At seven weeks old, barn owlets Oak & Acorn were ready to have their British Trust for Ornithology ID rings fitted. This process ensures this conservation group can monitor barn owl populations across the country.
Barn owls Oak & Acorn
Chicks of long-term resident owls Gylfie & Dryer, these owlets were the only two to hatch from a clutch of four eggs. They hatched five days apart and now weigh 335g (Oak) and 410g (Acorn). The heavier weight of Acorn and darker colouring indicates that she is a female, whilst Oak's lighter colouring tells us he is a male. Both owls are a healthy weight. Interestingly sometimes these juvenile birds can be heavier than the adults.
Fitting ID rings
The rings are fitted by Jean Thorpe, a licensed BTO bird ringer. She is very experienced and takes great care to make sure they fit each owlet's leg perfectly. It's very important there is no gap when she clamps the ring on because even the smallest space can trap twine or grasses in and these could potentially pin the bird down. And after all, we do this to protect birds, not harm them.
