A guest post by Gillian Ireland from Hoots Owls, Ayshire, Scotland
Not long to go now… to the much awaited Wheels and Wings Show at the National Museum of Flight, East Fortune on Sunday 23 September 2012. Book your tickets in advance here.
At Hoots Owls falconry centre we offer a handling and educational experience for all ages – one that not many have had. All our birds are hand reared from birth and and enjoy meeting new friends, being petted and fussed over.
Honey the White Faced Scops Owl from Hoots Owls.
All the handling team have an extensive knowledge of owls and are happy to answer questions about the birds and their habits. We are extremely focused on education as well as handling and feel it is very important to teach others about these lovely birds. We offer an educational presentation for schools and learning centres.
Jet the Harris Hawk with Hoots Owl handler.
When we are preparing for any event there are jobs for everyone at Hoots Owls, from cleaning and organising equipment to ensuring the owls are at the correct weight depending on what job they are doing that day i.e. flying or petting. If we have a bird that will be demonstrating flight then we have to ensure that their diet is strictly controlled and their weight closely monitored. Getting the bird to fly is the easy part, getting it to come back is where skill and knowledge are put to the test.
Sparky the Snowy Owl from Hoots Owls.
During the Wheels and Wings show we will be giving two twenty minute talks about owl flight as well as inviting the public to come and meet the birds and there will be an opportunity to hold a live bird of prey and have your photograph taken.
