Birds of prey at York Falconry, Askham Bryan College (From York Press)

Birds of prey at York Falconry, Askham Bryan College

9:25am Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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THERE is an almost unearthly grace and beauty about Banjo the Barn Owl as he swoops down to alight on his trainer’s gauntleted hand.

Don’t be deceived by appearances, however. Birds of prey like Banjo may be beautiful: but they are also deadly.

“They are all killers,” admits Greg Whittaker, head falconer at York Falconry, based at Askham Bryan College.

There is a genuine bond between falconer and bird, Greg says. But it is not one of friendship – not on the bird’s part, anyway. These are not pets.

“There is no real affection there,” he says. “They come to you for food, that’s all.”

Nevertheless, working with these magnificent birds is an uplifting experience, Greg says. “When you see these birds flying… it’s difficult to explain. You can just have had the worst day in your life. But you go into a field and watch the birds fly, and then they come back to you, and you’ll have this big smile on your face.”

Magnificent as they are in flight, these birds don’t fly for the sake of it. They are efficient killing machines – and don’t waste energy when they don’t need to, Greg says.

“If they’re not hungry, they will sit in a tree for two to three days.” Over winter, Banjo, Ellie and the many other birds of prey at the falconry centre have been indulged by their handlers. “They have been having an easy time of it, and eating our food,” Greg says.

Soon, however, they will be starting to earn their keep again.

The birds are now undergoing training for the first of their regular public displays.

They are due at Knaresborough Castle on April 3, the first of up to 15 displays they will give this year, at venues ranging from Burnby Hall Gardens at Pocklington to the Castle Howard arboretum.

Those who go along will be able to see them swoop after bait, hunt dummy “rabbits”, and respond to their handlers’ instructions.

For those fascinated by these magnificent birds, York Falconry also runs corporate events, experience days, and courses in basic falconry and bird husbandry.

To find out more, phone the falconry centre on 07956 020491, or visit yorkfalconry.co.uk