Birds of Prey

For Vicki’s birthday we picked up a deal for a three hour “Eagle Experience” at an establishment near Bedford, just north of London but a 2-hour drive from here, meandering through some lovely countryside.

The Birds of Prey Centre has a selection of birds from all over the world, from giant Scottish Sea Eagles, to American Bald Eagles, vultures, and numerous other eagles, hawks, falcons and owl.

Eagle Owl

Our first experience was to hold an Eagle Owl and it was here that we learned that the concept of a wise owl has no relation to reality – they have feathers between their ears too! But they are captivating, especially their eyes.  Every bird has a leash attached to a foot which you hold via a large leather glove. You don’t want the bird to catch sight of a passing pigeon and get distracted.

Our second experience was holding a bald eagle. Clearly they aren’t but at one time Bald meant White (not hairless) so the adult birds have white heads and tails.  This one's about four years old so still has some dark feathers on its head.

There was then a display of flying from various birds where you can see how big the larger birds really are and how fast the falcons move – no way could we photograph them successfully!!

Eagle flying

Our last session was flying a couple of the eagles. Here the audience were split into two groups 50 metres apart and one person would don the big leather glove with a choice of a head or foot of a cute (but very dead) chick. The birds would then fly between the two groups to feed themselves. We were told to face away from the bird so that when they landed on your arm it would just swing forward. If it arrived from the front with too much speed your arm could be swung backwards and dislocated! We found the birds not too heavy though.

We finished up with time to wander around the enclosures looking at all the captive owls and falcons and other birds. And then it was time to hop in the car and warm up (it was a cold, cold day) and face the M25/M4 motorway trip home.

We would both rate this experience as brilliant – up close and personal these birds are spectacular, if a little scary.