Barn owl wings adapted for silent flight

Their screech is one of nature's eeriest sounds, but barn owls hunt in almost total silence.

Now researchers in Germany have revealed how the predators' wings are specially adapted to allow noiseless flight.

Their supreme stealth is thanks, largely, to their ability to fly so slowly - with relatively little beating of their wings.

And the shape and size of the owls' wings enables this very slow flight.

Dr Thomas Bachmann from the Technical University Darmstadt in Germany recently presented his study of barn owl wings at the Society for Integrative and Comparitive Biology's annual meetingin Charleston, South Carolina.

He explained to BBC Nature that barn owls were highly specialised nocturnal hunters.

"They hunt mainly in the dark, so visual information is very limited.

"They use acoustic information to locate their prey."

Their silent flight helps them listen for the scurrying of the voles they hunt for, and also reduces their chances of being heard by the prey as they approach.

To find out how they managed to fly so slowly and quietly, Dr Bachmann examined the birds' wings in minute detail.

He examined the plumage and took 3-D medical scans of their skeletal structure.

The wings' most important features, he explained, were the high curvature or "camber" of the wings. This curvature means that each wing beat produces more lift.

This is because, Dr Bachmann explained, the air flow is accelerated over the upper surface the curved wing. "So the pressure drops," he said. "[And] the wing is sucked upwards into the lower pressure on the upper wing surface."

"Friction noise between single feathers is also reduced [by] their velvety surface," he told BBC Nature.The feathery edges of each wing are also extremely fine - reducing any loud turbulence during flight, explained Dr Bachmann.

Continued:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/16593259

Window crash owl leaves imprint

An owl was left in a flap after crashing into a window, leaving a near perfect print of itself on the glass.

Sally Arnold returned home to Kendal, Cumbria, and found the huge imprint complete with eyes, beak and feathers on her bedroom window.

She said: "Our first concern was for the welfare of what we suspected was an owl and we opened up the window to check if it was still around.

"Fortunately, there was no sign of the bird and we can only assume that it had flown away probably suffering from a headache."

The silhouette was left by the bird's "powder down" - a substance protecting growing feathers.

Experts from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) confirmed the bird was most likely a tawny owl because of its size and shape and the fact that they appear in gardens more regularly than others.

Val Osborne, head of the RSPB's wildlife inquiries team, said: "We don't very often see an imprint of a bird that's flown into a window that's this clear and where it's pretty obvious exactly what kind of birds it is.

"This would have been very uncomfortable for the bird but thankfully it looks like it survived as Mr and Mrs Arnold couldn't find it anywhere close by.

"Sadly, many birds aren't so lucky."

Birds often collide with windows or start to attack them, especially at this time of year with so many young birds around, the RSPB said.

http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/window-crash-owl-leaves-imprint

Wildwood owls in flight

The keeper team at Wildwood have been busy training two of our tawny owls to take part in flying displays at the park. After a number of practice sessions behind the scenes the birds have now moved into the woodland areas of the park for training.

The owls, named Falcor and Gimli, have been training in private for a number of months and are now ready to practice flying in the public areas to get them used to flying with visitors around.

Keeper Chris Jewell said “It takes a while to train the owls to fly to the glove as they’re not generally receptive to training and are easily distracted, but we are taking it at a steady pace for the birds and they are coming on very well. We have moved the practice area into the park and so far the customers who have seen the birds in flight have been delighted.”

As well as getting the birds ready for organised displays the training is also a great way to keep the owls both physically and mentally fit, “not only is this the perfect way to exercise the owls, learning to fly to a glove gives them discipline and keeps them entertained” said Chris.

Owls are amongst the most beautiful and iconic animals to live in the British countryside but sadly most people are unlikely to ever see one except in captivity, and even then it is very rare to see an owl in flight. As a conservation charity, Wildwood is dedicated to educating people about British wildlife in as natural a setting as possible and it is hoped that once the owls have finished their training we will be able to demonstrate their amazing flying skills to thousands of visitors every year.

Wildwood is home to a range of native owls such as tawny, short eared, eagle and barn owls. Training will continue at the park for the next few weeks so if you are lucky enough to be visiting when they are practicing please be sure to stop and enjoy this amazing sight.

