Owl conservation takes flight at a cozy pre-Christmas breakfast event

A themed breakfast event about owl conservation took place at Lohe-Rickelshof’s Christ Church community hall. Forty-one participants gathered in a cozy, pre-Christmas setting to learn about local owl species and efforts to protect them. Dieter Tange opened the event with a warm welcome. Edith Tange and her team prepared a breakfast buffet for the attendees. After the meal, Hans-Georg Kaatz delivered a presentation on 'Owls in Dithmarschen'.

The discussion highlighted the eight owl species breeding in Schleswig-Holstein, all of which are legally protected. The eagle owl, the largest, thrives in the Dithmarschen Geest region, where its population is densest. The tawny owl is the most widespread, while the pygmy owl is the smallest of the species.

Participants also learned about owl behaviour. These birds mainly hunt mice but also eat earthworms, snails, beetles, and other small animals. Their sharp hearing aids navigation, and their broad wings allow silent flight. Conservation work in Dithmarschen started in 1981 and continues today, led by five committed bird enthusiasts. The event combined education with community spirit. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of local owl species and their conservation. The long-standing efforts of volunteers help sustain these protected birds in the region.