injured wild owls and other birds of prey, with educational outreach work and with raising the conservation status of owls, all of the sanctuary's additional interests and operations are similarly firmly rooted in ecological awareness.

For several years, our pretty Woodland Walk has provided a secluded and densely canopied retreat for a small colony of red squirrels. These extremely pretty and sensitive creatures are of particular interest to many of the sanctuary’s visitors and, although they can be elusive at times of heavy footfall, it is extremely satisfying to eventually catch a glimpse of these delicate and beautiful animals..

The red squirrel is one of the rarest of the U.K.'s woodland mammals. The single biggest factor in its decline in the 1970s and ‘80s was the increase of the American grey squirrel population.

The larger grey squirrel is more robust than the red, competes successfully for food resources and (as a carrier) has resistance to squirrel pox virus which is fatal for the red squirrel. Greys can feed more efficiently in broadleaved woodlands and can survive at densities of up to 8 per. hectare, compared to the reds’ survival density of 1 per. hectare.

In the wild, red squirrels also have to contend with predators - significantly the Goshawk and other birds of prey and pine martens. In the urban areas of the island of Jersey, domestic cats are a also threat to red squirrels feeding in gardens. It is for these reasons that when young have been successfully raised at the owl sanctuary, they are donated to a protected breeding programmes like the one operated on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

As an island, Anglesey offers a unique location from which grey squirrels can be excluded to the advancement of red colonies. The Red Squirrel Trust Wales is continually working to eradicate remaining grey squirrels and to improve habitat for native reds.

Red squirrels are solitary animals, only coming together to breed, although related family members will happily share a drey for warmth during cold winter months. Contrary to popular belief, they do not hibernate, though they do lay down stores of food to see them through lean times. They have a varied diet and enjoy seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and fruit. They are also known to take insects, birds eggs and fungi, which are collected and dried by wedging between tree branches.

Red squirrels build nests called dreys from sticks and moss placed high up in the branches of trees. The drey is often the first noticeable sign of red squirrels under a forest canopy - other signs to look out for are chewed pine cone cores (birds leave pecked, ragged remains), split hazel nut shells (dormice gnaw a hole and extract the kernel), cut tree shoots and scattered droppings.

Home sweet homes - our colony make dreys in the fork of
tree branches and in the sanctuary’s tree-top squirrel tunnels

On Anglesey, wooden nestboxes have also been used successfully to protect and monitor red squirrels whilst raising young. Between 2001 and 2008, 60 boxes were regularly used by released red squirrels. The boxes were provided filled with hay, to which the squirrels added their own “personalised” mix of dry moss, soft strips of bark, grass, foliage and twigs.

Red squirrels produce 3 or 4 young called kittens in the Spring and can sometimes have a second litter around July. Around 30% of kittens survive to adulthood and are weaned off their mother’s milk after 8 - 12 weeks, when they have developed a complete set of teeth!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary strives to offer visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate these sensitive and beautiful mammals at close quarters in spacious, naturalistic enclosures linked by treetop tunnels. The best way to approach their accommodation is….QUIETLY!! So, if it appears that nobody is at home when you visit their woodland quarters, our advice would be: Shhhh... do not disturb!!!

Many hands...

October 01, 2016

Supporters who are pet owners will know only too well how labour intensive and time consuming the essential care of any creature is… multiply that by 80 and you have a mammoth task which can only be managed with regular, reliable assistance.

We are continually indebted to many individuals who give up their free time to help to ensure that the sanctuary’s facilities are maintained in tip top condition. On occasion, we are also fortunate enough to receive practical help “en masse” from groups interested in donating time and skills to charities in general or our charity in particular.

This week we welcomed just such a very sweet offer of help from an enthusiastic group - from Lindt Chocolate, no less! Team leader Jackie introduced a seven-strong band of workers who proved willing to turn their hands to any task and so they were immediately equipped with rakes, buckets and sponges for a cleaning session down in the breeding aviaries.

*They’re smiling now, but wait till they see the next aviary!!*

“Cleaning”, therefore, does not quite convey the true magnitude of the cleansing necessary after birds of prey have resided in this accommodation for several weeks rearing young! Nevertheless, the Lindt team proved to be a zealous and ebullient workforce and they powered through the “litter” in double quick time! In fact, our falconry team who were manufacturing new perches to refurbish the clean aviaries, had quite a task keeping up with them!

*The team sped through the chores in double-quick time!*

The Lindt BDT team, as this volunteer group is called, are a fun, hardworking and dedicated band who take great pride in their charity work, organising such working parties twice every year.The sanctuary is truly indebted to them for their generosity of time, industry and spirit and hope that they also enjoyed their “down time” after chores, handling some of the centre’s resident owls and sharing some intimate moments with the meerkats!

Many hands...

