A very sticky situation

We recently took charge of a young barn owl that had been found caught in a glue trap. Glue traps a huge risk to wildlife, especially bird of prey who will go down to the rodents that are caught in the traps. If the traps are not checked regularly raptors unfortunate to fall foul of them in this way can suffer a slow, unnecessary death.

Luckily this barn owl was found in time and brought in to us. Her left leg and wing where stuck solid to each other and the wing feathers were badly damaged by the substance.

Initially we had to get the wing unstuck from the leg so the areas were dribbled with olive oil, which can release the glue, then gently washed in a solution of washing liquid. Over the period of a week we were gradually able to remove the vast majority of the glue, enough that she could move freely. However the process sadly removed the oils from her feathers so they became quite weak and lost their waterproofing.

This graphic image gives you a close-up impression of the effect landing in a glue trap can cause to delicate plumage.

This barn owl had a very lucky escape but even so, as a consequence of the weakened state of her plumage, it’s possible she faces a long rehabilitation with us until her feathers are moulted and repaired enough for release. The process of moulting a full set of feathers takes up to 3 months, during which feathers are shed and re-grown over the entire body in a regular pattern. In order to minimise the impact of the molt on the owl's flight and hunting skills, this molting pattern only allows a few of the primary or secondary flight feathers to be shed at time.

With glue traps there are strict recommendations for their use (for example, checking them regularly) and using them undercover where birds are less likely to stray. Unfortunately barn owls will be using many areas like barns for housing, so are often found around where these traps are commonly used. Also traps like this It’s also recommended that glue straps to be used as a last resort.

In terms of advice, should you be unfortunate to encounter a similar instance we endorse the recommendations of the RSPCA:

• Never try to free an animal from a trap as there is a risk of injury to both the person and the animal

• Instead, stay back to avoid stressing the animal

• Call the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary on 03456 807 897 or RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999

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Click here to read chapter 2!

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Winging our way across the pond

Native Americans have a great spiritual connection to owls and other birds of prey such as the eagle, the raven and the red tail hawk.

Kevin Autry contacted us a few months back, all the way from North Carolina, U.S.A., and asked if we could spare any feathers for his religious ceremonies. We were intrigued and happy to help with this hands-across-the-water request, and were able to send a small selection of feathers from non-native species (that is, bird species from our display team not native to the UK), including the bateleur eagle, cara cara, spotted eagle owl, Siberian eagle owl, vulture and bald eagle.

Here is what he had to say upon receiving our parcel in the post:

“I am Lumbee Indian and Eastern Band Cherokee. The Lumbee are descended from the Cheraw Indians and are from the eastern part of the United States.

The feathers are used as a connection between me (Kevin), the Great Spirit (God) and the Spirit of the Bird. They are a symbol of respect and honour.

I wear them on my Regalia which is a traditional outfit that I wear during our tribal ceremony. I have not quite finished making the complete outfit yet, but I have finished a beaded hat that I wore, which has two of the owl feathers in it which you (Suffolk Owl Sanctuary) have donated. I have enclosed the photos of it and also a photo of a small prayer fan made of hawk feathers that I made for my granddaughter - she is 3 years old. She dances in our ceremony as a jingle dancer.” 

We would also like to take this moment to thank Kevin for kindly donating to SOS in return - something which was not expected, but is very much appreciated and will help us to continue our rescue, education and conservation work which is so very important to our owls and birds of prey.  

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Branchers keeping us busy this summer

For most birds of prey, spring and early summer is nesting season - which means that come mid-summer, there’s an influx of young fledglings getting themselves into predicaments as they start to branch.

Branching is when these young birds of prey learn to fly. They don’t develop this skill overnight though…they hop around on the branches near to their nest site for an extended period of time, developing their muscular strength, often returning to the nest to feed or to roost until they are fully independent. More often than not these little fledglings will end up tumbling to the floor whilst finding their feet (or wings!), at risk of being hit by passing traffic. 

