Bird of prey encounter for Lizi and Mattie

For Lizi's birthday her parents decided to gift her with a memorable bird of prey encounter, with her favourite animal being owls. Lizi was really knowledgable about owls, and we had a great discussion about the calls of the tawny owl as well as their diet, habitat, adaptations and their unfortunate decline in the wild. Lizi was very happy to hold Freddie the tawny owl, and to watch him eat his mouse which Freddie swallowed whole!

Bob the kestrel then made an appearance, which Mattie was pleased to hold being in the same family as his favourite species, the peregrine falcon. We talked about the different wing shape of falcons to owls and how that defines the way in which they hunt. It was then time to give Bob his meal, so Lizi had him fly to her fist for a bechin (small food reward) and then Mattie was able to drop the lure out for Bob to fly for the remainder of his food. 

This was a lovely visit and I hope their love for birds of prey long continues!