October 01, 2016

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is extremely lucky to receive help from a very dedicated band of volunteers… throughout all the seasons of the year! Without volunteer help, the falconry team would be unable to maintain the outstanding welfare and visitor standards which are the hallmark of the centre.

Supporters who are pet owners will know only too well how labour intensive and time consuming the essential care of any creature is… multiply that by 80 and you have a mammoth task which can only be managed with regular, reliable assistance.

We are continually indebted to many individuals who give up their free time to help to ensure that the sanctuary’s facilities are maintained in tip top condition. On occasion, we are also fortunate enough to receive practical help “en masse” from groups interested in donating time and skills to charities in general or our charity in particular.

This week we welcomed just such a very sweet offer of help from an enthusiastic group - from Lindt Chocolate, no less! Team leader Jackie introduced a seven-strong band of workers who proved willing to turn their hands to any task and so they were immediately equipped with rakes, buckets and sponges for a cleaning session down in the breeding aviaries.

As the name implies, these aviaries are used for birds to lay eggs and produce progeny in seclusion and with as little disturbance as possible. As a result, this special suite of aviaries had not been subject to the sanctuary’s usual stringent cleaning regime for the duration of the breeding season.

“Cleaning”, therefore, does not quite convey the true magnitude of the cleansing necessary after birds of prey have resided in this accommodation for several weeks rearing young! Nevertheless, the Lindt team proved to be a zealous and ebullient workforce and they powered through the “litter” in double quick time! In fact, our falconry team who were manufacturing new perches to refurbish the clean aviaries, had quite a task keeping up with them!

The team sped through the chores in double-quick time!

Particular mention must be made here of Louise, who travelled all the way from Northern Ireland to take part in this working party and returned thence after a sleepover in Suffolk… had she known she would be scraping “litter” off walls, she may have had second thoughts!

The Lindt BDT team, as this volunteer group is called, are a fun, hardworking and dedicated band who take great pride in their charity work, organising such working parties twice every year. The sanctuary is truly indebted to them for their generosity of time, industry and spirit and hope that they also enjoyed their “down time” after chores, handling some of the centre’s resident owls and sharing some intimate moments with the meerkats!!

Ethics Unwrapped

September 15, 2016

Every year, representatives of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary staff take part in a meeting with the local veterinary surgeon and trustees in order to review the ethical premise on which the Sanctuary’s mission statement stands. This Ethics Meeting is fundamental to our standards of practice and it’s consequent application of procedures.

*The eagle lawn offers a protected environment in the fresh air by day adjacent to warm, dry accommodation by night to foster optimum eagle health.*

It's impossible to relate the whole gamut of discussion here but our supporters make like to be aware of the proceedings, which hopefully convey the ethical awareness and integrity which underpin all aspects of the sanctuary’s work.

*Aviaries for our display birds are spacious and apposite to their needs*

The care of all birds, whether captive bred residents or wild injured hospital patients, depends upon adherence to comprehensive, correct procedures and the improvement or amendment of these procedures when pertinent.

Existing protocol for bird care includes:

* daily health checks for all sick and recuperating birds

* visual daily checks of resident aviary birds

* maintenance of daily record sheets for extra care of sick birds

* maintenance of progeny rearing record sheets

* maintenance of aviary cleaning record sheets

* feedcharts for the close monitoring of individual bird diets

* weight charts for daily monitoring of flying team condition

* maintenance of hospital medication sheets

* date rotation and monitoring of hospital supplies and medication…

to name but a few!!

*Our Raptor Hospital provides medication, first aid and post-op care & recuperation for wild birds of prey*

For example, this year a beautiful example of the Ashy Faced Owl has been acquired - a species forecast to face extinction within the next 20 years, without the support of captive breeding programmes and the educational amplification of its situation. Similarly, working in partnership with other conservation agencies, the sanctuary hopes to also play a part in developing dwindling populations of the Philippine Scops Owl and the Honey Buzzard.

*We plan to find a mate for our new Ashey Faced Owl - if they breed this will provide new bloodlines and stock to aid re-population*

Specialist handling and/or environment is also recognised as a necessity for several bird of prey species, for example Sparrow-hawks, Ospreys, Goshawks and Harriers. These birds, with more specific needs are of great educational importance and make interesting additions to the visitor experience, but require custom built housing and special diet - both of which the Sanctuary aims to provide.

In every instance, falconry staff endeavour to replicate a natural environment for the birds, both physically and mentally, allowing and encouraging natural behaviours and pairing birds wherever availability of stock and temperament of individuals allows.

For example, recent renovation of the Red Kite aviaries reflects how such considerations impact on aviary design; whilst a spacious and naturalistic environment must be visually accessible to visitors, accommodation must also retain a feeling of remoteness and protection from close contact for the birds.

