This is Tikka, he is a Bengal Eagle Owl and the latest in a never ending list of exotic butterflies, lizards, sheep, goats, rabbits, squirrel etc cared for by staff at Bank Mill Nursery.

Tikka was captive bred in the UK and is cared for by his "mum" Melanie, daughter of Bill James, the proprietor of Bank Mill Nurseries.

Tikka is only 7 weeks old but is already a celebrity having been interviewed and photographed by 2 regional newspapers and seen by many visitors to Bank Mill. In recognition of his celebrity status we have decided to give Tikka his own web page.

Over the coming weeks we will publish regular updates and photos of Tikka so that you can follow his progress but better still come and visit him, he is very friendly and loves the attention.

Some facts about Tikka

• Bengal Eagle Owls are are also known as Rock Eagle Owls or Indian Eagle Owls

• When fully grown Tikka will have a wing span in excess of 1 metre possibly up to 1.5 metres with a body length up to 60cm and weigh up to 1200g.

• In the wild he would primarily hunt rats and mice but may also take small birds, reptiles, frogs, crabs and large insects.

• His favoured habitats are wooded country with cliffs, rocky hills with bushes and trees and even semi desert with rocks and bushes.

• The average lifespan for a Bengal Eagle Owl is about 20 years although they have been known to live up to 60 years in captivity.