Roads can be particularly problematic to all birds, however - not just these youngsters. High speed limits and wide lanes can make some roads especially deadly, and although many birds will sit on a perch and look out for food, barn owls in particular will eat on the wing and swoop low to hunt, sometimes straight into the path of oncoming traffic. Headlights can dazzle and stun these poor birds in the dark, making it quite a challenge to avoid these deadly obstacles, and strong winds and a downdraught from lorries can also prove a hazard, blowing lightweight birds out of control and into danger.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s Raptor Hospital has seen an influx of such like admissions during the recent summer months, all demanding a high level of care and attention in order to give them the best possible chance of survival and a successful release back into the wild. 

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This weak little tawny owl (above) was found on the floor with an eye injury and a parasitic infection. As a young brancher, it’s fairly possible that it had suffered a traffic collision. After a week of treatment and a further week in one of our recuperation aviaries, we felt it was ready for a soft release.

Offering a soft release from a hacking aviary gives young birds an adjustment period to the territory, and a source of food whilst they learn to hunt. They are routinely fed for a period after release until we are confident the bird is establishing the necessary survival skills themselves.

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In July we cared for a large number of kestrels - four of which were newly fledged birds found with a variety of issues such as malnutrition, or injuries from road traffic collisions. 

All were nursed back to full health and also benefitted from a soft release.

This is one of the youngsters (above). Kestrels tend to have a very large clutch of eggs, often with only one or two going on to reach adulthood. With a period of time at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, we were able to give these newly hunting yearlings an increased chance at success. 

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A group of little owl fledglings were all found alongside busy roads, rescued and brought in to us for a check over. 

Luckily they were all fit and healthy, and we were able to release them all together from our secluded hacking soft release aviary.

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What to do if you find a young bird on the floor….

• First and foremost, resist intervening - the parents are probably close by and still caring for them and watching for their safety. Adult birds of prey invest a huge amount of their time and resources into their offspring. The chicks also vocalise frequently and will potentially still be in audio contact with their parents, who will be watching or not far away.

• If you feel like a serious injury has been sustained, carefully place the bird inside a covered and well ventilated cardboard box, on a towel or on some newspaper, and call your nearest bird of prey centre, found here: https://www.owl-help.org.uk/raptor-rescue-orgs

• Do not give the bird food or water.

• For emergency advice between 8.00am and 8.00pm call Suffolk Owl Sanctuary on 03456 807 897 (Opt 5).

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Buzzard Blues

This buzzard was found locally lying on the ground in a bit of a poor state after being mobbed by crows. 

Birds that breed in colonies like crows and gulls are widely seen to attack intruders, especially when their young and territory are threatened by the arrival of a larger bird. This includes flying about the intruder, dive bombing, loud squawking and defecating on them.

Although suffering with possible nerve damage to his leg, fortunately an x-ray showed no breaks with the buzzard we received.

Over the next few weeks, we hope that with some gentle physiotherapy, the leg will regain its movement and he can begin to build fitness again in one of the re-hab aviaries in our new raptor hospital.

The re-hab aviaries give birds time, space and solitude to recover before they are released back to the wild.

Frosty Little Owl pays a visit

This female little owl came in to the hospital after being found on the floor of a barn covered in frost!

After being checked out in our hospital there were no obvious signs of anything major being wrong other than malnutrition (the poor little mite was starving) and weakness.

After a few (warm!) nights in our care room she was put out into one of our smaller re-hab aviaries where we were able to monitor her return to full health and she was released back to the wild shortly afterwards

Barn Owl Recovery

Avian casualties continue to be admitted to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary raptor hospital throughout the winter months.

About a week ago, a beautiful mature barn owl was received into the facility having been referred from a local veterinary practice. The bird had suffered a blow to the head as the result of a road traffic accident.

After careful assessment, the vet was happy to report that the casualty had suffered only superficial bruising and in all other respects was a healthy bird with a great chance of full recovery.

This is not a foregone conclusion with any wild bird as the stress involved in being gathered up, boxed and examined can have fatal consequences in some instances. This particular barn owl appeared robust and of good condition, however, and not too obviously distressed by it’s close encounter with humans.

On arrival at the sanctuary’s hospital the owl was settled into the rehabilitation aviaries where he was able to gather strength and exercise muscles in preparation for release back into the wild. Over the following week, it has proved to be a model patient, enjoying regular feeds and protection from predators, giving the bruising to his head chance to subside before facing the elements again.

