NEW for 2008: The S.O.S. Young Falconers Courses
We
are pleased to announce the launch of two Young Falconer's
Courses, which we hope will benefit youngsters interested
in taking up this fascinating pastime.
"Wings"
Half-Day Activity Experience
This half-day course is designed to provide a simple,
hands-on introduction to the world of falconry for those
aged 10-14. Starting at 10.30, the course starts with a
behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Sanctuary including
the weatherings & aviaries, and a close-up introduction
to birds from the five main Raptor families. Then, a spell
in our study centre will explain the mysteries of the
Falconer's Knot plus the hoods, bags, bells, leashes &
lures which make up the essential equipment of the
falconer. After a look at the avian diet and importance of
flying weights, you will then be given the opportunity to
have a hooded falcon on your fist, of which a photograph
will be presented to you - along with Induction Certificate
to the S.O.S. Young Falconers Club - at the end of the
event. Finally you will have a grandstand seat at the
mid-day flying demonstration, which ends about 1.00pm.
Cost: £20
Dates
for 2008 : on application - please call Matt on 01449
711425 for details
"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!
Dates
for 2008 : on application - please call Matt on 01449
711425 for details
Advance
Booking Essential - to make a booking, please call
The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
Stonham Barns
Pettaugh Road
Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT
Tel: 01449 711425
Fax: 01449 710018
e-mail: info@owl-help.org.uk
CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT
AVAILABLE
For details on Bird of Prey Activity Days, Hawk Walks &
Falconry Courses, click here