Bubo
bengalensis
Snoopy
has been at the Centre for many years, and is a past master at
flying in display both in the Medieval Barn and in the outdoor
display area. With such wealth of experience comes a little beligerance,
naughtiness, and 'I'll do what I like' attitude! So Snoopy sometimes
controls the display. However, we all love him, and he flies well
to the fist of thousands of visitors each year.
Nadi
is our new Bengal Eagle Owl, hatched in April, and learning the
ropes. We try not to let him learn from Snoopy's bad tricks however!
Nadi flies along our river trail with our clients on an Owl Walk
which we are now offering. Our visitors just love him and find
this to be one of the wow factors of the day. 'Nadi' means 'River'
in Bengali!
These
medium sized eagle owls live in rocky ravines, throughout India,
catching mainly small mammals, reptiles and birds by long, low
gliding flights, or post and pounce attack.
They prefer to nest on the ground in hidden scrapes, the young
leaving the nest to 'branch out' from about 3 weeks of age!
They
are typical Eagle Owls, with bright orange eyes, ear tufts, mottled
sandy and brown striped plumage, and very soft feathering for
silent flight. Their legs and chest are well protected with a
thick covering of feathers to protect them from potential bites
from their prey.