The falconry team were able to release the owl back into its natural habitat after time spent in one of the quiet recuperation aviaries where it gained flight strength and was soon released, close to where it was originally found.

For a video of the release showing the flight of the Barn Owl in slow motion, click here

A new box for Ural Owls, Bumble and Bea

Spring is the season when the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s falconers are engaged in checking the condition of nest boxes and aviary accommodation which has afforded protection to members of our resident bird team from the elements throughout the harsh winter weather.

These are the birds variously used in displays, talks and school visits to inform the public about the diversity of owl and other bird of prey species and illustrate the differences, habits, habitats and conservation statuses of the various species.

Many boxes will need to be replaced to ensure effective protection is always available to the birds - some may just need augmentation with additional nesting material, to encourage some of the owls and other birds of prey to breed in the coming months. 

Should progeny result during the season, these are usually exchanged between zoos and establishments similar to our own in order to the maintain breeding bloodlines.

Last week it was the turn of Bumble and Bea, the Ural owls to receive an upgrade to their facilities.

A new, spacious nest box was built by the falconers and erected in their aviary and Bea wasted no time in settling down inside. Close companions for many years, the pair have been known to raise young in the past, so it may transpire that a happy by product of the new nest box might be a successful breeding season for them.

Ural owls enjoy a wide distribution worldwide, from Japan and Korea in the east to Scandinavia in the west and throughout Europe and Asia.

Their preferred native habitat is open woodland and is more often found in moister areas - so ideally suited to the Suffolk climate. In the wild, the Ural owl seeks out hollow tree trunks and old raptor nests in which to lay between 2 and 4 eggs which are incubated for 27 - 34 days.

It is hoped that the warmth, seclusion and security offered by Bumble and Bea’s new nest box may imitate their naturally preferred nest sites to their added contentment! 

Spring is on the horizon...

At this time of year many birds are pairing up and getting ready for the imminent breeding season.

This year, falconers Rufus and Matt are working closely with potential breeding pairs to ensure they have the optimum environment to display this behaviour!

A variety of measures can be taken to make the birds’ surroundings more conducive to breeding, such as the location of their aviary, density of planting within, relative seclusion and size and location of nest box/nest site.

Falconer Rufus embellishes the tawny eagle nest site with suitable material.

Mara and Sambura, the Tawny Eagles have lived together at the sanctuary for about ten years. In that time their interest in breeding has only progressed as far as some token nest building activity, suggesting that they may not yet be a fully bonded pair. For this reason Rufus and Matt decided to take steps to encourage a closer relationship between the two.

Rufus gathered a plentiful supply of material together to build a luxurious, robust eagle nest site and hopefully improve the ambience of their accommodation!

Sambura the male tawny eagle inspects the recent renovations!

On close inspection, Sambura seems to approve of this innovation and the falconers will watch him and Mara closely to gauge any consequential developments in their behaviour.

That’ll do nicely, thankyou…

Tawny Troubles

Tawny owls are fairly frequent visitors to the S.O.S. raptor hospital all year round. Often they are casualties from road traffic accidents; sometimes, during the winter months they are victims of harsh weather; during the breeding season, young “branchers” arrive, having fallen from their nest site.

A stunned tawny owl will recover from a traffic collision in the S.O.S. raptor hospital.

This week a tawny came to us as a referral from a local veterinary practice. A member of the public had taken the bird in after rescuing it from the side of the road. The owl was wrapped in a towel for the safety of both staff and bird and carefully assessed.

Some bruising was apparent on the head, eye and wing on its right hand side - injuries consistent with a collision with a vehicle. Happily, none of the injuries were serious enough to compromise the bird in any way, so a period of rest in a secure environment, away from predators and with regular feeding, was the prescribed treatment. We expect to release this individual, fit and healthy, back to the wild in a week or so.

Although tawny owl numbers locally appear to be fairly stable, numbers have declined steadily over the last few years nationally to the point where the birds’ conservation status has recently been elevated from green to amber.

You can download a copy of our Tawny Troubles leaflet here

As a consequence, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary has renewed it’s efforts to support and protect this iconic owl through the nationwide distribution of a “Tawny Troubles” leaflet explaining the plight of the tawny owl population with reference to what is being done to help reverse the trend.

The BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) is currently undertaking a survey to investigate the demise of tawny owls more closely. Their programme is designed to bring interested parties into contact with tawny owls, improve their knowledge of the bird’s condition and support the monitoring work undertaken by local groups like Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. Hopefully, this proactive initiative will kick-start long-term projects and ultimately contribute to increasing the breeding success of tawnies.

Aside from the rescue and rehab endeavours to return birds fit and flying free back to the wild from instances like the one above, in partnership with the Thornham Owl Project the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary helps to maintain and monitor a network of secure wild owl nest boxes suited to the nesting habits of the tawny owl.

A new tawny owl nest box is securely sited out of predators’ reach

Project founder Roger Buxton observes that there is “an urgent need to expand our knowledge of this species so that we are in the best possible position to provide advice on issues that may impact them, whether they are changes in planning policy, alterations to agri-environmental schemes, the management of our woodland estates or climate change.

Through the work of the nest box scheme and a variety of educational outreach projects, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary offers practical support and strives to realise positive outcomes for the local tawny owl population.

Fundraising Update - more on our Towels for Owls appeal

Although S.O.S. fundraising is an ongoing concern and generous donations from the public are gratefully received throughout the year, there are occasions when assistance is required to address specific issues.

Most recently, the expansion of our raptor hospital facilities necessitated an increase in stocks of hospital resources. Proper protocols, of course are adhered to for the sourcing of medical supplies, however periphery items can often be acquired through recycling and donation.

This was the case when stocks of hospital towels needed replenishing.

A quick towel dry is essential after birds are bathed to remove contaminants

Towels are essential items within the hospital - they are used to dry birds which have arrived at the hospital saturated and cold and also those which have needed bathing for urgent relief from dirty, oily or sooty plumage. More importantly, they are used for holding casualties safely and securely whilst they are being assessed or whilst medication is administered.

A bird's condition can deteriorate rapidly through the stress involved in being handled, so falconers must be able to catch up and hold them tightly, but safely in order that handling time is kept to a minimum.

Towels are also ideal for lining hospital night boxes in which casualties can be rested in dark, quiet conditions whilst healing - the soft fabric provides good purchase for talons on weakened or tired legs.

The large numbers of baby owls which are admitted to the hospital, having fallen from nests, during the Spring months also enjoy the warmth and comfort of a towel in their brooders!

Orphan babies love the comfort that a warm dry towel affords

As supplies of hospital towels were getting low, an appeal went out to the public via social media. Within 24 hours local and national newspapers and T.V. news channels had made the story their own! Towels of every size and colour started to pour into the raptor hospital within a couple of days.

The generosity of supporters - not just locally but from all over the world - was truly astounding and we would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE for their thoughtful donations, from the U.S.A. to the Netherlands and from Cumbria to the Head Office of Tesco in Bath!

Our hospital patients now have a storeroom of dry clean towels to enjoy for many months to come. THANK YOU.

Doors open on the new S.O.S. hospital for injured wild owls and other birds of prey

Just over two years ago we started raising funds to build a new raptor hospital and suite of recuperation aviaries to receive the increasing number of injured or traumatised wild owls and other birds of prey brought into Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.

Thanks to the generosity of our many supporters from across the UK and beyond, and contributions from charitable organisations and local companies, we’re pleased to say that the facility is now ‘open for business’ and thank EVERYBODY who helped us achieve this worthwhile ambition.

We’ll be pleased to show you around when you next visit us, but meantime let us take you on a tour

Mapping it out

Foundations laid

Structure erected

Near completion

Click on or near each image for more details.

Best viewed in landscape format on mobile devices

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Hospital entrance

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Public viewing area

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Public viewing area

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In-patients list

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Treatment room

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Quiet care room

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Rehab aviaries corridor

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Small bird rehab aviary

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Large bird rehab aviary

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Large bird rehab aviary

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Pre-release aviary

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Essential Equipment!

Life or Death - A Day Makes A Difference

Here at S.O.S., injured or traumatised owls and a variety of other birds of prey including falcons, buzzards and kestrels are brought into us for treatment on almost a daily basis. Nearly always the intention to bring it in to us is well meaning but attempts to administer first aid beforehand and the delay this causes can prove fatal - it’s often not appreciated that in order to give each bird the best possible opportunity of life, speed is of the essence. Whenever possible, we strongly recommend bringing the creature to us as soon as you can.

