The Falconry Centre, Near Birmingham, West Midlands

EVENTS

As well as daily flying displays at the centre each afternoon, we run special evening events throughout the year.

For private evening group visits to the centre- click here for more details.

Halloween Owl Display Evenings: Saturday 27^th October and Wednesday 31^st October 2007

We are running special Owl Display Evenings at the centre. This will consist of a variety of owls being flown at a time when they would naturally be active. They will fly very close to people and a commentary will be given throughout. The species flown will include the British Barn Owl, Little Owl and Snowy Owl, as well as species from around the world such as our new Asian Brown Wood Owl and various Eagle Owls.

These displays are ticket only and places are limited. Cost: £8.50 per person. Times: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets available over the phone (01562 700014) or at the centre (please give preferred date at time of booking).

NEWS 

THE FALCONRY CENTRE ON TV: Earlier this year Selina Scott came and filmed with some of our birds at the centre for Heart of the Country on ITV. This is due to be shown sometime in August- date will be advertised here when known. In the meantime there is a preview on You-Tube- click here to view.

MORE NEW ARRIVALS FOR 2008: To our growing eagle collection we now have a female Bateleur and due to arrive on 22^nd July is a young African Fish Eagle.

REFURBISHMENTS COMPLETED:  The back area of the centre has been refurbished during winter 2007 and spring 2008. There are new aviaries for some of the flying owls and new paths to allow better access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

NEW ARRIVALS FOR EARLY 2008: Two young Black Kites. We also have a new male Steppe Eagle, a Chaco Owl, a Peregrine Falcon and a new hybrid falcon.  We now also have a very impressive Cape Vulture and a White-headed Vulture.

Chip at 5 weeks old

In 2007 we successfully bred our first Asian Brown Wood Owl. He has been named 'Chip' (as in wood-chip!). Chip has been hand-raised is now trained and flying daily at the centre.

NEW ARRIVALS: 2007

First day sat outside

During 2007 we added to our collection with many new birds. The most impressive being a pair of young Bald Eagles. These birds will be trained and flown for many years and then will hopefully be used for breeding in the future.

One completely different species we added was a Raven. Named 'Spike' he is a real character and will be flown and demonstrated the same as the other birds at the centre. Spike has been hand raised and is now mimicing us by saying his name over and over and over!

Other new birds added in 2007 were: female Russian Steppe Eagle, Little Owl who is a star, Ferruginous Hawk that is now learning how to soar- the problem is stopping!! Also a Lanner Falcon, female American Kestrel and a very unusual Grasshopper Buzzard.

NEW ARRIVALS: 2006

The Golden Eagles have settled in well since they arrived. They are being used for display work and the female will hopefully go in for breeding at the end of this season.

Also new were a male American Kestrel and a Tawny Owl 

NEW TO THE CENTRE

The back part of the centre has been completely refurbished this winter (2007-8). The back lawn has being gravelled and fenced for some of the Eagles to perched out during the day. New avairies have been constructed for the American Kestrels and for 'Bruno'- the Little Owl. The new extension is also in this area which will consist of one large aviary and a picnic area. There will be a wild bird area with feeders and nest boxes and information about the species you could see there.

A new 'Gallery' section is now online so you can see some of the birds that we look after at the centre. It will take time to complete so please keep checking back. Also added to this site is an overview of the groups of birds of prey and owls- concentrating on British birds of prey- click here for more information

Nick Martin, wildlife photographer, has started running photography days where our birds can be photographed in more natural settings. Booking for these sessions is through Nick Martin so please see his website for more details, www.martinimages.co.uk .

Hopefully ‘Hawk the Movie' that we filmed nearly two years ago, will be ready sometime! It is due to premier in London and also Venice. For more information on this, visit their website at www.hawkthemovie.com

Last Updated 8^th July 2008