Post by Falcon Boy on Jun 26, 2006 18:37:32 GMT -5
During my trip to the UK, i visited Eagle Heights. I had been told by numerous people that it was one of the best falconry centres in the UK. Well, quite frankly, i beg to differ. I was quite disappointed with the center. While they did have some impressive birds, martial eagles, sea eagle, etc, i did not like their set up and teathering systems. I also did not like the display, while it was good by design, all but 2 of the people doing the display seemed "afriad" of the birds, whether this was actual fear or simply inexperiance i do not know. Most of all i did not like the feather condition of one particular lanneret. Here he is-
Here is the teathering system they used, carabiners attached to eyelets in the jesses, the other end of the leash was a dog clip or two depeding upon the bird.
Here is the eagle line up they had, quite impressive but the birds were pretty close together and im pretty sure they could reach the railings with atleast their head if they wanted.
These chicks were on display, but jfseamen and i got to go into the back to see them upclose-
Here are some other birds they had out-
What I liked about the centre- Quite a few different species of birds, the display was interesting other than the "fear" or inexperiance of the some of the handlers
What I didn't like- The perch arrangements and how close together the birds were. The teathering systems were unacceptable IMHO. The feather condition of the lanneret. On most birds, the jesses were long enough to allow the bird to easily straddle the block.
Last Edit: Jun 26, 2006 18:39:13 GMT -5 by Falcon Boy
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
Really cool pictures. I take ti that means you hd a really great vacation. My vacation pictures consist of a butterfly and 3 dogs....
Never settle.
"There's nothing like the feeling of knowing that you've made a difference in someone's life, even if that difference is a lifetime of nightmares and a fortune in therapy bills." - Marilyn Manson
I am a falconer in England and i visit Eagle Heights on a regular basis. I do not understand how you can make a lot of the criticisms you have, as far as I am concerned, Eagle Heights is one of the best Brid of Prey Centres in the UK. The tethering systems are fullproof, and ensure that even if one of the clips break, the bird still cannot break free of the perch. I also agree with this method of tethering, as the traditional method leaves room for human error. This method also ensures that the birds 100% cannot reach eachother, whereas by using leashes, if tied too long, there is a possibility of birds being able to reach eachother. I have enquired as to the lannerette, and have been told that that particular bird was new when the photo was taken, and the previous owner had kept it in unacceptable conditions (hence why it was at the centre). After its molt, it regained perfect feather condition, like all the other birds at the centre.
I am a falconer in England and i visit Eagle Heights on a regular basis. I do not understand how you can make a lot of the criticisms you have, as far as I am concerned, Eagle Heights is one of the best Brid of Prey Centres in the UK.
I too, am a falconer, and i suppose everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I was mearly stating mine.
justmax said:
The tethering systems are fullproof, and ensure that even if one of the clips break, the bird still cannot break free of the perch. I also agree with this method of tethering, as the traditional method leaves room for human error. This method also ensures that the birds 100% cannot reach eachother, whereas by using leashes, if tied too long, there is a possibility of birds being able to reach eachother.
Dog clip leashes and carabiners have been known to fail, just read most any falconry book and they discourage their use. Ask almost any falconer, and they too will discourage it. Eyelets in the jesses are also a problem, jesses get tangled enough as it is, why add large holes in the jesses to the list of potential problems? While I know that not all the birds are flown, the few that were all were flown [atleast from my recollection, keep in mind this was a few months ago] with the jesses with eyelets in them.
justmax said:
I have enquired as to the lannerette, and have been told that that particular bird was new when the photo was taken, and the previous owner had kept it in unacceptable conditions (hence why it was at the centre). After its molt, it regained perfect feather condition, like all the other birds at the centre.
That does make sence, it would have been nice if they had labeled it as such so people such as myself would not make assumptions.
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
I suppose that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and we all have to use whichever systems work best for us. The dog-clip and caribena system is, I feel, a very practical method, and i suppose if Eagle Heights has never had any problems with it, then it is down to them as to what system they use. I've also done courses there, and you may like to know that all the course birds, which are not kept on display to the public, use the traditional method with the leashes.
I still do not think it is fair to critcise a centre purely by their tethering system, as at the end of the day, if it works for them and doesn't affect the overall running of the centre or wellbeing of the birds, why should it be such a big problem?
I suppose that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and we all have to use whichever systems work best for us. The dog-clip and caribena system is, I feel, a very practical method, and i suppose if Eagle Heights has never had any problems with it, then it is down to them as to what system they use. I've also done courses there, and you may like to know that all the course birds, which are not kept on display to the public, use the traditional method with the leashes.
I still do not think it is fair to critcise a centre purely by their tethering system, as at the end of the day, if it works for them and doesn't affect the overall running of the centre or wellbeing of the birds, why should it be such a big problem?
Regards
I've been to alot of centres. There was more that I didn't like than the caribena and dog clips. I know that there are challenges with any centre but as you said we all have our opinions. I wouldn't say the Eagle Hieghts was bad to the point of they should close, but not my favorite. Then again the Hawk Conservancy is a tough act to follow.
I havn't been to the hawk conservancy or the cotswalds centre....I must make a point of going! Maybe after i have seen different style then I can rub some off on Eagle Heights! Has anyone been to the National Bird of Prey Centre? I've read a book by the owner, but what does everyone else think of the centre?
I havn't been to the hawk conservancy or the cotswalds centre....I must make a point of going! Maybe after i have seen different style then I can rub some off on Eagle Heights! Has anyone been to the National Bird of Prey Centre? I've read a book by the owner, but what does everyone else think of the centre?
Been to NBPC last year some time.
A bit institutional and the display presenters lacked enthusiasm but the owner was aware and working on it.
I'll go back to EH soon and I want to take up Nigels offer for some hawking. I love to meet people and share hawking. You learn more when out with others than hawking alone all the time.
Yeah I'll probably come too! The land around EH is great for hawking because there's so much to look at! The NBPC did sound a bit regimented, and the author seemed to think that it was her way or the highway, not too sure if I like that approach! I want to go and have a nose around there too!
The Author (Jemima Parry-Jones) you refer to left the National Bird of Prey Center two years ago along with the majority of the bird collection the new owners are doing a good job of bringing the NBPC around to their way of operating so is probably well worth visiting a few times to see how things change.
Like all individuals centers have their own ways of doing things and most are open to constructive criticism and regard discussion's as a way of improving falconry.
Falcon boy took the time to visit several center's during his visit to the UK and I'm sure given more time on his next visit Alan (Eagle Heights) would be only to pleased to show him around and discuss the vagaries of keeping BOP in a Zoo environment his shoulders are as broad as mine.
feel free to visit the Cotswold falconry center anytime just mention this board and the fact you (it appears) help at Eagle Heights and we will show you around.
Post by jfneumann57 on Oct 3, 2006 23:34:51 GMT -5
Yea Perry-JOnes had moved to the states to start a center over here but last i heard there was a falling out between her and her partner over here. Her birds were in quaranteen earlier this year i think. Not sure if they went w/ her or not.
08 season: 51squirrels 16 rabbits 43miscellaneous
I'm sorry, but you said "it's impossible" when you really meant "I don't know how yet".