Having a hoot!

Following an invite from James, Graham's son, today we visited The Falconry Centre at Hagley.

The Visitor Centre exists in a peaceful and secluded site which is surrounded by beautiful mature trees and nestles beside Webbs Garden Centre. Here, as well as observing birds of prey including various species of Eagle, Vulture, Buzzard, Owl and Falcon from around the world we were treated to a fantastic flying display.

It was amazing to see the birds at close quarters and take photographs of the flying birds at the centre without the hindrance of wire netting. The experienced handlers spoke knowledgeably about their birds and were able to answer questions we had. This blip is of a chaco owl named Cash. He flew with a silent grace from handler to handler and perched magestically, posing for photographs, on the fence right in front of us. It's an experience I shan't forget.

I love owls. I'm a Harry Potter obsessive and was keen to see a Snowy Owl. Although it was too warm for this beautiful winged creature to participate in the flying disply today, we were able to observe it in the enclosure. we hope to return in the winter months for an owl handling evening, giving us a chance to fly the owls (including a Snowy Owl) for ourselves. I look forward to having my own Hedwig - albeit for a short time!

Good call James! Your invite wasn't wasted on us!