Stunning new portraits have been released, showcasing a dozen hand-reared owls that have been meticulously trained to participate in captivating flying displays. These remarkable birds, photographed at the renowned Scottish Owl Centre in Bathgate, range in age from just one year old to an impressive 19 years.
Meet the Owls: From Opia to Zeus
The youngest member of this feathered troupe is Opia, an Ashy-faced owl, while the oldest and largest is Zeus, a majestic Eurasian eagle owl. All the owls are fed small pieces of chicken by hand from a young age, a practice that helps them become accustomed to human interaction and builds trust with their keepers.
Training Techniques and Seasonal Routines
Head keeper Trystan Williams, who oversees the training of these owls, explained their unique approach. "These are the birds that visitors meet at the centre and see in our flying displays," he said. The team operates with a seasonal rotation, switching birds based on weather preferences—cold-weather owls perform in winter, while others take a break during warmer months.
Zeus, the 19-year-old Eurasian eagle owl, holds the record for the longest-serving performer, having been part of the shows since he arrived at the centre at age five. Mr. Williams emphasised that the owls are highly food-motivated, which is central to their training. "When they're little, we spend as much time with them as possible so they're used to seeing us," he noted.
The Role of Food in Flying Displays
During performances, food serves as the primary incentive. "When it comes to the shows, it's all about food—the owls are there because they want something to eat and we've got some snacks for them," Mr. Williams added. The birds follow keepers to perches where snacks await, receiving small bits of chicken as rewards for flying and a larger treat after the show concludes.
Owls typically begin participating in displays by 12 weeks old, with Zeus emerging as a fan-favourite due to his size and presence. "I love seeing them in flight, and I also enjoy talking to people about them and sharing my passion," Mr. Williams shared. "It's hard to have a favourite when they're all so fantastic, but the big owls are spectacular, so Zeus is a favourite of lots of the staff and visitors."
Diverse Species on Display
The portraits feature a variety of owl species, each with unique characteristics:
- Metsikki, a great grey owl
- Quilla, a Chaco owl typically found in Argentina
- Lulu, a southern white-faced owl
- Zizi, an African wood owl, the most common forest owl on the continent
- Alba, a barn owl
- Savanna, an African spotted eagle owl
- Alicanto, a nine-year-old Magellanic horned owl
- Rafiki, a milky eagle owl from sub-Saharan Africa
- Tony, a Tawny owl
- Aspen, a Tengmalm's owl
This collection not only highlights the beauty and diversity of these owls but also underscores the dedicated care and training involved in preparing them for public displays, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the world of these nocturnal predators.