*The aviary for Red Kites has perches shaped to their needs and aviary design free from hindrance so they have room to stretch their wings when not in display*

Therefore a hatch has been built into one end of this new aviary, allowing the birds to take flight out to the display ground independently - quite a spectacle for visitors and a welcome freedom from constraint for the birds. A feeding hatch at the rear of the aviary allows for feeding by “invisible” staff and an innovation for introducing water into the Kites' bath without trespass into their territory has been established.

Goshawks are also recognised as a species requiring extra care - they receive a strictly regulated diet and are provided with special perches and tail guards to protect feathers during confinement to aviaries.

-

With regard to the accommodation of visitors, the sanctuary staff strive to:

* maintain public safety at all times

* address additional public needs to this end e.g. braille overlays on signage, wheelchair accessible picnic tables, wheelchair accessible playground equipment, raised flower beds.

* provide clear signage outlining safety protocol

* provide trained first aid assistance by accredited staff

* maintain an accident book

* conduct risk assessments regularly

All of these initiatives hopefully fulfil the centre’s obligation to both birds and visitors, to provide a natural, safe, clean, stimulating and healthy environment in which raptors and humans may experience each other at close quarters without causal stress or intimidation.

Spacious, naturalistic aviaries benefit the birds whilst clear signage, safety barriers and level paths assist visitors. — *Spacious, naturalistic aviaries benefit the birds whilst clear signage, safety barriers and level paths assist visitors*.

We hope that visitors will continue to enjoy all aspects of the Sanctuary’s work, safe in the knowledge that it is built upon aspirational foundations of integrity and ecological awareness.

Ethics Unwrapped

September 15, 2016

Although the care and welfare of the resident owls and other birds of prey and wild injured hospital admissions take priority in an ethical context, health and safety reviews and public safety issues are also of necessary concern in a facility which welcomes visitors almost every day of the year.

It's impossible to relate the whole gamut of discussion here but our supporters make like to be aware of the proceedings, which hopefully convey the ethical awareness and integrity which underpin all aspects of the sanctuary’s work.

daily health checks for all sick and recuperating birds
visual daily checks of resident aviary birds
maintenance of daily record sheets for extra care of sick birds
maintenance of progeny rearing record sheets
maintenance of aviary cleaning record sheets
feedcharts for the close monitoring of individual bird diets
weight charts for daily monitoring of flying team condition
maintenance of hospital medication sheets
date rotation and monitoring of hospital supplies and medication…

to name but a few!!

A responsible approach to the breeding of progeny is also upheld - birds are not bred for financial gain and breeding is dedicated to the sanctuary’s participation in the wider context of rare breed conservation.

For example, this year a beautiful example of the Ashy Faced Owl has been acquired - a species forecast to face extinction within the next 20 years, without the support of captive breeding programmes and the educational amplification of its situation. Similarly, working in partnership with other conservation agencies, the sanctuary hopes to also play a part in developing dwindling populations of the Philippine Scops Owl and the Honey Buzzard.

To this end, co-operation with other agencies employed in the conservation of birds of prey is recognised as essential - by actively working with breeding programmes and loaning stock to maintain healthy bloodlines, real advances can be made in the conservation status of many species.

Specialist handling and/or environment is also recognised as a necessity for several bird of prey species, for example Sparrow-hawks, Ospreys, Goshawks and Harriers. These birds, with more specific needs are of great educational importance and make interesting additions to the visitor experience, but require custom built housing and special diet - both of which the Sanctuary aims to provide.

In every instance, falconry staff endeavour to replicate a natural environment for the birds, both physically and mentally, allowing and encouraging natural behaviours and pairing birds wherever availability of stock and temperament of individuals allows.

For example, recent renovation of the Red Kite aviaries reflects how such considerations impact on aviary design; whilst a spacious and naturalistic environment must be visually accessible to visitors, accommodation must also retain a feeling of remoteness and protection from close contact for the birds.

With regard to the accommodation of visitors, the sanctuary staff strive to:

* maintain public safety at all times

* address additional public needs to this end e.g. braille overlays on signage, wheelchair accessible picnic tables, wheelchair accessible playground equipment, raised flower beds.

* provide clear signage outlining safety protocol

* provide trained first aid assistance by accredited staff

* maintain an accident book

* conduct risk assessments regularly

All of these initiatives hopefully fulfil the centre’s obligation to both birds and visitors, to provide a natural, safe, clean, stimulating and healthy environment in which raptors and humans may experience each other at close quarters without causal stress or intimidation.

The centre is inspected annually by Mid Suffolk & Babergh District Council and every six months by a local veterinary surgeon and avian specialist. In this context, the current status of the ethical standards of the sanctuary have been adjudged as above and beyond expectations for an establishment of our size.

