Feeding time for the owlet

The next bird on the introduction list for Accipiter readers is Blackjack, a Burrowing Owl. Blackjack is the first bird to be bred at the Trust in the 2008 season, and the first to be given a name from this year’s theme of villains and outlaws. (This is a change from the original name of Buster that he had been given when he hatched!)

Our pair of Burrowing Owls, Clove and Paprika, surprised us all by producing three eggs during their first season together. Unfortunately their inexperience showed through when the eggs were laid, as one was found in the aviary stone cold, and another two were found on the edge of the burrow. These were quickly picked up by staff and placed in the Brinsea incubator in the hospital, were they were monitored several times each day. After the normal incubation time had passed, it became apparent that one of the eggs was not fertile, but it appeared there was still a chance for the second one. A few days later the second egg started pipping and, on the 20th January 2008, Blackjack appeared. He was little bigger than a human thumb.

early socialising

During his early days he required constant care from the hospital staff, with regular feeding of minced chicken with added vitamin and calcium supplements to help his bones grow strong. After a few weeks his training began, and he was gradually introduced to guests on experience days. What a rare treat they had to take part in his feeding sessions, it is so special to see a tiny chick like this taking food from tweezers in your hand. As he got bigger he began to make appearances to Owls By Moonlight guests during their hospital tours, and even visited the study centre on wet days to meet the visitors. As he grew bigger so did his confidence, and when brought out to meet guests in the hospital he often led the falconers a merry dance chasing him around the floor to try to get him back in.

Black Jack the Burrowing Owl at 9 weeks

The task of training Blackjack fell to Cedric and Kim, and as Cedric lives at the Trust he took on the main role of making him “bomb-proof”. This basically means taking him home, and getting him used to all manner of sights and sounds, such as TVs, washing machines and radios. Blackjack soon settled into Cedric’s flat and could be found exploring every room in the house. However, all this energy often became too much for a young bird, and by the end of the evening he was often to be seen snuggled up asleep on Cedric’s lap in front of the TV.

Now his feathers are through and he is starting to make little flights indoors, his main training has begun, and the long task of getting him to fly to the fist from distances further and further away has started. He is going well and it is hoped that he will make his first display appearance in the summer, either at the 12 o’clock display or Woodland Owls. He is sure to be an instant star.