Hoo-hoo goes there? New feathered friends welcomed at Eastlands
Their names aren't too catchy, but they will help local ecologists and researchers at the University of Cape Town track their habits and progress.
Residents of Eastlands Mature Lifestyle Estate on Eastlands Drive, as well as their guests, had a hoot on Friday when they officially welcomed four youngsters to the estate.
Their names are K52531, K52532, K52533 and K52534; four beautiful barn owlets that found a home with their mom in an owl box on the estate grounds earlier this year.
Their names aren’t too catchy, but they will help local ecologists and researchers at the University of Cape Town track their habits and progress.
These serial numbers can be seen on silver rings on the owlets’ legs after they were ringed by members of pest control specialists EcoSolutions. Young and old watched with excitement as the process took place.
“These rings are light metal bands, and sit loosely around the owl’s leg,” junior ecologist Sara Orchardson explained to the crowd. “We thoroughly enjoy this process because we can get really exciting data from it and send it back to the university.”
Many ecologists encourage placing owl boxes in the city, not only for the conservation of owls but also because the nocturnal birds are an eco-friendly way to control unwanted pests.
Readers interested in getting their own owl box can call 072 365 9777 or send an email to info@ecosolutions.co.za.