Owls change colour as climate warms

The owls are evolving to cope with increasing temperatures

Tuesday, 22 February 2011
By Emma Brennand
Earth News reporter

Tawny owls turn brown to survive in warmer climates, according to scientists in Finland.

Feather colour is hereditary, with grey plumage dominant over brown. But the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, found that the number of brown owls was increasing.

As winters become milder, the scientists say, grey feathered tawny owls are likely to disappear.

This study indicates that the birds are evolving in response to climate change.

Dr Patrik Karell from the University of Helsinki, who led the study, gathered together data from long-term tawny owl studies carried out across Finland over the last 30 years.

The owls can be split into two plumage-based categories - brown or grey.

The colour of a tawny owl's plumage does not change throughout its lifetime, so Dr Karell and his colleagues were able to use the data to create "colour maps" of breeding pairs and their offspring.

The maps showed that plumage colour was hereditary; pairs with grey plumage had the grey "version" of the gene that coded for plumage colour, so they produced grey offspring.

In the case of mixed colour breeding pairs, the grey colour trait was "dominant", which meant that an owlet that inherited both grey genes and brown genes would be likely to have grey plumage.

Lighter shade

The team examined tawny owl data, which was compiled by amateur bird ringers from the Finnish Museum of Natural History.

This revealed that, in years when winter weather was particularly severe, there was a higher mortality rate in the brown owl population.

This could be because brown owls were more visible to predators when there was thick snow cover.

Previous genetic studies have also suggested that brown owls' may have other disadvantages compared to their grey counterparts, including weaker immune systems and higher metabolic rates - meaning they need to forage more in order to survive.

But as the winters have become warmer, and snow cover has been reduced, the brown tawny owl populations have greatly increased.

Dr Karell told BBC News that the brown owls, which used to form 30% of the tawny owl population in Finland, now make up 50%.

"Its survival has improved as winters have become warmer," he said. "In other words, climate-driven selection has led to an evolutionary change in the population."

The results also suggest that a changing climate could, in some species, reduce the number and variety of characteristics that can be inherited.

If the grey owls disappeared from the "gene pool", for example, there would be only one version of the colour gene to be found.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9401000/9401733.stm
(Submitted by Dawn Holloway)

Black magic behind illegal owl trade in India

Use of owls in black magic and sorcery driven by superstition, totems and taboos is one of the prime drivers of the covert owl trade, finds a TRAFFIC India investigation into the illegal trade, trapping and utilization of owls in India.


TRAFFIC India’s report entitled “Imperilled Custodians of the Night” was launched today by Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of Environment and Forests at his office in New Delhi.

Hunting of and trade in all Indian owl species is banned under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 of India.

While the exact number of owls traded each year countrywide is unknown, it certainly runs into thousands of individuals and there are anecdotal reports of owls becoming rare throughout India due to loss of suitable habitat especially old growth forests.

In light of such reports, TRAFFIC is calling for measures including better law enforcement to curb the trade in owls immediately.

TRAFFIC also calls for raising awareness of the beneficial and vital role of owls in the ecosystem, the birds being of particular benefit to farmers through their predation of rodents and other crop pests.

The sacrifice of owls on auspicious occasions appears to be a regular practice and TRAFFIC warns of a possible increase in owl trade and sacrifice around Diwali, the Festival of Light, which this year is on 5th November.

Shaman or black magic practitioners frequently referred to as tantriks in India, prescribe the use of owls and their body parts such as skull, feathers, ear tuffs, claws, heart, liver, kidney, blood, eyes, fat, beak, tears, eggshells, meat and bones for ceremonial pujas and rituals.

Of the 30 owl species recorded from India, 15 have been recorded by this study in the domestic live bird trade. Owl species most highly sought after by traders are large species, especially those with false “ear-tufts” (actually feather extensions on the head), which are thought to bestow greater magical properties on the birds.

However, trade includes both large (e.g. Rock Eagle-Owl) & small (e.g. Spotted Owlet) owl species inhabiting areas as varied as urban settings and forest or riverine tracts with the main centres for the illicit trade located in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Bihar, according to TRAFFIC.

Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of Environment and Forest said at the launch, “Diwali should be a time for celebration across our nation, not one when our wildlife is plundered to feed ignorant superstition. India's wildlife already faces many pressures; the additional burden of being killed out of ignorance and fear is not one that has any place in our modern society”.

“Owls are as important to our ecosystem as the Tigers or any other better known charismatic species. It is important that the threat to owls is brought to light during the festival of Diwali and concrete ground action is undertaken to curb such trade” he further added.

The TRAFFIC investigation also finds that besides black magic, owls are trapped and traded for use in street performances; killed for taxidermy and for their meat; their parts are used in folk medicines; even their claws and feathers are sometimes used in headgear. Live owls are also used as decoys to catch other bird species.

In addition, the investigation recorded 15 owl species in trade including the spotted owlet, barn owl, rock-eagle owl, jungle owlet, collared scops-owl, brown fish-owl, dusky eagle-owl, mottled wood-owl, Asian barred owlet, collared Owlet, brown wood-owl, oriental scops-owl, spot-bellied eagle-owl, tawny fish-owl and the eastern grass-owl.

http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?196341/Black-magic-behind-illegal-owl-trade-in-India

Black magic behind illegal owl trade in India

Use of owls in black magic and sorcery driven by superstition, totems and taboos is one of the prime drivers of the covert owl trade, finds a TRAFFIC India investigation into the illegal trade, trapping and utilization of owls in India.


TRAFFIC India’s report entitled “Imperilled Custodians of the Night” was launched today by Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of Environment and Forests at his office in New Delhi.

Hunting of and trade in all Indian owl species is banned under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 of India.

While the exact number of owls traded each year countrywide is unknown, it certainly runs into thousands of individuals and there are anecdotal reports of owls becoming rare throughout India due to loss of suitable habitat especially old growth forests.

In light of such reports, TRAFFIC is calling for measures including better law enforcement to curb the trade in owls immediately.

TRAFFIC also calls for raising awareness of the beneficial and vital role of owls in the ecosystem, the birds being of particular benefit to farmers through their predation of rodents and other crop pests.

The sacrifice of owls on auspicious occasions appears to be a regular practice and TRAFFIC warns of a possible increase in owl trade and sacrifice around Diwali, the Festival of Light, which this year is on 5th November.

Shaman or black magic practitioners frequently referred to as tantriks in India, prescribe the use of owls and their body parts such as skull, feathers, ear tuffs, claws, heart, liver, kidney, blood, eyes, fat, beak, tears, eggshells, meat and bones for ceremonial pujas and rituals.

Of the 30 owl species recorded from India, 15 have been recorded by this study in the domestic live bird trade. Owl species most highly sought after by traders are large species, especially those with false “ear-tufts” (actually feather extensions on the head), which are thought to bestow greater magical properties on the birds.

However, trade includes both large (e.g. Rock Eagle-Owl) & small (e.g. Spotted Owlet) owl species inhabiting areas as varied as urban settings and forest or riverine tracts with the main centres for the illicit trade located in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Bihar, according to TRAFFIC.

Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of Environment and Forest said at the launch, “Diwali should be a time for celebration across our nation, not one when our wildlife is plundered to feed ignorant superstition. India's wildlife already faces many pressures; the additional burden of being killed out of ignorance and fear is not one that has any place in our modern society”.

“Owls are as important to our ecosystem as the Tigers or any other better known charismatic species. It is important that the threat to owls is brought to light during the festival of Diwali and concrete ground action is undertaken to curb such trade” he further added.

The TRAFFIC investigation also finds that besides black magic, owls are trapped and traded for use in street performances; killed for taxidermy and for their meat; their parts are used in folk medicines; even their claws and feathers are sometimes used in headgear. Live owls are also used as decoys to catch other bird species.

In addition, the investigation recorded 15 owl species in trade including the spotted owlet, barn owl, rock-eagle owl, jungle owlet, collared scops-owl, brown fish-owl, dusky eagle-owl, mottled wood-owl, Asian barred owlet, collared Owlet, brown wood-owl, oriental scops-owl, spot-bellied eagle-owl, tawny fish-owl and the eastern grass-owl.

http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?196341/Black-magic-behind-illegal-owl-trade-in-India

Great Gray Owl

Great gray owl research provides evidence that the Sierra Nevada is home to a genetically distinct population, compared to great gray owls outside of California.

