Baby tawny owl turns up for class!

27.06.11

Pupils and staff at Rye College got quite a surprise when a baby tawny owl turned up at the front door.

Known as wise birds, this particular tawny owlet seemed to think it had a bit more to learn when it flew into the school grounds in East Sussex.

Receptionist, Jo Davis, discovered the bird and, following advice from a vet, took it to our Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre in Fairlight, near Hastings.

A confirmed wildlife lover, Jo is familiar with the centre and has previously brought in many other animals for care, including baby moles and a guillemot covered in glue.

She said:

I was just finishing off my work for the day when someone came running in saying they had seen an owl fly towards the school.

I went out and found it in the undergrowth by the main door – as if it was about to stroll in for a class!

It was a tiny bundle of fluff and seemed too young to be out there on its own, so I called a vet who confirmed this.

There were still quite a few children milling around, waiting for their parents to pick them up, so there was quite a fuss.

Everyone was very concerned and a bit bemused – it was certainly a surprise and an extremely cute visitor.

Happy reunion for baby owl and its parents 

Staff at Mallydams checked the young owl was in good health and, after investigation, discovered the bird had come from a nearby 700-year-old oak tree where it had been seen being cared for by its parents.

It was swiftly and safely returned to this spot in the wild.
 

Owlets common at this time of year

Richard Thompson, wildlife rehabilitation team manager at the centre, said: 

It's at this time of year that young owls are most likely to be found by members of the public.

This one was lucky on two counts. Firstly, it found its way into a safe place where this kind lady was on hand to help, and secondly, we managed to trace the spot where it came from and return it to its parents.

Let's hope it didn't get too much of a scolding for its adventure by its parents. At least it was trying to get to school I suppose!

 

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What to do if you find a baby owl

• Most found owlets are between five and eight weeks old.
  During this stage they are partly feathered and partly covered in white down.
   
• Different types of owlet will need a different response.
  Healthy tawny owls for instance can climb back into the trees if they fall out!
   
• The parents may be nearby and possibly calling.
  Unless the young bird is in immediate danger, it's best to watch it from a distance in case its parents return.
   
• Did you know?
  Returning some species, such as the barn owl, back to the nest and disturbing any dependent young would an offence under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act.
   
• It's best to call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line 0300 1234 999 for advice.
  If the owlet is sick, injured or in danger, place the bird in a well-ventilated cardboard box and take it to your local vet, a reputable wildlife rehabilitation centre or contact us. 

Further advice...

Find out more about what to do with orphaned wild animals.

Read our detailed FAQ - what to do with a young bird (fledgling or nestling).
 

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