We hope that visitors will continue to enjoy all aspects of the Sanctuary’s work, safe in the knowledge that it is built upon aspirational foundations of integrity and ecological awareness.

SOS gets a helping hand...

September 11, 2016

It’s body of supporters includes a huge diversity of individuals and groups of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. They are all motivated by one common interest - their passion for wildlife in general and owls in particular!

*Talented artist Patrick raised funds for the Sanctuary by selling his paintings and drawings.*

The sanctuary was recently lucky enough to receive a large and hard earned donation from one of its youngest fundraisers - eight year old Patrick Hagan.

Patrick attends St. Edmund’s Primary School in Hoxne and enjoys Art and P.E. His greatest loves are dogs and owls and it was whilst out walking in the countryside with his family dog, Miller, that he was inspired to undertake a project to raise money for owl conservation.

Patrick decided to utilise his artistic talents for the cause close to his heart and undertook something of an artistic marathon in order to raise funds! He set to work to build a portfolio of paintings and drawings which he was then able to sell to family and friends and in only a few months raised an astonishing £50.00!

*Spirit the Barn Owl and Liz the falconer say a big “Thank You” to Patrick for his generous donation.*

This he generously gifted to the owl sanctuary to assist with the costs involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of wild injured owls admitted to the centre's raptor hospital.

The whole falconry team were extremely impressed by all Patrick's hard work and hugely touched by his selfless gesture in donating the proceeds to the work of its charity. Patrick made a special trip to the sanctuary to present the funds he had raised in person and they were graciously received by falconer Liz and Spirit the Barn Owl. Patrick, his Mum and brother spent the rest of the morning enjoying the Sanctuary’s birds and flying display.

In recognition of his fantastic achievement, Patrick received a free owl adoption and an annual pass to the sanctuary for himself and his family. In the artist’s own words “I enjoyed raising money for the owls and hope to do something again soon…”

Thank you once again Patrick, from all the staff and birds of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary!

SOS gets a helping hand...

September 09, 2016

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is hugely indebted to every one of its generous supporters who consistently donate funds, ensuring that its hospital's treatment and rehabilitation work, conservation programmes and educational outreach work can continue.

It’s body of supporters includes a huge diversity of individuals and groups of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. They are all motivated by one common interest - their passion for wildlife in general and owls in particular!

The sanctuary was recently lucky enough to receive a large and hard earned donation from one of its youngest fundraisers - eight year old Patrick Hagan.

Patrick attends St. Edmund’s Primary School in Hoxne and enjoys Art and P.E. His greatest loves are dogs and owls and it was whilst out walking in the countryside with his family dog, Miller, that he was inspired to undertake a project to raise money for owl conservation.

Patrick decided to utilise his artistic talents for the cause close to his heart and undertook something of an artistic marathon in order to raise funds! He set to work to build a portfolio of paintings and drawings which he was then able to sell to family and friends and in only a few months raised an astonishing £50.00!

This he generously gifted to the owl sanctuary to assist with the costs involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of wild injured owls admitted to the centre's raptor hospital.

The whole falconry team were extremely impressed by all Patrick's hard work and hugely touched by his selfless gesture in donating the proceeds to the work of its charity. Patrick made a special trip to the sanctuary to present the funds he had raised in person and they were graciously received by falconer Liz and Spirit the Barn Owl. Patrick, his Mum and brother spent the rest of the morning enjoying the Sanctuary’s birds and flying display.

In recognition of his fantastic achievement, Patrick received a free owl adoption and an annual pass to the sanctuary for himself and his family. In the artist’s own words “I enjoyed raising money for the owls and hope to do something again soon…”

Thank you once again Patrick, from all the staff and birds of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary!

Falconers of the Future

August 23, 2016

Talk the Talk! - a brief tour of the aviaries to familiarise themselves with the Sanctuary's owls and other birds of prey.
Equipped for the Job - learning about the equipment used in falconry, trying their hand at making jesses and take their masterpiece home.
Walk the Walk! - flying owls and other birds of prey under a falconer’s instruction.
A Lasting Memento - taking part in a group photo with your fellow falconers and one of your new avian acquaintances.
Expert Tuition - taking a front row seat at the flying display and seeing how, with a few years of practice, their newfound skills can be developed into a spectacular performance!

Participants in our most recent Young Falconers Course proved to be an enthusiastic bunch, eager to learn about the art of falconry and keen to put theory into practice up on the flying ground.

The concentration required to produce a perfect jess was well worth the impressive results that went home with the young falconers and we hope that the insight gained into the life of owls on these unique half day courses may go some way to inspiring a life long passion for wildlife in general and owls and other birds of prey in particular.

For further details on our next courses please ‘phone 0345 680 7897 or see this page on our website.

