RSPCA sees influx of tawny owlets
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported an influx of tawny owlets brought to centres and placed in their care this year. Figures have indicated the number of owlets brought in to the RSPCA is up by a third compared to last year.
Between January and the end of July there were 33 baby birds in the care of the RSPCA and for the same period last year there were 22. The reason for this influx is unknown. However, it is thought the temperamental weather conditions and some extremely wet and windy days through the spring and summer could have contributed.
Most of the baby owls brought into the centre were found on the ground, and on some occasions described as being cold and water-logged. In the case of tawny owls, so long as it is not injured or in danger, the RSCPA recommends when any youngster is found on the ground to put it at the bottom of the tree where its nest is. The little birds can actually climb trees by themselves.
Manager of one of the RSPCA’s centres, Peter Venn, said: “We’ve seen so many of these cute bundles of fluff in this year. It’s hard to know for sure why but it could well be the windy days we have been having could be knocking them off their perch, or causing them issues.
“Sometimes they may have been found at the bottom of the tree and mistakenly picked up by people thinking they need help. In reality tawny owlets can climb trees, so may have been able to find their way back to their nest on their own without interference.
“The good news is that the vast majority have recovered well in our care and been returned happily to the wild.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
