The Barn Owl, which has become symbolic of our project, continues to inhabit its 'home' in the west end of the church. I have attached a brief update for 2017.
Garry Steele, our owl expert, continues to support us in terms of help, advice, ringing and forward management plans. We are extremely grateful.
I am delighted to report that Garry has offered to run an Owl Pellet Workshop for us in November. This will give us the opportunity to learn about the diet of our owls and has the added bonus of supplementing our knowledge of the local small mammal population.
As some of you may be aware, owl pellets contain the skeletons of ingested mammals and they provide a marvellous opportunity for 'Meccano Mammal' building.
There may even be a prize for the best re-articulated skeleton.
All the pellets will have been deep frozen before we delve into them so when defrosted they will be quite safe to examine.
If you might be interested in attending Garry's Workshop, please let me know.
Firsby Artisan Bakery will be approached about the possibility of a suitably themed cake.
Garry has suggested the week beginning 20th November - the precise date yet to be decided.
No previous experience in dissecting owl pellets required.
I look forward to hearing from you.