Well, a few weeks ago I said I’d like to take my son to the cotswold falconry centre. He had a school open day on Saturday, so they were all given the day off on Monday. It was a nice day, so we decided it would be a good day to visit. So we loaded up with cameras, picnic etc. and off we all went.
Tomek was able to poke his camera through the little spyholes they had to give the breeding pairs of falcons and hawks some extra security. I couldn’t. So although I saw the pair of peregrines, Tomek was able to take a shot of one of them.
Peregrine Falcon
As usual, all images are clickable for higher resolution ones. (Although top resolution are not published, they are available on request).
I got a few shots, but a lot of them were very samey from last time, and to be honest, not quite as good. One of the best was the kestrel, which was outside this time. Last time it was inside because it was cold.
Kestrel
I got to fly this Harris Hawk, Tomek was offered, but didn’t fancy it (probably because the plonker flew it right over his head just before – wish people would be more sensible with children).
Harris Hawk
Up close, Harris Hawks are quite amazing. They’re not that special to look at from a distance though. The falconer said you can train a Harris Hawk in a week.
Harris Hawk, up close
This one wasn’t out last time either. Interesting fellow.
Yellow-billed Kite
This Saker was stood on his perch flapping. Thought I’d take a shot.
Saker Falcon
Leah the Lanner Falcon was flying free this time. Last time she was on a line.
Leah - Lanner Falcon
The Caracaras were noisy and most of the time they seemed to prefer to walk.
Caracara from the Falklands
My AF still can’t keep up with birds in flight, but this was about the best flying shot I managed.
Matabele the Bateleur Eagle
They seemed to have two Gyr-Saker falcons today
Gyr-Saker Falcon
Desmond the ??? owl.
9 Responses to “More Falconry :)”
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Hi Alex, I arrive from the latest Tranfree, it’s nice to read you again after all these years! Awesome falcon photos, love them 🙂
Thanks Alliandre 🙂 It’s nice to be back.
Hello Alex,
A question which nothing has to do with falconry: is your e-book also available in a printed version?
Second. Very beautifull pictures, very beautifull birds (and insects!!). I hope that in that falconry centre, people are honest enough to inform visitors about the horrible conseguences of falconry-sport for the some of the birds they get there captured. The Lanner for instance, is near to disappear from Europe: they are so highly quoted on the falconry-market, that there are only a few couples remained in the parts of Europe where this bird used to live… I had the fortune to see one couple free living thanks to volunteers who are protecting (with their lifes as dome hunters even come with guns in their planes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) the only couple living in this place. High in the sky, but I saw them.
Thanks for your comeback on the stage of freelance translating. My heart made a jump when I saw you again, right in the right moment….
Frauke
Thanks Frauke,
These guys love their birds. They are not in it for profit, but have an extensive breeding program to try and preserve the species which are under threat in the wild.
The ebook isn’t published as a printed edition at present. But the PDF can be printed out if you wish.
Alex
Hi again, I was looking for Desmond, for me he’s an Eagle Owl. Maybe this great website can be of help: http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=all
hi
just seeing the comment about the Lanner falcon, although I find the taking of wild birds( or for yhat matter any animal), particularly those that are endangered a disgrace. I can ensure you that all of these birds at a British Falconry centre (that are not injured native) will all be captive breed by law. all centres should also be very conservation focused. i say this with confidence as a trained display falconer of 4 years
Ps The owl is a great horned owl or great horned eagle owl, mostly likely a northen one looking at the colouration
hope this helps
Ross
Thanks Ross 🙂
hi again
also amazing photos
Ross
These are some really good photos, in particular I like the shot of the yellow-billed kite. It looks like it’s just about to pounce. I agree with Ross’s comments, it’s important that falconry centres don’t just use the birds to make money, but also respect falcons and have initiatives in place that promote the well-being of both captive and wild falcons.