Peter Steyn (1955O) writes in his autobiography, Memories of a Birdwatcher  (see 'Publications by ODs' or  page 48 of The Old Diocesan), that a big event in his birding career was sparked by a pair of Spotted Eagle-Owls roosting in a massive Stone Pine outside Founders House.
In fact, this led to a life-long passsion for owls, resulting in his book A Delight of Owls (1984).
Vernon Head (1984O), another OD ornithologist of international fame, explained that Peter presented this story of the Founders owls at a Society meeting, almost 30 years after Peter had left school. At that stage, offspring from 'Peter's Owls' were now roosting in the very same Stone Pine. They too, acted as a great motivation for Vernon, who's latest book, Featherings, can also be viewed under 'Publications by ODs' or page 48 of The Old Diocesan.
Peter and his wife Jenny have recently moved closer to Bishops Prep, and they can often be spotted going for afternoon walks around the Bishops estate. Recently Peter has been bringing his binoculars along for the walk, because believe-it-or-not, the next generation of Spotted Eagle-Owls are roosting in the Stone Pine outside of Founders once again!
The picture above actually catches one owl amidst the branches, but it is very well camouflaged.
Peter is understandably very excited about the spotting, and describes it as 'having come a full circle'.
May this special relationship between the Spotted Eagle-Owls, the Stone Pine, and Founders House, keep on inspiring Bishops ornithologist of the future!