"Wings Plus" Young Falconers Course
The course has been designed to provide an in-depth look into the world of falconry for 12-16-year-olds who would like to know more about this ancient pastime.
Divided into separate units, usually held on Saturdays fortnightly, on full completion of the course you should have learnt all the basic's you'll need to know if considering owning your own bird of prey in the future.
You will learn all about birds of prey and what sets them apart from the rest of their avian cousins; discover what it is like to work in a falconry centre, and learn more about the role establishments like ours play in the conservation, rescue and rehabilitation of native raptor species.
Accompanied by an SOS Falconer, on the practical side you will be shown the correct way of handling birds of prey and learn about the differences between Long-Wings, Short-Wings and Broad-Winged raptors - information that may will affect your choice of raptor in the future. There will also be opportunities to learn about & experience the different techniques used when flying young birds, and to try your hand at lure swinging & the use of radio telemetry tracking equipment.
You will also receive a basic grounding in many of the raptor husbandry issues connected with keeping a bird of prey at home, focussing on aspects of general health care, weight management, feeding, cleaning and much else necessary for the care and maintenance of a healthy, captive bird of prey kept humanely and with consideration.
Throughout the course there will be plenty of "hands-on time" with the birds, and on successful completion of a minimum of four units, your tuition will culminate in a series of free-flying sessions, where you will get the chance to experience at first hand the thrill of having hawks and owls flying free to and from the fist.
This course has been intentionally designed as a program of learning about the art & practice of falconry for youngsters: there will be plenty of fun & lots of education involved in order to provide what we hope will be a fantastic and unique learning experience for all those wishing to participate!
Please telephone 08456 807 897if you would like further details of available dates for 2012
Price per person per session: £25
Advance Booking Essential - to make a booking, please call 08456 807 897 or e-mail us
GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ALL TYPES OF COURSE AVAILABLE
WHAT TO BRING & WHAT TO EXPECT