Wernher Feathers Nest in a New Home

Luton Hoo’s adopted owl Wernher has settled down well in his new home and is being cared for by falconer Bob Dalton.

 

Bob, who organised a recent birds of prey display at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, returned to the hotel early one morning to tempt down the Giant European Owl that had been perched on the roof of the 18^th century mansion for more than a week.

 

To date nobody has come forward to claim the bird, which was nicknamed Wernher by hotel staff after it started flying down to collect food placed in a bush outside the hotel’s restaurant of the same name.

 

“The owl has obviously been handled and has settled down quite happily in one of my aviaries,” said Bob, who keeps a private collection of birds of prey in Hampshire. “Wernher is eating well and I am pleased with the way it is looking.”

 

Wernher was the second European Eagle Owl to hit the headlines last week after another bird took up residence in Harthill, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and local residents were warned to take care after it swooped down on small children and pets. The second owl, which is still on the loose, has leather straps attached to its legs and is also believed to have escaped from a zoo or falconry.

 

Bob said that although it was a coincidence to have two reports of European Eagle Owls loose at the same time he was sure the two birds were unconnected due to the distance between Bedfordshire and Yorkshire.

 

Bob is keeping staff at Luton Hoo updated with Wernher’s progress and if nobody claims the bird he will keep it himself or re-home it with another bird of prey expert.