Falconers of the future

August 23, 2016

Through a number of channels youngsters are educated about the role that owls and other birds of prey play in our eco-system and their necessity as indicators of the health of native habitat.

During school term time, falconers and avian ambassadors spread the conservation message in classrooms across the whole of Suffolk. Children can either enjoy hour long workshop sessions in the classroom in the company of the birds or free whole school “taster” assemblies.

During the long summer holiday, the sanctuary likes to keep in touch with its young supporters and offer a little extra holiday excitement in the form of its Young Falconers’ Course. This special half day event enables youngsters aged 10 to 14yrs. of age to spend some exclusive time with a falconer as they try their hand at some falconry orientated activities.

Only four youngsters are booked into each course in order that everyone receives optimum instruction and plenty of “hands on” flying time with the owls.

The morning runs from 9.30a.m. until approximately 12.15p.m. and the itinerary takes this form:

* Talk the Talk! - a brief tour of the aviaries to familiarise themselves with the Sanctuary's owls and other birds of prey.

* Equipped for the Job - learning about the equipment used in falconry, trying their hand at making jesses and take their masterpiece home.

* Walk the Walk! - flying owls and other birds of prey under a falconer’s instruction.

* A Lasting Memento - taking part in a group photo with your fellow falconers and one of your new avian acquaintances.

* Expert Tuition - taking a front row seat at the flying display and seeing how, with a few years of practice, their newfound skills can be developed into a spectacular performance!
—
Participants in our most recent Young Falconers Course proved to be an enthusiastic bunch, eager to learn about the art of falconry and keen to put theory into practice up on the flying ground.

For further details on our next courses please ‘phone 0345 680 7897 or see this page on our website

The Fight Against Frounce

July 20, 2016

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s Raptor Hospital is busy at all year round, but particularly during the warmer weather.

Not only are the patient numbers swelled by a steady flow of young “branchers” that have fallen out of trees, but adult owl and other bird of prey admissions also tend to peak during the Spring and Summer seasons.

In the main, casualties will have suffered some degree of trauma due to incidents such as chimney falls, flights into windows and road traffic accidents. However, around 10% of cases consistently present with symptoms of bacterial infections or disease.

The commonest, but most virulent of these diseases is called Frounce - a yeast infection of the digestive tract (similar to thrush) caused by a protozoan called trichomonas. This debilitating condition is transmitted to birds of prey through eating pigeon meat, the causal bacteria being present in the crop of a dove or pigeon host.

This is why falconers never feed pigeon meat to their birds and why the raptor hospital is unable to accept avian casualties other than birds of prey - the risk of cross contamination from pigeons, doves or other garden birds to the Sanctuary’s resident population or hospital and recuperating inmates being too great.

Compression in the throat caused by the frounce causes the throat to swell and the eyes to close — *Compression in the throat caused by the frounce causes the* *throat to swell and the eyes to close*

Transmission of Frounce, which is a protozoa parasite, occurs by the discharge of bodily fluids, during the feeding of young by adult pigeons and doves through regurgitation. It initially manifests itself by white spots around the mouth or crop of the infected bird, often described by falconers as “cheesy plaques”. If not checked, the infection will then spread into the eyes, throat and brain, the latter always resulting in a fatal outcome.

Regrettably, birds suffering from Frounce do not usually arrive at the raptor hospital until they have become so debilitated that their normal functions have become compromised. An infected bird will be unable to hunt efficiently or eat enough to maintain health and condition - it is at this point that they are brought to the hospital for treatment. Frounce is a particularly insidious infection which is difficult to treat once well established, however, there is some chance of a successful outcome if treatment with antibiotics can be initiated early in the developmental cycle of the infection i.e. before it is so entrenched as to prohibit eating and swallowing.

*The Tawny Owl admitted to the raptor hospital with classic “cheesy plaque" symptoms of Frounce*

Just last week a Tawny Owl suffering from Frounce was admitted to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s raptor hospital. Although lacking in energy and condition, the owl appeared to be relatively fit and alert: an initial assessment revealed the presence of the infection in the bird’s throat and a course of medication was started immediately. The medication we use contains anti protozoan as well as antibiotic properties, as Frounce commonly leads to bacterial infections as well. Luckily, the disease did not appear to have spread further, so the prognosis for this Frounce case seemed cautiously positive! The owl now seems to be gaining strength and its condition is improving daily, with the infection stabilised and in the next few days staff hope to see the Frounce markedly subside and the bird’s recovery gain momentum.

Footnote:

Frounce is by no means a “modern” disease and falconers have been forced to contend with its devastating effects for centuries. The National Geographic News recently carried an article shedding new light on parasitic evolution, alluding specifically to the history of the trichomonas organism :

“After surviving countless battles, a giant T.Rex was ultimately taken down by a microscopic parasite akin to one carried by modern pigeons. This finding is a new interpretation of multiple holes in the jawbone of “Sue” the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil yet found. In a new study researchers …propose that the holes are lesions made by an ancient version of trichomonosis, a single-celled parasite that infects the throats and beaks of modern birds”.

