Owl Release Time
In 2026, we have received more owls than in any other year. Tawny, little and barn owlets of all different sizes and ages came to us, orphaned, hungry and many close to death. We built new homes for them, nurtured them to maturity and, after a long wait, it's now time for them to take to the skies.
Some came to us incredibly small, just fresh from the egg, whilst others were already showing their adult feathers. Most received one-to-one care from our 'Nestling Nannies' and then moved to the Rescue to join others. These increased numbers meant we needed more owl accommodation than ever before. So we were so thrilled when Malham Show stepped in to support the construction of more aviaries. We also want to thank HGM Bentham for helping with the construction and to the host of DIY gods and goddesses who gave their time to make this essential project a reality. In addition to the new-builds, we were donated others from Kendal College and also want to say thanks to them and to Rob Staveley of RJS Haulage, who brought them from Kendal to our door. All in all, with everyone's support, the owls had all the room they needed.
All orphan owlets we take in and rear have to be soft released. As they haven't had their parents to teach them how to hunt, and find a territory, we have to step in to help their instincts kick in. We have to find special locations, away from the Rescue. Here, the birds are enclosed in a large enough area where they can listen to and see their new patch, with the protection of a temporary enclosure and nightly feeds. These enclosures are then opened up after a couple of weeks, so the birds can be free, but with the security of roosting and feeding until they start to understand what they are supposed to do.
This really important annual task to find soft release locations has been managed by Lynn our release coordinator. It has been a massive task to find not just suitable, but perfect locations for nearly 30 owls of 3 different varieties, to start their freedom journeys. The owls have gone to a range of locations across the Yorkshire Dales and beyond, locations where we were sure the owls would have both the right kind of initial support and the correct wild environment.
We have to say a huge thank you to our fosterers who have provided and built the perfect spaces, and have been caring for these precious souls to give them their next steps. All these people say that the experience has been incredible. With all the effort that goes into rehabilitation, we had some big decisions and lots of preparation for the releases of these very precious patients. Owls can live very long and successful lives, if they can find a great territory. We have this very much at the forefront of our decision making when preparing for their releases.
If you would like to support our vital work with owls, and other animals, you could donate here. Or, why not consider ordering our first ever calendar which features stories about both tawny and barn owls. It makes a fantastic gift for a wildlife lover! You can order our calendar here.
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