Scientists, in 2010, documented Yosemite's great gray owl (Strix nebulosa Yosemitensis) as genetically distinct from the great gray owl in western North America (Strix nebulosa nebulosa). In addition to genetic differences, behavioral differences appear to exist in the Yosemite subspecies. These include differences in migration patterns, prey preference, and nest site selection. Each of these genetic and behavioral characteristics indicates the Sierra Nevada population of great gray owls has been isolated from other populations for an extensive period of time.

Yosemite, today, is the southernmost range and last sanctuary of almost all of California's great gray owls, listed as California State Endangered Species. Researchers estimate there are only about 200 to 300 individuals in California, and about 65% of the state's population resides in Yosemite. Great gray owls nest in the middle elevations of the park where forests and meadows meet. They can be active at any time of the day or night, preferring to hunt in open meadows and clearings within the forest.Then, in winter, they move downslope to snow-free areas where they can more easily access their rodent prey.

This rare and endangered owl is the largest North American owl but also can be found in Asia and Europe. It stands as tall as 2 feet with a 5-foot wingspan and has distinctive piercing yellow eyes accented by large facial disks.

To gain a greater understanding of Yosemite's great gray owl and its genetic make-up, Yosemite joined with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station and geneticists from University of California, Davis to assess genetics, ecological-limiting factors, and immediate management needs of the Sierra-wide population. Great gray owls, restricted to montane meadows, are threatened from mounting resource use in the broader Sierra Nevada. Threats outside the park include timber harvest, grazing, and development pressures.

National parks like Yosemite that provide nearly intact ecosystems are critically important to both identify new species of plants and animals and to provide a laboratory in which to conduct scientific study. Yosemite's research aims to develop a predictive GIS-based habitat model of great gray owl distribution and habitat associations; and design a long-term monitoring plan to assess population trends.

Future genetic research on the great gray owl in Yosemite would help develop a technique to identify individual owls from their molted feathers. This non-invasive research method would allow scientists to study survival rates, reproduction patterns, and other important information through the DNA found in the collected feathers. Additionally, this research method would mitigate negative impacts on the sensitive great gray owl population in the park.

• Learn more about Yosemite's birds, including the park's other special status bird species.
  

Read the 2010 citation naming the Strix nebulosa Yosemitensis:
 

Hull, J.M.; Keane, J.J.; Savage, W.K.; Godwin, S.A.; Shafer, J.A.; Jepsen, E.P.; Gerhardt, R.; Stermer, C.; Ernest, H.B. (2010, July). Range-wide genetic differentiation among North American great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) reveals a distinct lineage restricted to the Sierra Nevada, California. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 56(1), 212-221, DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2010.02.027

 

http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/great-gray-owl.htm

 

Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2010 Jul;56(1):212-21. Epub 2010 Mar 1.

Range-wide genetic differentiation among North American great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) reveals a distinct lineage restricted to the Sierra Nevada, California.

Hull JM, Keane JJ, Savage WK, Godwin SA, Shafer JA, Jepsen EP, Gerhardt R, Stermer C, Ernest HB.

Abstract
Investigations of regional genetic differentiation are essential for describing phylogeographic patterns and informing management efforts for species of conservation concern. In this context, we investigated genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) populations in western North America, which includes an allopatric range in the southern Sierra Nevada in California. Based on a total dataset consisting of 30 nuclear microsatellite DNA loci and 1938-base pairs of mitochondrial DNA, we found that Pacific Northwest sampling groups were recovered by frequency and Bayesian analyses of microsatellite data and each population sampled, except for western Canada, showed evidence of recent population bottlenecks and low effective sizes. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of sequence data indicated that the allopatric Sierra Nevada population is also a distinct lineage with respect to the larger species range in North America ; we suggest a subspecies designation for this lineage should be considered (Strix nebulosa yosemitensis). Our study underscores the importance of phylogeographic studies for identifying lineages of conservation concern, as well as the important role of Pleistocene glaciation events in driving genetic differentiation of avian fauna.

