Falconry

Hello All

I have been a little quiet on the forum recently but busier taking photo's.

I must admit that the thought of any birds being 'captive' is something I generally dislike but when I was asked to take some pic's by a friend of his visit to Cheshire Falconry I agreed but wondered how I would feel about it.

Easy really it was great, all of the birds shown and flown freely looked to be in good health, happy etc etc - the falconer himself appeared to be a man who seriously enjoys looking after the birds.

Apparently, one rule of thumb is that birds of prey in these conditions are expected to live approximately twice as long that those in the wild - impressive if true, I assume that it is.

I posted a few on the gallery a few weeks ago so I have not included those here.

Any suggestions on improvement etc are welcome.

Sprite the barn owl, hand reared and semmingly very happy




A Peregrine Falcon




A Sea Eagle, the gallery shot is better IMHO




An Eagle from Africa - can't recall the type etc, nice bird though




Merlin the Kestrel, probably my favourite bird on this day, she has a really nice presence about her.





A Harris Hawk




Sprite the Barn Owl again




I ogten wondered if Falconer lose many birds - Cheshire Falconry had a Vulture decide to depart four years ago, they say he is still around Cheshire and keeps evading capture by them - a very intelligent bird

A picture of the 'free' vulture of Cheshire may be an interesting shot

Anyway, having visited Cheshire Falconry I was impressed, not totally converted but having witnessed the care taken by the falconer and how content the birds look I have to admit to being a little better informed, perhaps.

Lovely creatures, the owl in flight is gorgeous. Have been a few times to falconry centers, and although I don't agree with captive animals, I think it is generally of benefit to the birds. Awareness is raised and it presents and excellent opportunity to see these magnificent birds close up.