Bird Of Prey Experience Days: Experience Raptor rapture with this fantastic falconry experience in Warwickshire. Just a short drive from Birmingham and Coventry, and less than an hour from Northampton, this aviary is home to an astounding array of beautiful winged predators. Birds of prey are fascinating, mysterious, and regal - it's no wonder, then, that falconry was originally an art practised by kings and noblemen. But no longer do you need blue blood if you want to get up close and personal with these fascinating feathered friends of ours. This half day experience will give you the chance to learn falconry basics, and allow you to get hands-on with owls, falcons and hawks. These are big, strong birds - but when you feel the weight of one landing on your gloved arm, and feel the strength of its formidable talons, you'll realise just how big and strong they really are.The half day course starts at 10.30am, where the participants begin by spending some time in the office learning the history of Falconry, and becoming familiar with the equipment used by falconers. After this, it's time to meet the birds - a stunning variety of hawks, falcons, and owls. The next stage of the experience is the first part of the bird's training (Manning), where you will walk around the centre with one of the birds, so that it gets used to the area - and you, of course! Training then starts - normally with a Harris Hawk - and you will learn just how the birds are encouraged to fly back to their human hunting partners. The final part of the experience will be 'free-flying', really enjoying the form and power of the bird (usually a European Eagle Owl) at its best.

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