Eagle Owl

Having the most amazing sightings of an escapee European Eagle Owl in our area, less than a minutes walk from the house. The owner has told me it will stay within a half mile radius from where it started 2 weeks ago. Every time I have seen it my camera is at home, beautiful to observe but worrying as to it's future. Do these situations ever have a happy ending?

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Permalink Reply by Dan Carrington on May 19, 2011 at 22:53

Hi Sue

We had the same thing happen a few years back where the Eagle Owl escaped close to country park.Unfortunately the Owl attacked a small dog and killed it and became very aggressive to anybody walking close by and became quite a danger. It was eventually caught after a few weeks- don't know what happened after that-whether it was taken back by owner or destroyed?!

It was a great sight to see but as you can imagine the sheer size of the bird and it's violent tendencies did not enamour it to the locals.

Hope you get a shot,but be careful :)

Dan.

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Permalink Reply by Sue Timmins on May 22, 2011 at 11:59

Thanks Dan

I have settled for the fact that getting a picture is unlikely now unless I have my camera surgically attached so that I'm never without it. The owl is still around but not showing itself during the day. I would really love for the owner to make an effort to recapture this bird as he has the appropriate gear and the bird should respond to his voice, unfortunately he has said he only wants to hear when its been caught and other than that he is not interested.

Anyway I will let you know what happens if I ever find out

Cheers

Sue

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Permalink Reply by Dan Carrington on May 22, 2011 at 13:32

Hi Sue- very dissapointed to hear of the owners attitude regarding recapture.He should feel responsible for the bird and make every effort to recapture his bird before it comes to any harm or causes harm to others- if left wild and hunts succesfully it could have a major impact on the local ecology (remember these birds can take down foxes/small deer !)

This kind of irresponsible behaviour really annoys me- have you thought of contacting the RSPCA or local countryside service to ask for assistance in recapturing the bird- i personally would put a complaint in about the owner too!!

Anyway,rant over- will be interested to hear of the outcome.

Regards,Dan.

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Permalink Reply by Rob Haynes on September 17, 2011 at 12:05

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Permalink Reply by Rob Haynes on September 17, 2011 at 12:06

Hi Sue, I came across a rogue or escapee EEO in Wales. They are beautiful but very powerful efficient birds !

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Permalink Reply by Sue Timmins on September 17, 2011 at 16:59

Wonderful pics Rob, cheers for posting them on forum.

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Permalink Reply by David Morland on September 19, 2011 at 20:28

Hi Sue

There was one living wild some time ago on army training ground near Catterick and survived for a few years. It was kept quiet,but the media got hold of the story and the owl vanished,gamekeepers maybe.