(Submitted by Chad Arment)

Great Gray Owl

Great gray owl research provides evidence that the Sierra Nevada is home to a genetically distinct population, compared to great gray owls outside of California.

Scientists, in 2010, documented Yosemite's great gray owl (Strix nebulosa Yosemitensis) as genetically distinct from the great gray owl in western North America (Strix nebulosa nebulosa). In addition to genetic differences, behavioral differences appear to exist in the Yosemite subspecies. These include differences in migration patterns, prey preference, and nest site selection. Each of these genetic and behavioral characteristics indicates the Sierra Nevada population of great gray owls has been isolated from other populations for an extensive period of time.

Yosemite, today, is the southernmost range and last sanctuary of almost all of California's great gray owls, listed as California State Endangered Species. Researchers estimate there are only about 200 to 300 individuals in California, and about 65% of the state's population resides in Yosemite. Great gray owls nest in the middle elevations of the park where forests and meadows meet. They can be active at any time of the day or night, preferring to hunt in open meadows and clearings within the forest.Then, in winter, they move downslope to snow-free areas where they can more easily access their rodent prey.

This rare and endangered owl is the largest North American owl but also can be found in Asia and Europe. It stands as tall as 2 feet with a 5-foot wingspan and has distinctive piercing yellow eyes accented by large facial disks.

To gain a greater understanding of Yosemite's great gray owl and its genetic make-up, Yosemite joined with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station and geneticists from University of California, Davis to assess genetics, ecological-limiting factors, and immediate management needs of the Sierra-wide population. Great gray owls, restricted to montane meadows, are threatened from mounting resource use in the broader Sierra Nevada. Threats outside the park include timber harvest, grazing, and development pressures.

National parks like Yosemite that provide nearly intact ecosystems are critically important to both identify new species of plants and animals and to provide a laboratory in which to conduct scientific study. Yosemite's research aims to develop a predictive GIS-based habitat model of great gray owl distribution and habitat associations; and design a long-term monitoring plan to assess population trends.

Future genetic research on the great gray owl in Yosemite would help develop a technique to identify individual owls from their molted feathers. This non-invasive research method would allow scientists to study survival rates, reproduction patterns, and other important information through the DNA found in the collected feathers. Additionally, this research method would mitigate negative impacts on the sensitive great gray owl population in the park.

• Learn more about Yosemite's birds, including the park's other special status bird species.
  

Read the 2010 citation naming the Strix nebulosa Yosemitensis:
 

Hull, J.M.; Keane, J.J.; Savage, W.K.; Godwin, S.A.; Shafer, J.A.; Jepsen, E.P.; Gerhardt, R.; Stermer, C.; Ernest, H.B. (2010, July). Range-wide genetic differentiation among North American great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) reveals a distinct lineage restricted to the Sierra Nevada, California. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 56(1), 212-221, DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2010.02.027

 

http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/great-gray-owl.htm

 

Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2010 Jul;56(1):212-21. Epub 2010 Mar 1.

Range-wide genetic differentiation among North American great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) reveals a distinct lineage restricted to the Sierra Nevada, California.

Hull JM, Keane JJ, Savage WK, Godwin SA, Shafer JA, Jepsen EP, Gerhardt R, Stermer C, Ernest HB.

Abstract
Investigations of regional genetic differentiation are essential for describing phylogeographic patterns and informing management efforts for species of conservation concern. In this context, we investigated genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) populations in western North America, which includes an allopatric range in the southern Sierra Nevada in California. Based on a total dataset consisting of 30 nuclear microsatellite DNA loci and 1938-base pairs of mitochondrial DNA, we found that Pacific Northwest sampling groups were recovered by frequency and Bayesian analyses of microsatellite data and each population sampled, except for western Canada, showed evidence of recent population bottlenecks and low effective sizes. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of sequence data indicated that the allopatric Sierra Nevada population is also a distinct lineage with respect to the larger species range in North America ; we suggest a subspecies designation for this lineage should be considered (Strix nebulosa yosemitensis). Our study underscores the importance of phylogeographic studies for identifying lineages of conservation concern, as well as the important role of Pleistocene glaciation events in driving genetic differentiation of avian fauna.