The reason is that often the full extent of the problem may not be immediately evident. In the case of the Tawny Owl above suffering damage to the eye, the need for speed is obvious. But in many case the reasons for the incapacity may be hidden. Though the bird may be quiet and still and allow you to handle it, there will be reasons for it: a bird of prey in good health is unlikely to let you get near it.

If it is still, the bird may be weak and suffering from malnutrition. It may be dehydrated. The cause of its distress may a hidden injury or symptoms of a debilitating disease. In such cases, resisting the temptation to keep it for a while and maybe try to feed it or apply first aid, may cost the bird its life.

Therefore, please make every effort to get the creature into us as soon as you can. Here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary it will be given expert attention using specialised first aid equipment and critical care formula, will have access to experienced veterinary care and we also keep a good store of TLC on hand to help the bird ‘make it through’ wherever possible. We are on hand to give advice during the waking hours on 03456 807897 Option 5, and we’re open from 8.30am until 4.00pm in winter and 5.00pm in Summer.

Finally, here are the standard instructions for handling an injured bird:

1. Gently throw a jumper or blanket over the injured bird to gently pick it up

2. Put the bird into a well ventilated, darkened cardboard box - not so small that the bird will sustain further damage, but not so large that it can jump around inside. The box should preferably be lined on the bottom with another towel or, if not available, newspaper. Never use straw or sawdust and do not place water in the box. Do not cover the bird with the blanket or towel when it’s in the box for fear of it getting tangled.

3. Do not try to feed the bird. Get the bird to the nearest bird of prey centre as soon as possible. S.O.S. is open 7 days a week from 8.30am until 4.00pm during the winter months, and until 5.00pm in summer. For emergency advice call 03456 807 897 Option 5

4. Do not try to give first aid to the bird - although well-meaning, if incorrectly applied the traumatism of the wrong procedure could hasten the worst outcome.

5. Always wash your hands if you have touched a bird

6. Remember that bird of prey centres and raptor rescue organisations like S.O.S. are there to deal with birds of prey. If you’re not local to us in mid-Suffolk see this list to find one near you. Contact the RSPCA about other types of injured bird, or take it to a vet.

It's raining! Time for a bath...

It is a rainy day at the centre today, but even if we don't enjoy this weather the birds take an opportunity for a free shower! 

Kalifi (pictured here) hopped in her bath as soon as the rains started and had a good long soak and clean.

All birds preen oils into their feathers - that stops them becoming waterlogged, and the downy feathers close to the body help to insulate and keep them warm.

However, in the rain birds will not often chose to fly as the extra weight becomes problematic and their flight becomes hindered.

That’s why on days like this we don't fly our demonstration team but give them a well deserved rest day instead.

BSL Signing Day for the Deaf

Last week we were joined at a special BSL Signing Day for the Deaf by over 200 deaf visitors and their families. Our idea was to bring our flying displays to life for the profoundly hard of hearing who often miss out on the interesting facts & figures given in the commenteries by our falconers during the dramatic demonstrations.

Our visitors had travelled from Ipswich, Colchester, Bury St. Edmunds, Lowestoft and West Norfolk for the event and for the majority, this was their first trip to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, but hopefully not their last!

Groups were met on arrival by our fabulous, highly experienced BSL interpreter, Natalie, who was on hand to offer signing support throughout the day, in all corners of the sanctuary!  She did a great job too, not only signing the display commentaries, interpreting the various other activities at S.O.S. and answering a myriad of questions but also in helping our event organiser  Catherine reach out to interested groups and societies and encouraging them to come along.

Visitors were able to enjoy signed commentaries for two meerkat feeding sessions as well as all three spectacular flying displays .

During the latter, a selection of our resident birds thrilled the crowds, flying extremely close and fast. For many visitors, this was the first experience of large owls and other birds of prey flying at such close quarters and will be remembered for many weeks to come.

Acting for the centre, falconer Liz provided Natalie with details of the lifestyles, habitats and conservation status of our birds for her signing sessions, whilst falconers Rufus and Steve enabled the birds to demonstrate their aerial dexterity over the flying ground.

