The Falconry School is a small and intimate establishment. They love to show best practises in how to care for, handle and, above all, fly birds of prey. This is a great place for a day out in Gloucestershire for those interested in birds of prey. For those interested in local species, The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has a page to help you identify many types of bird.
Falconry School in Gloucester
The Falconry School has a great reputation. So much so that students have come from all over the world to learn about the training and management of birds of prey.
What is Falconry?
Falconry is the practice of hunting of wild animals in their natural environment with a specially trained bird of prey. Falcons typically hunt small or larger animals such as squirrels and rabbits.
Birds of Prey Displays
The School has several falcons, including peregrines they use for educational displays. They use both ancient falconry methods and modern devices and techniques to show the glorious flying abilities of the falcon.
Gloucestershire Birds-of-Prey
Gloucestershire has many with options for local bird watching and centres to learn about birds of prey. One place I have seen many in the wild is in the Forest of Dean, including in the Wye Valley AONB. This includes seeing peregrine falcons and a few buzzards while hiking.
Barn Owl Centre in Gloucester
The Barn Owl Centre just outside Gloucester is a charity that provides Owl conservation support to farmers & landowners throughout the UK. They also have a dedicated Bird Sanctuary that gives 24/7 care & support to an array of captive-bred birds that over time have come into their care as either unwanted & mistreated pets.
International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent
The International Centre for Birds of Prey is a great place to visit where visitors can get up close to the birds and learn more about them. The centre has a selection of eagles and hawks that they fly throughout the day. Visitors can also view the birds in sheltered aviaries.
UK Species
There are many species of Birds of Prey that live in the UK, some of these also frequent Gloucestershire.
- Honey Buzzard
- Goshawk
- Tawny owl
- Short-eared owl
- Long-eared owl
- White-tailed eagle
- Golden eagle
- Little owl
- Red Kite
- Barn owl
- Osprey
- Marsh harrier
- Hen harrier
- Common buzzard
- Buzzard
- Sparrowhawk
- Kestrel
- Hobby
- Peregrine falcon
- Merlin