Falconry Displays

Summer here at last!

We have had two successful weekends firstly at Stoner Park and then Blenheim Palace. Stoner Park was cool but mainly dry and the bank holiday weekend at Blenheim was just perfect. I got slightly sunburnt during the arena flying display when a microphone headset made it difficult to wear my Tudor Hat.

Both events went well and were well attended. All the birds flew well. I must mention ‘Bo’ our Eagle Owl who defies her age and flies quite beautifully.

With ‘Frank’ our young male Lanner Falcon who came as a day tripper being very tame and relaxed on static I was sorely tempted to fly him in the arena for the first time. I did not do it but instead settled to fly him at Blenheim beyond the ‘haha’ a little way from the arena but with a busy background of people. Something like show conditions. He did very well.

I was going to fly him yesterday at a suitable event in the Forest of Dean but it rained – next time I hope! He will continue to be flown at home each day. As I said in an earlier blog entry he has missed a year of training and so the slope is going to be a little steeper for him. But I think he will turn out really well.

Spring has been late this year but rain and sun the grass has grown long and the meadows set aside for hay making are looking really lovely just about now. I will sign off with a picture I took today out with the dog.