Magician in residence, Neil, also entertained a rapt audience with tricks, illusions and comical fun as well as painting many young faces throughout the day - all, again with invaluable assistance from Natalie.

Finally, Jenny’s Ark Nature Centre also played host to many of the visitors who were able to watch guinea pigs, goats, chinchillas and field mice at play and observe the busy bees at work in the observational bee hive at the new attraction. 

We hope to offer more fully signed days in the future - watch our website for details and to all our deaf visitors, thanks for coming and we hope you enjoyed your day!

Go Fly A Kite - a small part of a great conservation achievement

Back in May we were really pleased to find that a pair of our Red Kites, Elfin & Bronwyn, had hatched three chicks. This was great news, because the new arrivals will enable us to further illustrate the strong conservational success of a strikingly handsome and instantly recognisable raptor species that has always been the focus of interest in our public displays and school visits.

As a result of the persecution of Red Kites dating back to mediaeval times when their scavenging habits incurred the displeasure of the populace, through to their breeding  being severely hampered by avaricious Victorian egg-collectors and gamekeepers who saw them as a threat to their livestock, the species was pretty much obliterated. By the early 1900s, Red Kites were thought to be extinct throughout the UK.

However, in the late 1980s a colony of 20 Red Kites - thought to be the progeny of just one breeding female - were discovered in Wales.  With the plan to re-introduce these beautiful birds back to the UK hampered by the in-bred nature of the discovered group, the R.S.P.B. introduced wild kites from Europe to ease the boodline bottleneck and by the 1990s, Red Kites were seen circling the skies along the motorway corridors of  Oxfordshire, the Chilterns and East Yorkshire - areas where where the birds had been re-introduced. 

Nowadays Red Kites can be seen more widely as they have gradually spread further afield. The current population is estimated at around 2000 breeding pairs and pays significant tribute to what has been one of the most successful conservation efforts in the U.K.

Like many birds of prey, the growth of the three young birds that were hatched at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary earlier this year has been rapid, from development as chick to a fully fledged adolescent bird capable of flight. One of the three has been transferred to another bird of prey centre which has education high on its agenda, whilst it’s planned that the two remaining - named Hakin & Elgin - will finish their training and soon take part our flying displays. Notwithstanding, they are perfect examples of why this unique species and its preservation is so important to our bird population, and with such a fascinating history, living proof for our visitors that conservation works!

This little soul has just hatched from the egg

Just about 10 days later, a remarkable development can be seen... 

... and after 3 weeks, this youngster gets its first feel of grass.

Shortly after, the downy fledging continues apace...

... and a week later the birds getting bigger and feathers begin to form.

At 8 weeks the form of this adolescent Red Kite is almost complete, ready to join our team as we let our visitors know what what a successful conservation story lies behind this once almost extinct species.

Hack to Basics

Early summer is generally an extremely busy time for the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s raptor hospital.
This is the season when baby owls and other birds of prey which have fallen from nests swell the numbers of regular casualties, including chimney falls, road traffic accidents and cases of malnutrition and exposure.

Generally, the tiny patients admitted to the hospital ward are merely in need of regular food, protection from predators and time and space to build strength in order to progress to the
rehabilitation aviaries at the centre and then to a hack box in the seclusion of nearby habitat.

One of the recuperated little owls we have received recently now at hack in a secluded and undisclosed location

“Hacking out” is a term used for the gradual release of young birds back into the wild. This is done by establishing a protected nest box, which offers free access to a terrain of optimum subsistence. Over several years, the sanctuary has developed a network of private local hack sites, each managed and protected by a guardian landowner. These generous individuals will help our team by spending time feeding and observing the young birds being released until full maturity and strength gives them the confidence to strike out from the hack box and gain full independence.

However, the recent prolonged spell of hot, dry weather, has had a marked effect on the numbers of young birds being rehabilitated and then put out to hack. Indeed the weather has had a devastating effect on every tier of the food chain, meaning that even those predators at the top of the chain such as owls and other birds of prey have been compromised.

Drought conditions dictate that the small mammal population will be diminished - in turn, other birds and animals dependent on this food source will also experience a reduction in numbers of young. We're currently witnessing that smaller numbers of progeny are being recorded as our volunteer team begin the annual survey of our wild owl nest box scheme.

