Falconry Displays

Well it is a day away from the longest day of the year – and what a weird first six months of the year. We have seen nothing like it in living memory – hopefully things are starting to pick up – for us ,however, who knows. We continue to stay in readiness to restart – even when this does happen we will be vulnerable to small pockets of virus cropping up here and there.

The birds are flying well – they have never had it so good! and are deep in moult – a natural summer phenomenon enhanced by flying just at home and very warm weather. They need to still fly however to be able to hunt in the wild – and generally the moult is slow gradual process. Peregrines are notoriously slow when it comes to moulting although tropical races of peregrines reportedly moult a lot faster – so environmental factors such as food supply, climate and other pointers such as migration may speed up the tendency and necessity to moult through – a form of selection pressure. The Peregrine has a global presence with 19 or so races so these variations are interesting.

Leaving birds for the moment – the hay has been cut and we able to go out walking with the dog over recently mown fields  – no doubt many dogs have appreciated lockdown with their human pack around them! I will sign off with a picture of her – with her paw up like a pointer! sniffing something of interest.