Feathered filmstar, Sheba the owl, who appeared in the latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire has turned out to be male – and has fathered an owlet. Because of the difficulty of sexing birds until they hatch eggs, it was not certain

Feathered filmstar, Sheba the owl, who appeared in the latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire has turned out to be male - and has fathered an owlet.

Because of the difficulty of sexing birds until they hatch eggs, it was not certain whether Sheba was a male until he became a father.

Now a competition has been launched to name the owlet and the person who chooses the winning name will be given free family admission to the raptor centre for a year, valid for two adults and two children - plus 10 per cent off goods in the shop.

The baby owl, either a son or daughter of Sheba, is pictured here with Raptor Foundation volunteer Madeleine Weber.

INFORMATION: To enter the competition, send your suggestion for a name, with your full name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Sheba's Baby Owl Competition, The Raptor Foundation, The Heath, St Ives Road, Woodhurst, PE28 3BT.

Entries must reach the foundation by Thursday, June 1.

Picture: HELEN DRAKE 0989