This research appears to explore the possibility that this pernicious disease has actually been decimating bird and animal populations for millions of years. Let us hope that a fuller understanding of the nature of trichomonosis may lead to the development of more efficacious treatments for owls and other birds of prey in the future.

The Fight Against Frounce

July 20, 2016

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s Raptor Hospital is busy at all year round, but particularly during the warmer weather.

Not only are the patient numbers swelled by a steady flow of young “branchers” that have fallen out of trees, but adult owl and other bird of prey admissions also tend to peak during the Spring and Summer seasons.

In the main, casualties will have suffered some degree of trauma due to incidents such as chimney falls, flights into windows and road traffic accidents. However, around 10% of cases consistently present with symptoms of bacterial infections or disease.

The commonest, but most virulent of these diseases is called Frounce - a yeast infection of the digestive tract (similar to thrush) caused by a protozoan called trichomonas. This debilitating condition is transmitted to birds of prey through eating pigeon meat, the causal bacteria being present in the crop of a dove or pigeon host.

This is why falconers never feed pigeon meat to their birds and why the raptor hospital is unable to accept avian casualties other than birds of prey - the risk of cross contamination from pigeons, doves or other garden birds to the Sanctuary’s resident population or hospital and recuperating inmates being too great.

Transmission of the Frounce bacteria occurs by the discharge of bodily fluids, during the feeding of young by adult pigeons and doves through regurgitation. It initially manifests itself by white spots around the mouth or crop of the infected bird, often described by falconers as “cheesy plaques”. If not checked, the infection will then spread into the eyes, throat and brain, the latter always resulting in a fatal outcome.

Regrettably, birds suffering from Frounce do not usually arrive at the raptor hospital until they have become so debilitated that their normal functions have become compromised. An infected bird will be unable to hunt efficiently or eat enough to maintain health and condition - it is at this point that they are brought to the hospital for treatment. Frounce is a particularly insidious infection which is difficult to treat once well established, however, there is some chance of a successful outcome if treatment with antibiotics can be initiated early in the developmental cycle of the infection i.e. before it is so entrenched as to prohibit eating and swallowing.

Frounce is by no means a “modern” disease and falconers have been forced to contend with its devastating effects for centuries. The National Geographic News recently carried an article shedding new light on parasitic evolution, alluding specifically to the history of the trichomonas organism :

“After surviving countless battles, a giant T.Rex was ultimately taken down by a microscopic parasite akin to one carried by modern pigeons. This finding is a new interpretation of multiple holes in the jawbone of “Sue” the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil yet found. In a new study researchers …propose that the holes are lesions made by an ancient version of trichomonosis, a single-celled parasite that infects the throats and beaks of modern birds”.

This research appears to explore the possibility that this pernicious disease has actually been decimating bird and animal populations for millions of years. Let us hope that a fuller understanding of the nature of trichomonosis may lead to the development of more efficacious treatments for owls and other birds of prey in the future.

The Five Freedoms

July 14, 2016

At S.O.S. we are constantly endeavouring to upgrade and improve accommodation and facilities to uphold the highest standards of avian welfare.

In order that accredited standards of husbandry are adhered to, the Sanctuary has adopted what are known as "The Five Freedoms" as the fundemental benchmarks for the monitoring and assessment of our facilities and the procedures that it employs.

In 1965, a UK government report on livestock husbandry highlighted discrepancies in animal welfare standards in the context of intensively farmed animals.

This was known as the Brambell Report after Professor Roger Brambell, who led the investigation into conditions on livestock farms.

The report’s conclusion stated that every intensively farmed animal should…..”at least have sufficient freedom of movement to be able, without difficulty, to turn around, groom itself, stand up, lie down and stretch its limbs.”

*The sanctuary takes pride in it’s high animal welfare standards - spacious, naturalistic aviaries = physical and emotional bird health.*

The Five Freedoms benchmark has since been adopted by numerous professional groups including veterinary surgeons, the R.S.P.C.A. and the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is proud to add it’s name to the body of animal welfare providers aspiring to it's recommendations.

THE FIVE FREEDOMS.

Today, the Five Freedoms are currently expressed as:

1. Freedom from hunger or thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

2. Freedom from discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting place

3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease - by prevention or by rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4. Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.

5. Freedom from fear and distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

The Five Freedoms

July 14, 2016

At S.O.S. we are constantly endeavouring to upgrade and improve accommodation and facilities to uphold the highest standards of avian welfare.

