My personal blog as a 'grown-up' Goth and Romantic living in the Highlands of Scotland. I write about the places I go, the things I see and my thoughts on life as a Goth and the subculture, and things in the broader realm of the Gothic and darkly Romantic. Sometimes I write about music I like and sometimes I review things. This blog often includes architectural photography, graveyards and other images from the darker side of life.

Goth is not just about imitating each other, it is a creative movement and subculture that grew out of post-punk and is based on seeing beauty in the dark places of the world, the expression of that in Goth rock. It looks back to the various ways throughout history in which people have confronted and explored the macabre, the dark and the taboo, and as such I'm going to post about more than the just the standards of the subculture (Siouxsie, Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, et al) and look at things by people who might not consider themselves anything to do with the subculture, but have eyes for the dark places. The Gothic should not be limited by what is already within it; inspiration comes from all places, the key is to look with open eyes, listen carefully and think with an open mind..

Monday 11 June 2012

Owls, Owls, Owls, Owls, Owls...

Last month it was my birthday, and a very good friend of mine organised the most fabulous birthday present I've had in years... She organised for me to spend my day handling owls. Now, I have not mentioned it on this blog before but I have a bit of a fondness for owls, so this idea of an outing was exceedingly exciting. So exciting, in fact, that I was told I must not squeak with excitement in front of the owls lest I cause a commotion amongst them - a difficult request, but one that I managed. I spent my day handling owls and telling people about owls, helping to educate and fund-raise, with ::2 Wit 2 Woo Owl Rescue::

Luna, an Asian Eagle Owl, much smaller than a European one.
Photography © SuzyBugs  
I had never handled owls or any other birds of prey before, and was a bit nervous - after all, these are wild animals, predators and carnivores, but after instruction in how to properly hold them, in how to avoid startling or antagonising them, I soon found that these particular owls were actually quite sociable. I was asked before the day to wear sensible clothes (no frills, no braids, minimal jewellery, etc.) because the owls are liable to try and play with anything dangling or shiny - so absolutely no dangling bat earrings! 

Owls, in general, do not make good pets. They are an awful lot of hard work to look after, and have a specialised diet that is not for the squeamish. Some species of owls have a lifespan of over 30 years, so it is a huge long-term commitment. One of the issues that the rescue organisation has come across is the 'Hedwig effect' where people have seen the 'cute fluffy owl' on Harry Potter, sought one for themselves and not been prepared for the difficulties of keeping an owl in captivity and have thus given the owls up to organisations such as 2 Wit 2 Woo. 

Woo Woo, a rather handsome tawny owl. A native UK species.
Photography © SuzyBugs  
The owls I handled are mostly rescue owls, which are unable to return to the wild, or were captive bred so have been socialised in order to act as 'education owls'. These are owls which visit schools and events and help in the education of the wider public. People also can pay a small amount to be photographed holding an owl, and this raises money for the owl rescue. 


This picture is of me stroking a tawny owl called Woo. An interesting fact about tawny owls is that the "t'wit-t'woo" sound is actually two owls and is one owl calling to its mate and the mate's response. The "t-woo" part is the male owl responding. Woo is an exceedingly friendly owl, and surprisingly relaxed about people. We were in a fair full of people, and he was sitting on my arm being shown to the public, and as I stroked him he slowly fell asleep still perched on me! I am wearing a crown of leaves and flowers because it is a May Queen crown as I was at a May Fayre. 

Rocket, a barn owl - another UK species.
Photography © SuzyBugs
The largest owl I handled was Mr. Jangles, a European Eagle Owl. He had been cruelly mistreated by his previous owners, having been made to fight dogs (presumably as part of "entertainment" and betting). He is an imposing and powerful bird, but very sociable now, despite his past. It has taken four years  to get him rehabilitated to the point of being an educational owl. That said, some young children approached with a dog, and he got a fright and tried to fly off while I was still holding him! It is very important for pets at events to be on leads, and for those responsible for them to listen to instructions, especially safety instructions. Mr. Jangles, though, does have a very good nature. My friend, Suzy, who organised this, ended up with him nuzzling into her shoulder wanting cuddles! 

I handled all the owls photographed in this blog. Huge 'thanks' to 2 Wit 2 Woo for letting me handle their hours. I hate to demand, but they are an excellent cause and please donate to them if you have money to spare. Huge 'thanks' to Suzy for organising my trip out, and for taking all the photographs. 

12 comments:

  1. Awwww.... I love owls too.

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  2. Wow, what a fantastic gift! Owls are fascinating and lovely to look at. (I've also noticed they're a popular motif lately - I've found owl pendants, owl fabrics, etc.)

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    1. Ooo! I haven't seen as many owl things over here in the UK - I shall have to keep an eye out and see if that trend hops the Atlantic.

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  3. Owls are so beautiful, its cool that you were able to get up close to them! Barn owls have always been my favorite, they have such strange, pretty faces.

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    1. Owls are GORGEOUS creatures! It was incredibly cool for Suzy to arrange my day with the owls. I do think they have hugely expressive and pretty faces indeed.

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    2. I have to say; Owls are very cool creatures.

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  4. You are very welcome Cat, and for Aristocratic Elegance above the shape of a Barn Owls face is so the noise of their prey is directed to their ears and as much light as possible is directed to their eyes helping in locating prey

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    1. *big hugs*
      And thank-you for the informative response for Aristocratic Elegance!

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  5. There are quite a few Bard Owls here around the cemeteries. I love listening to them as they call to one another in the darkness. As they join together and begin their mating rituals, their ecstatic and frenzied cries reach a crescendo that equals anything you might hear from a haunted forest in the best of horror movies. These birds are really awesome.

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  6. Although we live in the town. We are often visited by Barn Owls. My sister and I got up close and personal with one during a slightly dusky evening. It stared at us for ages. Very intersting creaures indeed. They can't be all that unsocial though. We got up closer than we expected to get.

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