(Submitted by Chad Arment)

Pensioner allowed to walk owls after public outcry

The decision to ban a pensioner from taking his pet owls for a walk on a city street has been reprieved after fierce public outcry.

Published: 7:30AM BST 17 Aug 2010

Russell Burt, aged 74, was banned from taking his owls outside after his local council in Plymouth told him the daily walks were a safety risk.

But growing support for Mr Burt and his pet birds from around the world has forced Plymouth City Council to back track re-think the move.

Mr Burt said he was over-the-moon told be told there was no ban on Monday and promptly took his pet owls out in public again.

Mr Burt has walked his birds around his home town for nearly 10 years - without incident.

But officials said he could no longer take the owls out on the grounds that they could be ''spooked'' by traffic and ''run amok'' and attack someone.

Mr Burt's plight even reached the Conservative Party's head office.

On his blog on the party's website, Councillor Harry Phibbs has asked 'Why is Plymouth Council persecuting the Owl Man?'

A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said Mr Burt was free to walk his owls in public.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7948890/Pensioner-allowed-to-walk-owls-after-public-outcry.html

The owl and the pussycat

18 June 2010

A baby owl had an amazing escape after it fell from its nest in a Devon zoo - almost landing on top of an adult lioness.

The tiny tawny owl chick landed beside Indu, a seven year old Asiatic lion, in the lion enclosure at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park.

Keeper Lucy Manning said: "The tawny owls nest in a lime tree in the lion enclosure. One day the chick just turned up on the ground.

"Indu peered at it for a while but then lost interest. I think it was too small to eat. We believe it got away - if she had eaten it there would have been fluff and feathers.

"It probably flew off - the bird keepers said it was nearly ready to fledge. An adult tawny owl was seen nearby."

Zoo staff and visitors were keen to rescue the chick, but no one could go in while the lions were in the paddock.

Ms Manning added: "The wonderful thing about the photo is the look on the owlet's face - it seems to be demanding food!"

The picture was taken by a visitor to the zoo.

http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/The_owl_and_the_pussycat

Owl adopts ducklings born in 30ft-high nest

Friday, 14 May 2010

A tawny owl is acting as surrogate mother to two ducklings born 30ft (9.1m) up a tree after their natural mother laid her eggs in the wrong nest.

Mary Hartley was expecting to see owlets after four eggs appeared in her nest box in Marple Bridge, Stockport.

But when she checked a nest box camera she was surprised to find two Mandarin ducklings jumping around inside.

Despite the perilous height of the box, Mrs Hartley said they would eventually climb out and "float down".

The bird enthusiast has had owls nesting in her garden for the past 25 years.

'Very caring'

Two owlets, also born in the nest, are being cared for by the mother alongside the two-day-old ducklings.

Speaking to the BBC, Mrs Hartley said: "We think that the mandarin duck must have gone into the box - because we have two pairs of mandarins - and laid her eggs and suddenly realised it was the owl box.

"Because when the owl came back she then laid her own eggs in the box - confusion all round."

But even though the ducklings' surrogate mother is a predator, she has shown no sign of aggression towards them.

"She's been very good," Mrs Hartley said.

"She's been very caring, although it does confuse her a little when she tries to feed them with meat - because of course they don't like it."

Another mandarin duck has already successfully raised 13 ducklings born in another - albeit empty - owl box in the garden, leading Mrs Hartley to believe the current pair will survive.

"They all managed to jump out of the box on their own as mother calls them," Mrs Hartley added.

"And because the box is 30ft up the tree it's quite exciting as she waits at the bottom to see if they can float down and she can take them to the stream."

See video at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8682411.stm

Bleak future for randy owl whose midnight hoots are ruffling a few feathers

5:15pm Thursday 28th January 2010

HE’S the sex starved owl that’s ruffled the feathers of his neighbours with his late night mating calls.

But the future looks bleak for the horny tawny after complaints from nearby residents forced council chiefs to order an end to his midnight hoots.

Now Twixx faces being put down if his owner Wendy Whitfield cannot find him a new home.

The 12-year-old bird of prey is kept in a cage at the bottom of Wendy’s garden in Hedge End, but it backs on to a small block of flats.

The residents there are being kept awake by the randy bird’s noises after his head was turned by a wild owl that comes to visit.

