Birds of Prey

Diane has owned Aragon since he was 2 months old and he is now 12 years old. He is very tame and Diane will take him with her when she attends shows and events as a Rescue Ambassador as he definitely enjoys attention.
Technically, Aragon is not a rescue as he was a gift to her when she went to an Owl Sanctuary in Cumbria where she saw and fell in love with him. His siblings and parents were captive bred.
Aragon has a six foot wing span and weighs just 4 kg. His diet is includes rabbit, hare and roe deer.

Eagle usually found at the north end of the island.

Typical Birds of Prey found on Arran

Arran enjoys some spectacluar scenery and with it the wildlife you might expect to find in such landscape.

Sparrowhawk found across the island

Barn Owls found all over the island.

Arran Animal Rescue

Arran Animal Rescue suggests that you seek advice first before trying to handle any bird of prey. Phone the island vet on 01770 302511 or Arran Animal Rescue on 01770 700683.

Injured

Be wary about approaching a sick/injured animal. Make sure you are in a safe place to do so but as always get in touch with either us or a Veterinary Practice before attempting to help.
If you are able to approach/touch a bird of prey, it is likely very sick or seriously injured. Where this is the case: In light of current Bird Flu measures, please contact us before touching or moving the bird.
Catch/cover the bird using a large towel or similar and put it in a dark, well ventilated box. Ideally put the towel in the box with the bird. Do not add any additional heat to the box (such as hot water bottles) as the sudden change in temperature isn’t good for the bird.
Do NOT use a wire cage/cat cage or similar.
Make a note of where the bird was found.
Do NOT attempt to feed the bird or provide water.

P hone the island vet on 01770 302511
or Arran Animal Rescue on 01770 700683

A fledgling

If you find a young bird of prey, depending on the time of year, it may not be injured. Young birds will often leave the nest/box before they are able to fly and, as a result, are unable to return to it. This does not mean that they are in need of help though as the parents will continue to care for them. These young birds should be left alone and where they are. If there are obvious dangers nearby, then move the bird to a nearby branch or hedge. These dangers may include: cats, dogs and cars,the bird is on a pathway, bridleway, track or road
If this is not possible or you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01770 700683.
If the bird is obviously injured (bleeding) or there are other dead/injured birds nearby, follow the advice above for injured birds.

Young Barn Owl

If you find a young Barn Owl on the ground that isn’t obviously injured, there may be a number of reasons why it isn’t still in the nest:
It may have fallen or been accidently pushed from the nest. Where this is the case, the chick should be returned to the nest/box as the parents will not continue to care for it whilst it is on the ground. However, there are potential issues to consider: Nests are usually at height and, therefore, potentially dangerous
Parents may be very defensive and it may cause other owls of the brood to jump from/leave the nest
Potential legal implications – Some species (Barn Owl being the most common) are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. This means that it is illegal to disturb them when they are nesting. So, visiting a nest to put a fallen bird back could be construed as disturbance for any number of reasons. Therefore, we would always advise that you contact someone with a disturbance licence to put the bird back. Failing that, or if there is no time, phone the local Police Wildlife Liaison Officer and let them know what you’re doing and why.

Food shortages due to lack of general prey abundance or death of one or both parents. Where food shortage is the cause then it is unlikely that the chick will survive if returned to the nest.