Owl chicks first for Muncaster

Last updated 15:55, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

TWO African Spotted Eagle owlets have hatched at the World Owl Centre at Muncaster.

REARED AT MUNCASTER: The new chick on the block at the World Owl Centre.

It is the first time that the Centre has successfully hatched the breed less than a year after their parents arrived from Furness Owls in Barrow.

To help breeding, the staff experimented with the aviary nest sites giving the owls a nest tray as well as a nest box to see which they preferred.

The female chose the nest box and on the 18th of February 2008 she started nesting.

A few weeks later her eggs hatched and she’s now the proud mother of two healthy owlets.

Both owlets are out of the nest and can be seen in the aviary, sometimes sitting on the feed table waiting to be fed.

The Owl Centre team has reported that the owlets’ mum and dad are excellent parents and are very protective.

People are able to see the new owlets and many others of different species at the Centre.

Visitors can also enjoy a special ‘Meet The Birds’ display, which takes place daily from 2.30pm at Muncaster Castle.

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