In order that accredited standards of husbandry are adhered to, the Sanctuary has adopted what are known as "The Five Freedoms" as the fundemental benchmarks for the monitoring and assessment of our facilities and the procedures that it employs.

In 1965, a UK government report on livestock husbandry highlighted discrepancies in animal welfare standards in the context of intensively farmed animals.

This was known as the Brambell Report after Professor Roger Brambell, who led the investigation into conditions on livestock farms.

The report’s conclusion stated that every intensively farmed animal should…..”at least have sufficient freedom of movement to be able, without difficulty, to turn around, groom itself, stand up, lie down and stretch its limbs.”

As a result of this report, the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee was created to monitor the livestock sector. This evolved into the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1979 and Brambell’s Five Freedoms became central to it’s recommendations for farm animal welfare standards.

The Five Freedoms benchmark has since been adopted by numerous professional groups including veterinary surgeons, the R.S.P.C.A. and the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is proud to add it’s name to the body of animal welfare providers aspiring to it's recommendations.

THE FIVE FREEDOMS.

Today, the Five Freedoms are currently expressed as:

Freedom from hunger or thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
Freedom from discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting place
Freedom from pain, injury or disease - by prevention or by rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
Freedom from fear and distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

A proper Charlie joins the team - UPDATED

July 01, 2016

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary welcomes any opportunity to add to the diversity of its resident bird population - not only does this enrich the visitor experience, it also expands the knowledge of the falconry staff.

Although this usually means acquiring a new owl or other bird of prey, on occasion other interesting avians might be acquired to increase the variety of the birds on show. A recent addition has proved to be just such an asset to the team - our new Raven, Rey (nee Charlie), arrived at the sanctuary in May and quickly settled into her new custom built aviary.

*Meet Rey (nee Charlie) - intelligent, sharp-eyed and with a wonderful luxuriant black plumage*

Ravens are the largest of the crow (Corvus) family and extremely clever and adaptable, able to live in any climate, from the Arctic to the deserts of North Africa. They are extremely territorial birds and will display aggressive behaviour towards other birds trespassing on their “patch”.

In the wild, a raven’s lifespan is generally around 10-15 years, but in captivity, with protection from predators and disease, they can live for 30 to 40 years.

Although the collective noun for ravens is an “unkindness” this is not a true refection of their nature and they will loyally pair for life.

Charlie’s elegant, lustrous plumage and inquisitive nature have proved an instant hit with visitors. She is a clever bird with a large character and her antics can keep children and adults equally entertained! Due to her intelligence, it is necessary to provide articles for enrichment in her aviary, so, unlike the bird of prey aviaries, Charlie’s is well equipped with bell, toys and mirror!

Rey likes to spend time at the mirror before meeting her public! — Rey likes to spend time at the mirror
before meeting her public!

Ravens are also excellent mimics and can copy many of the sounds of their environment… including human speech, so visitors may want to watch their Ps and Qs!! It is believed that individual birds can gather between 15-30 different calls which can travel over a great distance - Charlie’s voice will doubtless be heard all over the sanctuary! Even in the wild, ravens will engage in play (such as sliding down snowy banks!) and will hoard shiny objects such as small stones and pieces of metal - a behaviour designed to impress other ravens!

One of the sanctuary’s falconers will be working closely with Charlie over the next few months, acclimatising her to her new environment and ensuring that she feels familiar and comfortable with her new handler in order for a new training programme to begin.

By next summer, it is hoped that Rey will be demonstrating the fascinating and complex character of birds of the Corvus genus in general and of ravens in particular both in public flying displays and within her own accommodation!

Charlie demonstrating her skilful beak/eye co-ordination - and she's a great one for picking her toys up and throwing them around the aviary! — *Charlie demonstrating her skilful beak/eye co-ordination - and she's a great one for picking her toys up and throwing them around the aviary!*

UPDATE: Strange but True Department. After a few months at the Sanctuary, we noticed that 'Charlie' tended to get a little agitated when visitors opened the conversation with 'Hello Charlie!" Someone suggested that it may be a reaction to the name - Charlie - so we changed it to 'Rey' - and she's been fine ever since.

A proper Charlie joins the team - updated

July 01, 2016

Although this usually means acquiring a new owl or other bird of prey, on occasion other interesting avians might be acquired to increase the variety of the birds on show. A recent addition has proved to be just such an asset to the team - our new Raven, Rey (nee Charlie), arrived at the sanctuary in May and quickly settled into her new custom built aviary.

In the wild, a raven’s lifespan is generally around 10-15 years, but in captivity, with protection from predators and disease, they can live for 30 to 40 years.

Although the collective noun for ravens is an “unkindness” this is not a true refection of their nature and they will loyally pair for life.

