Billy gets part time job

Billy is now resident most weekends at the coffee shop in the grounds of Houghall Garden Centre. He is more than happy to socialise while members of the public enjoy a coffee and the produce available from the farm and garden centre. Bookings can be mad here for farm tours and bird of prey experiences.

Bessie Comes Out

After discussion at length with many experts it is with slight embarrassment that we have to admit that Bessie is actually Billy. There has been no long term damage to the character of the barn owl as he couldn't care less what he is called. Sexing a barn owl is a very difficult task in the early stages and until all feathers are apparent it is very much down to guesswork. There are tests which can be carried out but prove to be totally uneconomical. The fact remains that this little bird has and will continue to be a popular attraction at Houghall and various events throughout the county and has already given so much enjoyment to the team and visitors in the short time we have known him.

Barn Owl Update

Bessie the barn owl's beauty continues to flourish. Bessie is now being encouraged to fly to the fist for food. Once trained the bird will be able to provide flying displays along with the other birds in the team.

Star Attraction at Houghall open day

Bessie, as predicted, provided hours of entertainment and attraction at the Houghall open day Sunday 20th May . The event was a huge success with the falconry displays being a large contributing factor. Bessie's development couldn't have been timed better and the barn owl's feathers developed to full beauty in time for the event. Bessie was one of a team of six birds of prey. The birds were accommodating and very tolerant to the attention they received from the event visitors. The weather was glorious and at times the birds were grateful of a refreshing shower from a hand spray. The team was made up of; Bessie the Barn Owl, Hedwig the Snowy Owl, Amber and Tyke the Harris Hawks and Anna the Redtail Hawk. The birds were handled and displayed by Phil Niall (head falconer) and the team of volunteers. Alex, Alison, Bill, Emily, Cath, Marcener, Steve, and Stuart.

Bessie takes flight

Bessie took her first flight in the house on Friday 11th May and is rapidly gaining confidence. She is now flying outside, the picture above shows her flying across the farmyard at Houghall on Sunday afternoon (13 May 2007). She is very relaxed with people and will be a real crowd puller at the Houghall Farm Open Day Sunday 20th May 2007. She will be appearing with the other birds of prey including Harris hawks and Hedwig the snowy owl. For more information on the open day please telephone 0191 3754710.

Bessie update

Bessie continues to grow and develop at the rate we are now used to. Her feathers are changing daily and as you can see she has changed a great deal within one week. Her confidence is growing as well. The picture shows her at ease standing on a field gate. She is also now able to climb in and out of her custom transport box. Bessie is a joy to be with as she is happy to socialise with any of the team members. She has had her anklets fitted to her legs , these neither restrict nor hinder her development. The purpose for this is for her to become accustomed to them for training and flying equipment in the future. She is now 7 weeks old and barn owls have been known to fly from around 9 weeks. The timing of her taking to flight could be perfect for the coming open day at Houghall Farm on the 20th of May 2007. She will be working with the other birds including the Harris hawks and the hybrid falcon. More details for the Houghall open day can be found at the Houghall Blog.

Bessie visits sponsors home town

Bessie visited the village of her sponsors Bill and Alison Lax this evening and provided them with an unexpected hour of pleasure in the early evening sunshine. She is clearly developing at a phenomenal rate as she continues to lose her down and grow adult feathers. Bessie is very relaxed and is happy socialising with her handlers and sponsors.