On the 11th October 2004 a slightly disappointing audience of only 24 members and guests of the West of England branch attended the sixth technical evening of the year held at the Gloucestershire Golf Club. For those that did attend, the speaker captivated them with his passion, and enthusiasm for birds of prey.

Chris is based at Banwell Castle where members of the public are treated to a "Falconry Experience" throughout the season from March to September. He explained that during the winter months from October to February the birds along with a dog and the falconer keep the birds in prime predatory condition by going hunting.

Chris asked the question of the audience "What is a bird of prey ?" He described it as a predatory, carnivorous bird that killed prey only to live and feed itself and its young in order to survive and for no other reason. He went to explain that for most of the day these birds would seem quite inactive in appearance, but in fact they are conserving all their energy ready for "YARAK". This condition was described as being that short period of time in the day, sometimes less than an hour, when the birds metabolism and character totally changes as it turns into "killing mode", hyper active, overflowing with energy in order to make its daily kill.

It also became apparent that life in the wild and its ruthlessness is so very much different to the humanistic ideal of life, and in fact many of these birds because of the lifestyle they lead never fulfil their full life expectancy. Indeed 9 out of 10 do not live beyond their first year.

In quarries the most common birds of prey to be found are the Kestrel although numbers of pairs of Peregrine Falcons are reported to be healthy, as the have the high isolated rock ledges available to roost and raise young.

The birds and falconer are often employed by various organisations to control Gulls and Pigeon flocks that desecrate on many public buildings and places, such as Trafalgar Square, in our towns and cities. The birds are also used for pest control on landfill operations and airfields where large numbers of these birds are a problem to can cause health and safety problems.

Falconry.

"Elvis" the Kestrel

Chris explained various characteristics of the birds which made them so perfectly designed by nature that humans could only wish for, including precise long distance vision and secondary eyelids to allow vision during high speed flight. Chris went on to explain the way in which the bird attacks from height at speeds in excess of 220 mph called "stooping" and that the peregrine is the fastest animal on the planet.

The meeting closed with Chris bringing in two of his own domesticated birds for members to have a close look at the real thing.

The first bird, a male kestrel called "Elvis" (see photo), is 4 years old and he described as a real bundle of dynamite when in action.

Secondly he brought in a Peregrine Falcon, which was a magnificent sight, close up.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

A vote of thanks was duly given by the branch chairman Steve Cole.

A.Shakeshaft - Branch committee member