Recent banding - Four little Owls in Rehab and a few other birds

 We haven't done much banding mainly because of some health issues I have had. On Wednesday Phil and I banded 4 Little Owls that are in rehab at the Wildlife Hospital. These birds have made good progress towards better health and all going well will be released soon, if possible, back into the area where they were found. Pauline who is the head Vet at the Hospital also took the opportunity of starting her banding training.

Phil banding the first bird of the day while it is being controlled by Pauline.

Pauline banding her first Little Owl, a bird that was rescued from a cat here in Halswell.

This little chap has unfortunately lost an eye probably in an encounter with a Magpie.

As it has made very good progress with feeding itself it is, hopefully still going to be released.

Amazingly this newly fledged youngster was found in the very busy car park at "The Hub" in Hornby.


Pauline also has this little fellow under her care. She has cared for it since it was laid as an egg. Its mother was caught by a dog when a farmer was clearing a pile of wood. The farmer took her to the Hospital thinking it was a young bird. It was then found to be a female which duly laid an egg. Pauline has not only hatched it but continues to feed and care for it. It is now 6 days old. Amazingly the mother proved to be uninjured and was released.

Other birds caught recently were 2 new Harriers caught by Phil at his property in Motukara and a recap of a bird banded there about a month ago.

We have also banded 6 Starling puli, all from little Owl boxes that have been commandeered.