Birdchick and Barn Owl
There was a request to see video of me giving a Raptor Center program. I don't have that, but Tuesday when I was feeding the education barn owl during my volunteer shift, I had fellow crew members, Maddy and Sue take some video with my camera and just ask me questions. This is not like one of my usual programs--I'm WAY more animated in front of a large audience, but I thought it would be fun to watch the barn owl eat. For those curious, I'm feeding her cut up pieces of mice.
The video cuts off before I can answer that last question. The barn owl is a captive bred bird and imprinted on humans. I think The Raptor Center got her from a facility in North Carolina, who breeds them for release in the wild.
The video cuts off before I can answer that last question. The barn owl is a captive bred bird and imprinted on humans. I think The Raptor Center got her from a facility in North Carolina, who breeds them for release in the wild.
Labels: Bird Feeding, raptors
posted by birdchick at 8:39 PM
16 Comments:
Birdchick, I just love your blog. That video was terrific. It's so cool you get to work hands on with birds of all types. Keep up the good work!
I don't know if you've seen this (you probably have; you've got a great wildlife radar) but I knew it would interest you.
Barn Owls in Jordan
Great video. You are very calm and informative in your demonstration and obviously enjoy what you do. I could never get up and talk in front of people. I'm more of an audience type.
Barn owls are very lightweight aren't they, or you have strong arms (bit of both?!)
Poor mousie bits, but it's the circle of life, right and an owls gotta eat.
I had to dispose of a full mouse trap on the kitchen floor first thing this morning, so I could get to the microwave and defrost some shrimp for my very spoiled pet rats.
That was terrific. You are a great speaker. It would be so neat to be able to sit in on one of your presentations.
It looks like fun.
http://rfalconcam.com/rfc-main/mainView.php
I feel really silly saying this... but... You make me want to learn more about not just owls, but birds in general.
Since I"ve started reasding your blog, I"ve started to pay more attention to what I see and hear. I've never stopped and asked myself "I wonder what kind of bird is making that?" before...
Thank you :)
ColbyWolf,
Thank you so for the compliment. That's kind of my goal with the blog.
And THANK YOU to everyone who leaves such nice comments, I do appreciate them, you guys make the blog fun to do.
Hey, Alice, that a cool news story about barn owls, thanks for bringing that up.
I found a video of a barn owl attacking a kestrel box in the Netherlands and I'm debating about putting it up the blog. It's kind of a train wreck, you don't want to watch and yet, you can't look away. I was watching it last night and NBB could only hear the sounds and said it sounded disturbing.
You know I think Barn Owls, are pretty common in both VA and NC. I am sure they love tobacco barns, still plenty of those around here and in NC. Not suprised she (she right ?) is from NC. The one I use to see all the time was the screech owl. But they seem to be in decline. They are pretty dinky.
kitmarlowescot2
Poor Mice. Are they humanely killed, at least?
Anyway, you are a natural, and very informative.
Great video, and very informative!
OH, come on. Mice are meant to be eaten!
Thank you, Sharon, for doing this post. ( I was the one who bugged her to do it)
We have a barn owl in rehab right now with a flesh wound
"It's just a flesh wound."
"Wha? You're arm's off!"
"No, it isn't."
Sorry, got off on a Monty Python tangent.
Where was I? Oh, yeah.
The barn owl is being rehabbed, but there is a small chance it will be non-releasable and then it's MINE!!!!
I like having birds that people don't really ever see...(the peregrine, or any owl, for that matter) because it is an experience that they won't forget.
Are you being inundated with "Harry Potter" themed programs like I am?
When we get back to town, I'm going to look for one of your trips or presentations so we can learn more in person.
My daughter's idea for a LOLOWL:
In ur raptor center
eating ur mice tailz
You're welcome :) I figured that was the goal.. at least in part... and it succeeds wonderfully :) I know how much a compliment, and a thank you can mean sometimes--so I always try to offer a heartfelt 'thank you' or 'good job' where I can. I know one or two words can't equate out to the joy I get in reading people's blogs or websites, but I figure if I can just make someone smile for a moment or two, I've done what I can. :)
also: Lolowl! :D
Mmmm, yummy mouse morsels!
What a wonderful video. I must get my camcorder out more instead of relying on my camera so much.
Keep up the wonderful work you do and thank you!
Yes, obviously, mice are meant to be eaten, however, their being dismembered and fed, via forceps, to an injured predator that couldn't survive in the wild on it's own, by a human wearing a thick leather glove and giving a presentation to a room full of curious humans is not exactly "life in the wild."
I'm not trying to cause trouble..I'm just wondering if the mice used are humanely killed. They deserve SOME sort of compassion, too, even though they aren't birds. That's all.
The mice killed using carbon monoxide. It's swift and the most humane way we have to kill them at the moment.
Post a Comment
<< Home