KNYSNA NEWS - Pledge Nature Reserve has been fortunate enough to receive a welcome donation of an owl box. This box is designed to be used by spotted eagle owls that are in need of suitable nesting sites in this area of town.

The Fotheringham family donated money to the Lakes Bird Club in memory of Holly Fotheringham, who passed away in May 2008. 

The club decided to use the donation to purchase and erect an owl box in Pledge Nature Reserve.

Holly Fotheringham was a leading member of the Lakes Bird Club. The club has always been supportive of donations such as these in promoting greater awareness of birds and birding in Knysna and surrounding areas. 

Unfortunately, the original box as well as the tree to which it was affixed, was destroyed in the 2017 fires.

A short unveiling ceremony was held last month to celebrate the new donation. The owl box idea was that of Holly's granddaughter, Laura Fotheringham of Raptor Rescue in Plettenberg Bay. 

Laura celebrated the fresh donation with her father, Geoff, a son of Holly’s and Patrizia, his wife. They were welcomed to the reserve by members of the Lakes Bird Club as well as trustees from Pledge Nature Reserve.

The box has been affixed to a water berry tree (Syzygium cordatum) in the reserve and can be viewed in the area near the ponds. 

Members of the public who visit the reserve will be delighted to see this box - and an even greater reward will be the possible and most likely acceptance of the box by a breeding pair of eagle owls!

Laura said she has a rescued spotted eagle owl which is recovering from secondary poisoning from the recently hatched family of owls that bred out on Thesen Isle. 

She has earmarked this eagle owl, once fully rehabilitated, for release in the reserve. 

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