It is always an exciting moment when a new bird arrives to live with us here at the Trust. Very often, a bird will arrive here as a partner for another bird as part of conservation breeding programmes or, at the very least, they are a species that we’ve cared for here before. From time to time though, we get the opportunity to work with not only a brand new individual but a completely new species to us.
At the end of June, the Bird Team excitedly welcomed a young Greyish Eagle-Owl who it is hoped will become a part of the Wings of Africa display and take a starring role in some of our special evening events and experiences.
This is a species that you may have never heard of before so let me give you a bit of background. The Greyish Eagle-Owl (also known as a Vermiculated Eagle-Owl – a more inspiring name in my book!) is a sub-Saharan species of owl that preys upon small mammals, reptiles and large insects – typically hunting them from a still perch. They have even been seen waiting at cave entrances for bats to emerge before hunting them on the wing and catching them mid-flight!
Once grown, this little one’s feathers will be (unsurprisingly) grey-ish with lots of beautiful markings, allowing them to camouflage perfectly within their habitat around cliffs, caves or against the bark of a tree. This is something I can’t wait to see come to life against the bark of the tree now installed in our Savannah Arena which also doubles as a vulture nesting tree as part of the show.
At the moment, the name of the game for this youngster is ‘growing, growing and more growing’! Even in the short time this owl has been with us, they have grown massively – from around 260g to over 350g. Like so many birds of prey they have a fast growth rate that needs to be backed up with a ready and regular supply of food. Incredibly, by the time this owl reaches just 10 weeks old most of the growing will be done. As a member of the team who lives here on-site, it makes perfect sense that the job of round the clock feeds – early in the morning and late into the evening – fell to me. To be the first person to care for this little bird before they become a full member of our flying team later in the year is an honour. Senior Bird Team Member, Ryan, is planned to take over once training begins and what a treat he has in store.
You may have noticed that I’ve not mentioned this bird by sex – at the moment that is an unknown. As they grow, we’ll likely find out as females are bigger than the males. I’ve also not mentioned a name. That’s also an unknown – look out for us asking you for help with naming this youngster on our social media channels very soon!
I, for one cannot wait to see how this little bird grows and eagerly await the first display ever at the Hawk Conservancy Trust to feature a Greyish Eagle-Owl. In the meantime come and see, you may be lucky enough to spot him or her in one of the aviaries as they settle in, if you visit us over the coming weeks.
