A little group of friends that arrived at FreeMe with an owlet. Diego and his two friends, Kirsten and Kyle being greeted by Wade Whitehead (FreeMe Wildlife CEO).
Tammy Caine (FreeMe Wildlife's Raptor Specialist) came through to chat to the group. She explained that Spotted Eagle Owl chicks are often found on the ground, and that it is perfectly fine to leave them there, unless they are in immediate danger. The species will often nest on the ground, and even if they nest higher up, the chicks will leave the nest before they can fly properly and spend a week or two exploring their surroundings before they are able to fly off with the parents
Tammy thanked the kids for knowing the right food to feed the owls. She also told them that although rats and mice are often primary food for owls, Spotted Eagle Owls will also eat insects, birds, bats, and even snakes and frogs!
Growing owlets like this one need more than one rat a night to sustain them, so although the food was the right kind, it was not enough. So the decision was made to admit the owlet, feed it up, and arrange to release it again where it was found once its condition has improved.
Diego and his friends were given lots of interesting information on owls that will help them to A big thank you goes to Dr John Carlyon for the donation of his wonderful book 'Nocturnal Birds.' Incidents like these are exactly the reason Dr Carlyon donated the books, as it is his contribution towards spreading awareness on owls to promote their protection and conservation.remember everything they were told, and to learn new things.
With the owlet off with Tammy to be settled in a recovery box, Diego and his friends are delighted by everything they have learnt about owls, and are excited about becoming owl advocated in their community.
News supplied by FreeMe Rehabilitation Centre.