An owl that likes to land on people’s heads has rocketed a small Dutch town to fame. Menno Shaefer, a 48-year-old from Zaandam, Netherlands, managed to document this friendly 6lb (2.7kg) European Eagle Owl as it tried to roost on the heads of onlookers in Noordeinde town. There, it sat for up to a minute before looking for another resting spot.
“Whilst photographing the owl, it did try to land one my head once,” said Shaefer to NL Times. “However, as soon as I lifted my camera to get a shot, the owl flew onto my neighbor standing by my side.” Residents think that the owl might have escaped from an aviary in Oosterwolde, and are excited by the publicity. “I have seen photographers and birders from around the country, from The Hague to Spijkenisse, they come from everywhere to see the eagle owl. Our village is finally on the map!” , said one happy resident.
As to why the owl behaves this way, Schaefer said, “It was a very funny thing to watch, however I’m just as confused as anyone as to why it does this.”
(h/t: lostateminor, nltimes)
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As a long-time volunteer at a raptor center, I believe this owl is imprinted on humans, and likely an escapee from a zoo or similar place.
If he did indeed escape from an aviary in Oosterwolde, it may have been raised in captivity and could be imprinted on humans, which is why it is flying to them and landing on their heads. He may be looking for food, as he's used to getting his food from humans. If he's imprinted, he doesn't identify with his own species and doesn't know how to hunt! Please try getting a hold of the Aviary and find out if anyone is missing this owl, otherwise he may perish! Thank You!
I think he's been trained to do this as a show trick. He's probably expecting a bit of food in return for his stunt.
Beautiful owl, but those talons..... no!! Looks like it is trying to claim dominance in the region.
Hmmmm... Read this... http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/14/eagle-owl-caught-dutch-town-attacks-purmerend-netherlands
It caused quite a stir here in the Netherlands, I can tell you that...not an evening without news about this gorgeous owl....
This is obviously a tame and very beautiful owl so I hope they are feeding it:~)
so cute. I love the 4th photo where he clearly thinks he's batman...
You'll notice in the video, the one the owl was "aiming" for, put up their hood before the owl landed. Protection?
As a long-time volunteer at a raptor center, I believe this owl is imprinted on humans, and likely an escapee from a zoo or similar place.
If he did indeed escape from an aviary in Oosterwolde, it may have been raised in captivity and could be imprinted on humans, which is why it is flying to them and landing on their heads. He may be looking for food, as he's used to getting his food from humans. If he's imprinted, he doesn't identify with his own species and doesn't know how to hunt! Please try getting a hold of the Aviary and find out if anyone is missing this owl, otherwise he may perish! Thank You!
I think he's been trained to do this as a show trick. He's probably expecting a bit of food in return for his stunt.
Beautiful owl, but those talons..... no!! Looks like it is trying to claim dominance in the region.
Hmmmm... Read this... http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/14/eagle-owl-caught-dutch-town-attacks-purmerend-netherlands
It caused quite a stir here in the Netherlands, I can tell you that...not an evening without news about this gorgeous owl....
This is obviously a tame and very beautiful owl so I hope they are feeding it:~)
so cute. I love the 4th photo where he clearly thinks he's batman...
You'll notice in the video, the one the owl was "aiming" for, put up their hood before the owl landed. Protection?
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