DREAMS of making a star flyer out of snowy owl Loki have today become a reality.Just 15 weeks after he was born, the Evening Star's sponsored owl has spread his wings to wow the crowds in his first official demonstration.

DREAMS of making a star flyer out of snowy owl Loki have today become a reality.

Just 15 weeks after he was born, the Evening Star's sponsored owl has spread his wings to wow the crowds in his first official demonstration.

And it came just four weeks after he first soared up to the sky.

Andy Hulme, head falconer at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns, said: "He's a fully fledged member of the flying team now and we are all very proud of him.

"He looks ace. He's a proper immature snowy owl now - no longer our baby.

"The few flights he's done have all gone well and the audiences seem to be impressed by him.

"There are still one or two things to work on as he's still a bit wobbly in the wind but it will come with experience.

"Overall we are as pleased as punch with his progress."

Weighing in a 2lbs 12oz, and standing 20in high, Loki is the younger brother of the sanctuary's most successful bird Fetlar. Fetlar died tragically when he escaped the owl centre in April.

Mr Hulme said: "The stage Loki is at now is about the same Fetlar was at his age.

"It's strange how many likenesses they have.

"He's flying from perch to perch, and perch to fist, and learning how to fly into the breeze and let the wind take him.

"Once he gets a bit of experience and confidence we will get him snatching pieces of meat off the high perch to really impress the visitors."

Loki, born on June 5, was named after the Norse god of mischief

Mr Hulme said: "He certainly lives up to his name as he's a handful at times.

"We wouldn't change him though – it's his character."

Sanctuary staff have hand-reared Loki to demonstrate bird of prey skills.

Loki will be giving demonstration flights at 12.30pm and 2pm every day until Sunday.