The flat owners could take it no more and complained to Eastleigh council which ordered Wendy to remove Twixx or face a £5,000 fine.

See video at: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/4878740.Bleak_future_for_randy_owl_whose_midnight_hoots_are_ruffling_a_few_feathers/
(Submitted by Mark North)

Owl stuck in chimney

Metro Ireland, 19 November 2009, p10.

Owl stuck in chimney

Metro Ireland, 19 November 2009, p10.

Cross-eyed owl finds happiness

She may only have limited vision but Lucy the owl's disability hasn't stopped her from finding the perfect perch in life.

The five-year-old Western Screech Owl can only see a short distance following an attack when she was just a fledgling.

The tiny bird, who stands just six inches high and weighs just over eight ounces, was discovered under her nest site in Santa Barbara, California.

Both her eyes had been punctured by a predator, possibly a small hawk or a corvid.

Unable to survive in the wild, Lucy is now an invaluable 'staff' member at the Ojai Raptor Center in California where she helps to raise other orphaned youngsters.

The small owl, who has a 12-inch wingspan, has only limited vision.

Kim Stroud, director of the Ojai Raptor Center, comments: "She can see maybe 10 or 15 feet but we don't think she can identify objects. She wouldn't survive in the wild."

However, despite her size and disability Lucy could live for a further 15 years.

Kim, 46, both founded and runs the Ojai Raptor Center, a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured birds in Ventura County, an area of Southern California that boasts millions of acres of national parks.

And little Lucy has proven to be a valuable resource at the centre.

"She's a wonderful mother," says Kim, 46. "She lays eggs every year, infertile of course, but whenever screech owl eggs are brought in from the wild we have switched them. The same with foundling baby screeches. Lucy has raised 15 of them so far".

Despite, or maybe because of, her excellent maternal instincts the tiny predator can be fierce and protective too.

Kim comments: "She tolerates handling, but she's very vocal when she's mad. She flies at me when she has eggs or babies, or sometimes even when I go into feed her."

http://www.ananova.com/News/story/sm_3495940.html

Cross-eyed owl finds happiness

She may only have limited vision but Lucy the owl's disability hasn't stopped her from finding the perfect perch in life.

The five-year-old Western Screech Owl can only see a short distance following an attack when she was just a fledgling.

The tiny bird, who stands just six inches high and weighs just over eight ounces, was discovered under her nest site in Santa Barbara, California.

Both her eyes had been punctured by a predator, possibly a small hawk or a corvid.

Unable to survive in the wild, Lucy is now an invaluable 'staff' member at the Ojai Raptor Center in California where she helps to raise other orphaned youngsters.

The small owl, who has a 12-inch wingspan, has only limited vision.

Kim Stroud, director of the Ojai Raptor Center, comments: "She can see maybe 10 or 15 feet but we don't think she can identify objects. She wouldn't survive in the wild."

However, despite her size and disability Lucy could live for a further 15 years.

Kim, 46, both founded and runs the Ojai Raptor Center, a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured birds in Ventura County, an area of Southern California that boasts millions of acres of national parks.

And little Lucy has proven to be a valuable resource at the centre.

"She's a wonderful mother," says Kim, 46. "She lays eggs every year, infertile of course, but whenever screech owl eggs are brought in from the wild we have switched them. The same with foundling baby screeches. Lucy has raised 15 of them so far".

Despite, or maybe because of, her excellent maternal instincts the tiny predator can be fierce and protective too.

Kim comments: "She tolerates handling, but she's very vocal when she's mad. She flies at me when she has eggs or babies, or sometimes even when I go into feed her."

http://www.ananova.com/News/story/sm_3495940.html

So ugly they're cute! - eagle owl chicks hand reared

Two members of the dedicated Wildwood keeper team are hand rearing two eagle owl chicks after their mum couldn't look after them.

The demanding chicks were adopted by Cali Bebbington and Christine Reed after mum had started to ignore them and the keepers made the hard decision to intervene as their was concern they would die.

The two are keeping Cali and Christine up as they need regular feeding but they are putting on weight, their eyes are opening and both are doing very well

The chicks are very vocal and they make different noises when picked up or when they want food.

