Sunday 20 August 2017

Report of WI meeting

Fixter's Falconry

Dean and Natasha from Fixter’s Falconry provided a wonderful and informative talk on Birds of Prey.

Whilst Dean gave a fascinating insight into how he ‘imprints’ (hand-rears) birds of prey and owls from when they hatch or are very young and takes them to shows and talks, Natasha brought round a selection of birds on her falconry-gloved arm, for members to see at close quarters.

Plate 1 - Barn owl
The birds included a young kookaburra (the largest kingfisher in the world), a brown owl and a barn owl. We learnt what the various birds were fed on, how to tell according to eye colour whether an owl is nocturnal (dark brown or black round the outer eye) or diurnal (yellow around the outside of the eye) and that contrary to popular belief only 8% of all owls across the world are actually nocturnal.

Despite the saying “Wise Old Owl” because their eyes took up so much space in their head, their brains are quite small... but they can be trained. One of their barn owls performs duties as a ring bearer at weddings, swooping into the church carrying the rings in an organza pouch and flying to the best man with them.

Owls can live between 5-8 years in the wild, whereas in captivity they can reach the ripe old age of 37 years.

Plate 2 - European Eagle owl
[age: four and a half weeks old]
Unfortunately, it appears that falconry has a huge void in young members and Dean, who was a very dedicated and communicative individual, was trying to remedy this by School Workshops, Tuition Courses and Falconry Summer Schools.

The session finished with members being invited to hold a bird on their gloved arm if they wished, whilst Dean answered questions from the floor. A most enjoyable and informative evening was had by all.

For more information visit his website at www.fixtersfalconry.co.uk
 
The competition was won by Val, second was Sheila and third Chrissie.  The raffle, a bird feeder and bird seeds, was won by Maddie.

Thanks to Jane Kania for the report - with photographs by Maria Hall

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