Sulis is the latest addition to the family at the non-for-profit falconry used by Bath Insider Tours for its Bath City Tour & Hawk Flying Experience. Sulis is a (very cute!) baby Little Owl. Just 12 days old it is too soon to say whether it is male or female.
To support the falconry with their fantastic work Bath Insider Tours has sponsored the very adorable Sulis. If you look closely at the Bath Insider Tours logo you may notice an owl in the logo. This was chosen to symbolise the knowledge and learning that is shared on the tours and as a symbol for Bath. How does an owl symbolise Bath? Well, during the Roman period the Romans worshipped the Goddess of Minerva at the hot springs in Bath and an owl was one of her symbols. Before the Romans arrived in Britain the local Celts are believed to have worshipped the Celtic Goddess of Sulis at the hot springs. When the Romans built their main temple next to the hot springs they dedicated it to Sulis Minerva - effectively merging their goddess with the local Celtic goddess. As a Little Owl living in Bath - Sulis is therefore a very appropriate name for this baby owl - especially given that it's mother is an owl called Minerva!
I am looking forward to introducing guests on the Bath City & Hawk Flying Experience to Sulis. During the tour guests visit the owlery and have the unique experience of flying a hawk in the countryside. It is possible to fly some of their owls indoors instead of a hawk so if you prefer this - do let me know.