It is hoped that this trend will revert to normal once weather conditions become less extreme.

An Unexpected Little Surprise

At fifteen years old, Lily the Little Owl is one of the sanctuary’s established matriarchs.

Born at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary to Snapdragon in 2002, Lily had lived a mainly solitary existence until quite recently.

Despite being introduced to a succession of potential mates over several years, she had refused to tolerate a male presence in her aviary……until Rambo appeared on the scene last year! After a decidedly frosty initial reception from Lily, young Rambo held his nerve and took encouragement from the fact that he had not been completely rejected. 

By the winter of 2017, Lily appeared to have mellowed a little and as a consequence, Rambo’s confidence grew. After a more intimate relationship was forced upon them by the severe winter weather - and the necessity to share the aviary’s sheltered nestbox - the pair greeted the Spring as a united front.

 Like all newborns, Sebastian spent a good deal of time sleeping! 

The depth of their new fondness for each other was then proved in the form of two eggs which suddenly appeared in their quarters. The falconry team could hardly believe that, at this “mature” stage of her life, Lily might have produced offspring! Sadly, one of the eggs proved to be infertile, but the second looked promising and after the allotted 29 days of incubation, a healthy baby little owl appeared.

At 6 weeks, Sebastian's handsome adult plumage is starting to appear.

In order to protect the little mite from any maternal heavyhandedness, the decision was made to hand-rear him and he quickly settled into a brooder with a cuddly toy in the falconers’ hut!

Over the next few weeks little Sebastian grew rapidly and positively thrived in the human environment of the hut - to accustom him to humans from such an early age will condition him for ease of training when the time comes.

Seemingly quite at home amongst the detritus of Falconer Liz's desk, at 2 months of age Sebastian seems to have mastered office management!

The long-term hope is that Sebastian will in time become a fully fledged (!) member of our flying team, contributing to the enjoyment and education of visitors and school groups and becoming a firm favourite with all the sanctuary’s supporters.

The Heat is On!

As most of us will have experieneced, the last few weeks of exceptionally warm weather have proved slightly uncomfortable for humans, including those working at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary!

The owls and other birds of prey, however, seem to take the soaring temperatures in their stride.

Some of the species resident at the sanctuary are particularly well equipped for dealing with heat, for example, Pungu the Bateleur Eagle and Vera the Hooded Vulture, both native to the African continent.

Spreading and puffing feathers helps to reduce body temperature, as Pungu the Bateleur Eagle demonstrates

Hoever, all birds are equipped with the physiology to regulate temperature, whether cold or hotter weather conditions prevail. Even the snowy and great grey owls from the coldest climes are superbly adaptable to diversity of temperature. Like all birds they have a naturally higher body temperature than humans and many other creatures, and on very hot days they bring into play several additional behaviours to help them keep cool. 

Visitors to the sanctuary may notice some of the birds standing with open beaks to assist with cooling. Birds do not have sweat glands like humans, so cannot perspire to regulate temperature, neither can they pant like dogs, so opening the beak wide and breathing more rapidly is a quick way to increase air flow around the body. Rapid breaths move hot air across the moist surfaces of the lungs throat and mouth - this moisture then evaporates, expelling hot air from the body.

Spreading and puffing feathers also helps to reduce body temperature by allowing air to circulate close to the skin. Birds will also be seen holding their wings away from their bodies to help to lower temperature.

The bare skin patches on the legs, feet and faces of most birds allow greater heat loss that the feathered areas of the body; even a fleshy eye ring can help to dissipate heat. Some birds can swell such fleshy patches to increase their surface area if it is necessary to cool off quickly.

During the centre’s public flying displays, some birds will also soar at higher altitudes on the hottest days, seeking out the thermals to lift them into higher, cooler air.

Water baths are provided for all birds in all weathers at the sanctuary, for preening and cleaning feathers - in the recent hot spell several birds have been standing in their baths to keep their feet cool! As temperatures really peaked in the last couple of weeks, the falconry staff have also augmented the water baths with cooling blocks of ice!

As all the sanctuary’s aviaries are naturalistic and species appropriate, they contain a variety of trees, shrubs and plants which offer cool shaded areas for the birds to enjoy. Visitors may rest assured, however, that the centre’s landscaped public gardens also offer plenty of respite from the sun and ice creams and cold drinks are available on demand in the gift shop!