Charlie’s elegant, lustrous plumage and inquisitive nature have proved an instant hit with visitors. She is a clever bird with a large character and her antics can keep children and adults equally entertained! Due to her intelligence, it is necessary to provide articles for enrichment in her aviary, so, unlike the bird of prey aviaries, Charlie’s is well equipped with bell, toys and mirror!

One of the sanctuary’s falconers will be working closely with Charlie over the next few months, acclimatising her to her new environment and ensuring that she feels familiar and comfortable with her new handler in order for a new training programme to begin.

By next summer, it is hoped that Rey will be demonstrating the fascinating and complex character of birds of the Corvus genus in general and of ravens in particular both in public flying displays and within her own accommodation!

Top School pays us a visit!!

June 22, 2016

At S.O.S. we're not only committed to our various schemes which focus on the care & conservation of wild owls & other birds of prey - we're also immersed in the education of the next generation of wildlife guardians through its work with local schools and colleges and offer a wide range of educational activities designed to inspire children of all ages to investigate wildlife in general and conservation questions in particular.

To this end, falconers are happy to travel out to regional schools with a variety of birds, presenting children with their first opportunity to experience an owl or other bird of prey at close quarters.

Alternatively, school parties are welcomed into the sanctuary to spend a day amongst the falconers and birds, discovering answers to all the Why?/ What?/ When? questions posed by the natural world and an owl’s place within it.

This week, one of our local schools paid such a visit…..and had a surprise in store for the falconers! In the weeks preceding their visit, the whole school had explored the value of “Service”. Willow Class had decided to demonstrate their understanding of "service to a charity" by working extremely hard with their teacher to raise funds for their chosen cause.

The enterprising children from a local school met Aukland, the Boobook Owl during their recent visit - despite the terrible weather (and the ever-present danger of falconer Dean showing his knees) everyone seemed to have a good time! — The enterprising children from a local school met Aukland,
the Boobook Owl during their recent visit - despite the terrible weather (and the ever-present danger of falconer Dean showing his knees) everyone seemed to have a good time!

Having dreamt up some inventive ways to raise money, the whole class had indulged in a Chocolate Bingo session and suffered the agonies of a Sponsored Silence! As a direct consequence, the birds currently in the care S.O.S. became the lucky recipients of their generosity and a large donation cheque was presented to Auckland, the Boobook Owl and Dean the falconer.

The school spent the rest of the VERY wet day meeting the birds in the flying team and learning about the important role owls play in our domestic ecosystem, as indicators of the health of our countryside. Owls and other birds of prey from other parts of the world were also introduced and the day to day work of the sanctuary and its hospital facilities explained. The adoption team was very popular and the children elected to adopt three birds on their visit - Lily the Little Owl, Bug the Tawny Owl and Odin, the Peregrine Falcon.

ITMA (ask your grandad) - Dean and Aukland togetheraccept a very generous donation raised through the extra-ordinary efforts of a class from a local school.  Thank you, guys - you did us proud!! — ITMA (ask your grandad) - Dean and Aukland together
accept a very generous donation raised through the
extra-ordinary efforts of a class from a local school.
Thank you, guys - you did us proud!!

Despite the awful weather, our resident family of meerkats did not fail to entertain, and a close look at the red squirrels was also a “first” for many children, but sadly, torrential rain necessitated an early retreat back to school, but all the staff and birds at the sanctuary look forward to welcoming Willow Class back to the centre on a drier, more comfortable day!!

Meanwhile we would like to thank the school once again for the very generous donation and all the hard work,organisation and planning that the enthusiastic of these enthusiastic schoolchildren necessitated.

Top School pays us a visit!!

June 22, 2016

To this end, falconers are happy to travel out to regional schools with a variety of birds, presenting children with their first opportunity to experience an owl or other bird of prey at close quarters.

Alternatively, school parties are welcomed into the sanctuary to spend a day amongst the falconers and birds, discovering answers to all the Why?/ What?/ When? questions posed by the natural world and an owl’s place within it.

This week, one of our local schools paid such a visit…..and had a surprise in store for the falconers! In the weeks preceding their visit, the whole school had explored the value of “Service”. Willow Class had decided to demonstrate their understanding of "service to a charity" by working extremely hard with their teacher to raise funds for their chosen cause.

The school spent the rest of the VERY wet day meeting the birds in the flying team and learning about the important role owls play in our domestic ecosystem, as indicators of the health of our countryside. Owls and other birds of prey from other parts of the world were also introduced and the day to day work of the sanctuary and its hospital facilities explained. The adoption team was very popular and the children elected to adopt three birds on their visit - Lily the Little Owl, Bug the Tawny Owl and Odin, the Peregrine Falcon.

Meanwhile we would like to thank the school once again for the very generous donation and all the hard work,organisation and planning that the enthusiastic of these enthusiastic schoolchildren necessitated.