We’re just about settled into the new order of days that the summer brings. Early morning starts for pest control (we’re on site at hours of the day we’d rather not know existed) but that makes getting up for the early aviary feeds for the new clutches of chicks a little easier. The summer of course brings very heavy bookings for experience days. These guys are the life blood of the centre. Bringing the money that feeds these birds and allows us to continue our work so thank you all! We also meet some terrific and enthusiastic people, and when we get feedback the way we do sometimes, it really perks up our morale and motivation on those 1.30am starts! Thank you to john McNeil for his recent feedback and blog comments.
On the subject of chicks, you’ll be delighted to hear that the falcon chick is still alive and doing great! It eats quail just about as fast as Ruby (its Mum) can deliver it. We also have two clutches of Harris Hawk chicks. One lot at about 3 weeks old, the other – well the first chick hatched today! The great grey owls have finally finished laying at 9 eggs! I have candled 6 which are fertile. The other 3 are unknown. The earliest they might pip is May 23rd, so just a week to go. The survival rate of grey owl chicks in captivity is terribly low, but we have been gathering information and have the best possible plans laid to keep them alive – if they hatch. We expect some heartbreak, but also some terrific times. We’re trying to get the video streaming live to the website, and if we do, you’ll be able to see the hatching in real time and live.
Right, much to do today, so more soon, and thanks again for looking in.
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