The Education Birds are getting their annual check ups. This week it was Barn Owls Helen and Carmen and Short-eared Owls Sally and Wendy’s turn. Everyone received a clean bill of health!

Barn Owls, Tyto alba, have a pectinate talon on each foot, unlike other owls who are in a different family, Strigidae. The pectinate talon is thought to help with grooming their heads. Nightjars, herons and egrets also have pectinate claws. 

Owls have feathers on their feet all the way to their talons. The feathers on Barn Owl toes look more like bristles. 

Helen and Carmen are both laying eggs (which are not fertile since they are both female). Below is a photo of Helen’s brood patch. The bare skin of the brood patch allows the owl to maintain the eggs at the appropriate temperature and humidity while they are being incubated. We removed 14 eggs from the nest box when we brought the owls inside for their check ups.

The radiographs taken of the owls indicate they will both continue laying eggs…

Neither of the Short-eared Owls are showing signs of laying eggs.  Below, Samantha is drawing a blood sample from Sally. You can see her toes are feathered to her talons.

Virtual Education Exhibit

You can now visit Blue Mountain Wildlife’s Virtual Education Exhibit on our website by clicking on the photo above. The exhibit works best on Chrome. Some elements may not view properly on Firefox and Safari. Samantha researched and developed the exhibit with help from Winnie and Tricia. It is a work in progress so check back periodically to see what new exhibits have been added. BMW is so fortunate to have such talented and resourceful staff! 

If you are unable to see the photos, just click the link at the top of the newsletter and view it on BMW’s website.