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The National Birds of Prey Centre, run by an enthusiastic Jemima Parry Jones, houses a wide variety of birds of prey, amounting to approximately 300 birds. Owls, Eagles, Vultures, Falcons, Kestrels, Merlins, Hawks, Kites are reared, bred in captivity, and researched. Many birds are trained to fly freely for demonstration purposes, and everyday three demonstrations are held. Trainers and Falconers fly the birds in turn, and the birds display their acrobatic skills and their breath taking flying abilities. Many birds are here for years, and some from their eggs. An albino kestrel is looked after dearly. Jemima is also involved in the revival of three species of Vultures that have seen 98 percent decline in population in India due to a particular drug used for cattle. The cenre is also scheduled to move to America this November. I had previously booked a bed & breakfast at a place called 'Newent', near the centre. Taking a train at 0545hrs from Liverpool, and changing trains at Crewe and Cheltenham Spa, where a colleague from Bristol also joined - we reached Gloucester, and then another 30 minute bus ride took us to Newent. From Newent it was a 45 minute walk to the centre. The weather was playing bad that day, and we got a little wet as it kept drizzling all day. I do not think one will get to see so many magnificient birds at such close quarters. It was a real treat to see these great birds. Some that caught the eye were the American Bald Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Indian Eagle Owl, Little Owl, the Andean Condor and the Secretary Bird. I am sure it will be a difficult feat to see these birds in the wild, unless one travels far and wide. I should also admit that the thrill diminishes considerably because these are only captive birds, under the control of man. Nevertheless, one sees these birds as representating their brethren in the wild, master predators of the sky, that man will continue to admire and respect for ever. For them, truly, sky is the limit.
In the evening we walked back to Newent for night halt, and the next day went to the centre again. The weather
was brilliant, with a bright sun, and I had a field day with my camera. In the evening a very kind woman offered
This is my last weekend before I leave for India and home. I am happy I spent it admiring some of the world's greatest birds. Some of the birds seen & remembered:
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us a lift upto Newent, from where we boarded a bus to Gloucester. At Gloucester we parted, and I boarded a train
to Tamworth. Due to wrong train timings given to me, I ran late, resulting that I reached Manchester after the
last train to Liverpool had left. Hence I spent 6 hours at Manchester Piccaddilly station, and then taking the first
train next day at 0434hrs, reached Liverpool at 0530hrs on Monday.