EcoSolutions rings owlet in Bryanston

A spotted eagle-owlet (Bubo africanus) born in Bryanston was the star for a day when Sara Orchardson from EcoSolutions came for the bird’s ringing day.

Joined by registered bird ringer Arjen van Zwieten, Orchardson returned to a well-established EcoSolutions owl box in Bryanston on October 22, where a ring-shaped metal band (numbered 891727) was placed on the young owlet’s ankle.

Read more: Community drives owl conservation in Morningside

Owls are tagged with unique numbers, and these numbers are captured into a South African Bird Ringing unit database at the University of Cape Town.

Also read: Crawford Prep learners witness owl ringing

“For five years, this owl box has been home to a resident breeding pair, enriching the local ecosystem and inspiring community engagement in urban wildlife conservation,” said Orchardson. “Annual maintenance of owl boxes has been essential in supporting long-term occupancy and providing a safe, stable environment for the breeding pair to return each season.”

Orchardson said owl boxes offered natural rodent management by attracting owls, whose presence helps control rodent populations without harmful chemicals.

“Each season brings new owlets, and it’s rewarding to watch them grow, knowing that the neighbourhood supports the Owl Box Project.”

To learn more about EcoSolutions’ owl and bat box programmes
or for ways to participate in community conservation efforts, visit www.ecosolutions.co.za or contact them at info@ecosolutions.co.za.

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Related article: Rehabilitation three owlets at Bryanston