TWO Little Owl chicks named Cheddar and Mozzarella have joined the flying display team at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover.
The chicks, a mere four-weeks-old, are the latest additions to the charity's team, which is following a cheese-themed naming convention for all newcomers this year.
At a weight of just 150 grams each, about half the weight of an apple, Cheddar and Mozzarella are already acting as charismatic ambassadors for owl conservation.
The trust's bird team is carefully nurturing the pair, fostering strong human-owl bonds which they hope will enhance the owls' flying aptitude.
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Cheddar and Mozzarella (Image: Supplied) In the long run, the aim is to hone their flying skills to the point where they can serve as the stars of the daily public displays at the charity's visitor centre.
While Cheddar and Mozzarella are not quite ready for their flying debuts, they have recently started making appearances in their outside aviary.
This allows them to acclimate to visitors, and for the visitors to admire these delightful additions.
Hawk Conservancy Trust CEO, Penny Smout, said: "By sharing our fascination and love for birds of prey with visitors, we aim also to help educate as many people as possible about the need for conservation and our work both in the UK and overseas.
"The adorable Cheddar and Mozzarella duo will surely help us win hearts and minds to keep aloft support for our endeavours."
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Beyond the hubbub of naming and training, the trust is involved in critical conservation work in the wild.
Their Raptor Nest Box Project is active across Southern England, working to increase nest site availability for birds of prey such as Little Owls, Barn Owls, Tawny Owls and Kestrels.
The project offers these species safe breeding spaces, as their natural habitats become increasingly limited.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust, committed to the conservation, research and education of birds of prey, both in the UK and overseas, funds its work through revenue generated from its visitor centre.
Offering visitors a chance to see rare birds of prey up close, witness world-class flying displays across three arenas, or simply stroll through 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, the Trust provides a unique experience for bird lovers and conservationists alike.
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