"They look like little goblins" commented Cali Bebbington Keeper at Wildwood "but they are very cute and at first I was very worried and kept checking on him all the time but he is really getting on well."

Eagle owls were UK residents after the last ice age and as populations recover across Europe it is possible that eagel owls will once again colonise the UK. The two chicks will be trained to the glove so that that they can be used around the park to help educate our visitors.

Eagle owls are just some of the huge range of British animals that can be seen at the Wildwood Discovery Park near Canterbury. For more information visit our website at www.wildwoodtrust.org or telephone 0871 7820081.

Wildwood's 'Wildlife Conservation Park' is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British Wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury.

The youngsters are available for photos to be taken of them.

(Photo: Leanne Wilson)

EAGLE OWL FACTS

Bubo Bubo

Description: This eagle owl is the largest and most powerful owl in Europe, about (27 inches) in length. It has a large beak and enormous talons but its most noticeable features are the striking orange eyes. It has prominent ear tufts, which are raised or lowered depending on its mood. The plumage is mostly mottled but with bolder streaks on the breast.

Habitat: Can be found from Europe across Russia to Pacific, South to Iran, Pakistan across to China and Korea. Eagle Owls occupy a variety of habitats, from coniferous forests to warm deserts. Rocky landscapes are often favoured. Adequate food supply and nesting sites seem to be the most important prerequisites.

Diet: Will eat almost anything the moves - from beetles to deer fawns. The major part of their diet consists of mammals (Voles, rats, mice, foxes, hares etc...), but birds of all kinds are also taken, including crows, ducks, grouse, seabirds, and even other birds of prey (including other owls). Other prey taken includes snakes, lizards, frogs, fish, and crabs.

Reproduction: Usually breeding begins in late winter. 1-4 eggs are laid on a shelter cliff ledge, in a crevice or a sheltered depression on the ground. The eggs are incubated for about 35 days. The young leave the nest by about 5 weeks and can normally fly within a further 3 weeks. They become independent by about 24 weeks old. In the wild, they live for approximately 20 years, but they can live more than 60 years in captivity.

Trivia:

Females are one third larger than males.

No owl builds their own nest.

An owl’s eyes do not move instead owls can move their heads almost three quarters around in each direction without moving their body.

www.wildwoodtrust.org

Baby owls play in Spring sunshine

They are normally happier coming out at night but these two European Eagle owl chicks seemed happy playing in the Spring sunshine.

Last Updated: 5:53PM BST 01 May 2009

Owl chicks: Two newborn European Eagle owl chicks enjoying the spring blossom at the Suffolk Owl sanctuary in Stonham, Suffolk Photo: ALBAN PIX

The wide-eyed chicks which hatched just two-weeks-ago appeared content to investigate some pink blossom on a tree branch.

The arrival of the pair has delighted staff at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns near Ipswich, Suffolk.

An Asia brown wood owl and two lanner falcons have also hatched at the centre in recent days.

Andy Hulme, manager of the sanctuary, said: "It is looking like a really good breeding season. It is all down to the extra light we are getting now."

The European eagle owl's mother, Rhiea, was the sanctuary's first ever owl when she arrived in 1995 and was a star performer for many years.

But when she turned 12, she tired of public demonstrations and turned towards courting and having offspring with a male owl called Sam.

The lanner falcons are being reared by keepers, using tweezers to feed them, until they are around 12 days old and can be given back to their parents.

Staff are also hopeful that a new crop of snowy owls, currently being incubated by their mother, Snowdrop, will successfully hatch.

Nineteen-year-old Snowdrop has already had 34 youngsters in her lifetime and the offspring have gone to various places round the world from Japan to Holland.

Baby harris hawks and southern-faced scops owls could also be on their way over the Bank Holiday weekend.

But the sanctuary is becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of Inca, the Turkey Vulture, which escaped from the centre last month.

The two-foot tall bird with a five foot wingspan has been spotted in several locations around Suffolk since being blown off course in a training exercise on April 7, but there have been no reported sightings for a week.

Mr Hulme said: "It could mean he's moved further away or something bad has happened to him. We are asking people to keep their eyes peeled."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/5257392/Baby-owls-play-in-Spring-sunshine.html