The Amazing Fish-Owl: Discovered by Thomas Blakiston
Web photos courtesy of Blakiston Owl Project and National Geographic
By Gloria Siess {"Garnetbird"}
The British Explorer and Businessman, Thomas Blakiston discovered a rare type of Owl while on his journeys. This Fish Owl, bubo blakistoni, was sighted in Japan, China and Russia, fishing in the manner associated with Eagles. It was first christened "Fish Owl," in 1883, in Hokkaido, Japan. Prior to the 1800's nothing was commonly known about this intriguing bird, which belongs to the class known as Typical Owls.{ It has also been seen eating carrion from traps in modern-day Russia}.
This owl can weigh up to 6.8 pounds, an impressive size indeed. The average Owl is not as large or as intimidating as the Blakiston Fish Owl. It is also found in an auburn-brown series, as shown in the photos. It resembles the Eurasian eagle owl, but is paler, with more dramatic ear tufts. This bird is extremely endangered due to the loss of riverine forests. There are projects online designed to draw interest to preserving this lovely bird, with many scientitists and students participating.
The Owl's namesake, Thomas Blakiston, came from an old, noble family line in the United Kingdom. Many persons like myself may find themselves distantly related to this general family line, as the sirname was frequently changed to Blackstone. The Blackstone {Blakiston)Family originally settled in Maine and Maryland in the 1640's.{One of my ancestors was Nancy Blackstone; as I researched the family line I became obsessed not only with family history, but this fascinating Fish Owl}.
The founder of the Blakiston Fish Owl was buried in Columbus, Ohio, in 1891.( Little did I know when I attended Ohio State at Columbus, a distant relative was resting nearby! }On April 20th, 2010 I received an invitation from Greenlawn Cemetary in Columbus, Ohio, to attend a Birding Breakfast in honor of Thomas Blakiston and his amazing Fish Owl.