Keurboom Park has recently welcomed a budding Owl family to the neighbourhood, and they have two fluffy offspring.
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The babies were born in a cosy box attached to one of Keurboom’s trees. They have fast become known and loved by the park’s regular visitors.
On Wednesday 12 October a qualified ornithologist performed the owlet’s ringing. Owlet ringing involves clipping a small tag to one leg, which contains a unique ID number. The bird is then weighed and its sex and location are recorded.
Ringing provides important information that underpins conservation work for owls in the same way as for all other birds.
The owlet fledglings are growing quickly. As they sprout more feathers they are also gaining independence.
An important notice has been hung at one of Keurboom’s entrances:
“The owlets are now mobile and spending time on the ground.
Please do not enter the area or interfere.
They look like they are injured because they are very still sometimes.
Please leave them.
Do not congregate, please as this causes stress to them and their parents.”
Fledgelings are supposed to spend time on the ground, so finding one there is nothing to fear. Don’t disturb them, unless, of course, the baby is visibly injured. If this is the case you should call a local rescue group.
Another way to ensure the safety of the owlets is to put your dog on its leash when you are walking past their area.
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Picture: Jenni Bessesen.
