From Scottish Owl Centre
The keepers took some interesting photos this week. A black light torch can show new feather growth in owls, as seen in this 4 year old female Barred Owl, Strix varia.
Porphyrin pigment reflects the UV light as a pink/purple colour, but it fades in sunlight, so older feathers show up darker with age. You can see this owl has replaced several primary and secondary feathers on her wings, front and legs this year.
The best time for an owl to moult is late summer for breeding birds, as the owlets become independent and hunting is easiest with prey abundant. (Don’t worry, the owl was just getting a check up before returning to an aviary).
It’s usually better to know too much than it is to not know something at all. 😁
Plus it’s never too late in life to start owling!
Owling in the night. 😅