After unceramoniously cutting short our recent trip to the Lakes (vom-tastic youngest daughter episode), I had promised my eldest an adventure of some description. Thus, dad and daughter set out along the A65 from Ilkley, past Settle until we arrived at the Yorkshire Dales Falconry Centre. We've seen this many times on our way to and from (usually) the M6 junction at Kirby Lonsdale, and after a conversation about the fastest creature on earth (Peregrine Falcon), decided to go see some birds of prey in the flesh.
Batty, a Bateleur Eagle in flight - Fujifilm X-E1, XF 55-200mm
The centre is fairly compact, but catered for us pretty well, though they were clearly in a spin after 20+ riders from the Clitheroe Cycling Club turned up unannounced for bacon sarnies! There is a cafe, gift shop, and adventure play ground to explore, not to mention the birds themselves.
Wesley, a White Headed Vulture - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
After paying a modest entry fee (£7 for me, £5 for Talia), we moved past the gift shop, cafe and play ground, down to the birds themselves. How the birds are displayed varies. Some are on perches within an enclosed cave/cupula type arrangement, while others have a more traditional enclosure.
Sinbad, a Snowy Owl - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
There is a good variety of birds on show, and all looked in excellent condition, with the exception of the Peregrine Falcon, which looked decidedly unhealthy, at least to my untrained eye. The enclosures were clean and tidy and I certainly didn't come away with any welfare concerns, which visits to animal attractions can sometimes give.
Batty, a Bateleur Eagle - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
After visiting the tethered birds, it was time for a display! We were lucky enough to see a Bateleur Eagle, a Hooded Vulture, and an Eagle Owl, all flown. Both of us were mesmerised by the display, though dad probably for longer than daughter, who has the attention span you'd expect at her age (4).
The flight display begins - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
It's fair to say the setting is absolutely stunning. The Dales are just spectacular, with rolling green hills and dramatic landscapes. It certainly makes an amazing back-drop for the sweeping flights of these majestic birds.
Facts and information about the birds are relayed by the handler - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
The two-person display team are clearly expert handlers and the birds have a good relationship with them. This was evident as the birds seemed to vocalise whenever the handlers walk past their enclosures, seemingly encouraging the falconers to fly them.
Eddie, a European Eagle Owl - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
The displays themselves consist of encouraging the birds to fly and return back to the handler. There is usually a 'treat' of some kind held in the thick protective gloves the handlers wear. This treat is usually meat in some form, with the Eagle Owl being treated to a dead chick.
Eddie, a European Eagle Owl - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
You can see why the handlers wear a thick leather glove. The birds arrive at not insignificant speeds, and being predators, possess a fearsome set of talons in most cases.
Eddie, a European Eagle Owl - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
Talia did her usual job of defying convention, eschewing obvious favourites like the owls and eagles. She preferred the vultures, seemingly the uglier the better. Her favourite was this charmer, Gonzo, a Hooded Vulture. Gonzo also flew but I wasn't able to get a good picture, having to fend Talia off the handler. She was fascinated by the Hooded Vultures tendency to 'blush' when excited. The usually pale pink skin of its neck and face flush with blood becoming much more colourful. Talia has spent the rest of the day trying to make herself blush, with limited success "Embarrass me, Dad!"
Gonzo, a Hooded Vulture - Fujifilm XE-1, XF 55-200mm
A good day out. We'll be back I'm sure, as the place has most things you'd want - stunning scenery, good amenities and great birds of prey to view. Recommended.