Two Crested Caracara chicks have hatched at the centre, beginning the successful hatching period in this years breeding season. Their parents are doing an excellent job rearing them and they are now big enough to be ringed (pictured). They will hopefully be joining our flying team once they are fully fledged.

On Saturday 4th March, we held a talk on African Vultures, where Kellie spoke about the work she did with wild vultures in Africa and the problems they are facing. The evening was a great success, with money being raised for the International Vulture Programme.

Cotswold Falconry for more than 10 years has provided financial assistance to various in-situ vulture conservation projects. In 2016 there was the opportunity to see first-hand some of the work we have been supporting. In October, Kellie excitedly took up the trip to South Africa alongside the Hawk Conservancy Trust and Gauntlet Bird of Prey, Eagle and Vulture Park. There, she assisted in the catching, ringing and tagging of several young white backed vultures, to help with their conservation. She had an amazing and eye-opening time and was able to share her experiences with the members of the friends of cotswold falconry. Using photographs she took whilst in Africa, she was able to explain why the ringing and tagging of these Critically Endangered birds is so important in monitoring the species and saving them from extinction. There was also a chance to have coffee and a slice of the vulture cake, specially made for the occasion!

We still have some tickets available for the 'friends of Cotswold Falconry' vulture talk on Saturday 4th March and would like to invite members of the public to attend. Hear about Kellie's experiences while she was in South Africa, working with wild, critically endangered vultures.

Cotswold Falconry for more than 10 years has provided financial assistance to various in-situ vulture conservation projects. In 2016 there was the opportunity to see first-hand some of the work we have been supporting. In October, Kellie excitedly took up the trip to South Africa alongside the Hawk Conservancy Trust and Gauntlet Bird of Prey, Eagle and Vulture Park. There, she assisted in the catching, ringing and tagging of several young white backed vultures, to help with their conservation. She had an amazing and eye-opening time and is looking forward to giving an evening talk about her experience on Saturday 4th March at 6.30pm. This will take place at the Batsford Education Centre. Not only is this a great opportunity to find out about the peril facing some of our birds out in the wild it is also a chance to raise funds for some very positive wildlife charities. Tickets are £5 per person.

Cotswold Falconry is now open for the 2017 season. There will be flying displays running throughout the day, at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:00. We look forward to seeing you!

A bit of sad news to report. We put the adult male Bateleur Eagle to sleep just after Christmas. He was a very old bird, being at least 43 years old and had been at the centre since the first year we opened. Despite our and veterinary efforts, his leg joints just didn’t enable him to have the life he had previously enjoyed.