Short Stay for a Long Eared Owl!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Raptor Hospital is always busy in the Spring - casualty numbers being augmented by foundling babies which have fallen from nests or been separated from parent birds. These are generally Barn Owls, Tawny Owls and, less frequently, Little Owls.

Recently, however, a Long Eared Owl made a rare appearance in the hospital treatment room, having been brought in from Felixstowe by a member of the public. The incidence of Long Eared Owl patients in the hospital is probably less than one each year, so it was highly unusual ( but interesting) for the falconry team to be assessing such a patient.

The owl had been found caught in netting within a warehouse at Felixstowe docks. Luckily, it was within the reach of some of the dockyard workers, who were able to collect it up into a box and transport it to the owl sanctuary’s hospital.

On arrival the mature adult owl was assessed and found to have no injuries, although it was, understandably, suffering from shock due to its ordeal. The remedy for the stressful rescue and journey to S.O.S. was merely a few days' peace and quiet in a secluded rehabilitation aviary with regular food and protection from predators.

After a week in accommodation akin to a luxury hotel (!) the owl was back in condition and ready to return from whence it came, in the protective custody of its kindhearted rescuer.

Long Eared Owls are strictly nocturnal and very well camouflaged within their favoured wooded habitat, so are rarely seen within daylight hours. They also compete for hunting grounds with Tawny Owls, so are rarely seen in areas in which Tawnies are plentiful and this could explain why coastal areas such as Felixstowe may offer favourable habitat. 

 

The Long Eared Owl is assessed on arrival and appears alert and active!

Crop tubing introduces essential nutrition quickly and effectively.

I’ll have a luxury aviary for one, please!

Creche Developments

Throughout the owl sanctuary breeding season the falconers’ hut at S.O.S. bears more resemblance to a raptor creche than the centre of falconry operations!  This is because alongside our wild bird rescue activities, many of the captive bred birds we keep at the Sanctuary used for the flying demonstrations we give to fulfil our educational brief are hatching eggs left, right & centre!

Those of the young offspring which our falconers select to use for these demonstrations in future are hand reared so that they become accustomed to - and comfortable with - interaction with humans.  The others are reared separately and often exchanged with other centres similar to our own to inject fresh bloodlines into the system.

For training to progress satisfactorily, baby birds chosen to form part of the flying team must recognise the falconers as their food source from the time that they hatch from the egg. All the activities that can be witnessed at the sanctuary which involve the owls and other birds of prey working with the falconers are established through this demand for and supply of food.

The young birds are weighed every morning to ensure that they are keen enough to look to the falconer to be fed whilst retaining optimum condition. The foundations for this relationship, needs to be established as a priority, as soon as possible. 

Therefore, after eggs hatch in the incubators, they are moved to a brooder in which the temperature can be precisely controlled and the tiny chicks closely monitored. At this time falconers assume the role of Mum by feeding the pulli often and regularly, with tweezers resembling the parent bird’s beak.

Owls and other birds of prey grow extremely quickly due to their high protein diet and within weeks, the young are out of the brooders and strutting confidently around the “creche”.

Those birds that move on to new homes at other conservation projects or falconry centres will leave at about 8 - 10 weeks, whilst those that are to remain at the sanctuary can co-habit with the falconers for several more weeks, right up to the advent of serious training, when a permanent home is found for them in the aviaries.

It is not only the sanctuary’s own hand reared babies which share the falconers’ accommodation - any baby birds arriving at the sanctuary from other conservation centres to contribute to the educational remit of the centre will also spend their first few weeks getting to know their contemporaries and the staff who care for them within the protective environment of the staff quarters.

This year baby raven, Charles has joined the sanctuary’s avian community along with new Mackinders Owl, Nakura. Both have settled effortlessly into their new home and staff hope that on maturity they may form permanent pair bonds with established residents Rey and Kalifi respectively. 
 

A pair of African Spotted Eagle Owl chicks are hand fed and then enjoy a dozy nap...

Baby raven Charles enjoys a nap after a feed, too...

Nakura, our baby Mackinders Owl gets bigger by the day!