A pet owl?
30 November -0001
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With the release of 'Harry Potter and the half blood prince' More than a few youngsters are probably hankering after an owl, just like Hedwig, as a pet.
Harry Potter's Snowy Owl, Hedwig is a pet and a working bird, acting as a messenger to Harry, delivering post and parcels. She is loyal, friendly and inteligent as well as majestic and quite awe inspiring, leading one to think an Owl would make a great pet.
The truth, however, is quite different. They are majestic and beautiful, but they are also very large birds. A cage, such as the one Hedwig lives in in the Harry Potter films would be far too tiny for a bird of that size.
Sharp talons, and a hunger for blood, these birds are not at all sociable or friendly. They require a constant diet of small creatures, fed whole, and preferably, alive, a Large aviary to fly in, and an experienced and knowlegable keeper. Not to mention a vet who specialises in Raptor medcine.
A much kinder and easier way to experience Owls is to watch them in the wild. How about taking your kids to see if they can spot owls from the wizard world taking messages back and forth?
Owls to be seen in the UK include:
- Barn Owl
These owls have a heart shaped face, tan back and wings and are pure white belly and underwings. You can see them in open country - Along field edges and riverbanks and even roadside verges around dusk. - Little Owl
These are small owls, which can be seen in the daylight, usually perched on a tree branch or telegraph pole. It has dark markings, almost stripes, on white and an 'opera mask' type marking on it's face. It's seen in england and wales, and sometimes, southern scotland. Look out for it on lowland farms, in hedges and orchards. - Long eared owl
The long-eared owl is medium-sized owl, smaller in size than a woodpigeon. It often looks long and thin, with head feathers (known as ear tufts even though they are not ears) which it raises when alarmed. It is buff-brown with darker brown streaks, and deep orange eyes. It's unlikely to see it during the day, except during the migration season, when they mich be found on coasts at any time of day. - Short Eared owl
Short-eared owls are medium sized owls with mottled brown bodies, pale under-wings and yellow eyes. They are commonly seen hunting during the day. The best places to see it are Northern England and Scotland, on caostal marshes and wetlands. - Tawny Owl
The tawny owl is an owl the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head, with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. It is a widespread breeding species in England, Wales and Scotland but not found in Ireland. The tawny owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night, but much less often seen. - You're unlikely to see Hedwig in this country, however, as the Snowy Owl's natural habitat is the ice and tundra of the frozen north.
If this isn't enough, there are other things you can do. The RSPB supports bird life across the UK and you can help them by becoming a member. For more info go to www.rspb.org.uk/supportingMany Wildlife trusts across the UK welcome Volunteers. Helpers needn't be experts, and all they ask is a few hours a week of your time. Check out www.wildlifetrusts.org for more information
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