Barry & Luce Macdonald - Raptor Experience Wales             Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8RR Tel: (01654) 700317 email: click HERE   Education We are very happy to bring along some of our captive bred Birds of Prey to visit schools and special interest groups, where we will provide professional and informative educational talks, and where possible actually demonstrate how different species fly, and how they replicate different survival strategies through flight patterns and behaviors, as close to as they would have to survive in their natural environments. This in the case of children of all age groups, contributes to the education of environmental issues, not only in the case of raptors, but toward managing natural habitats, and how they can help protect them. All our educational talks cater for different key stage requirements. We have a variety of birds including "George" the African White-Backed Vulture who is very much an entertaining character. We can provide a collection of British species, such as the Barn Owl, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon and Red Kite, "Dyfi". Alternatively, if you wish, we can bring along  other Raptor species from around the world. All of our Birds are captive bred in the E.U.and not taken from the wild. We have full public liability insurance cover. Introduction to Falconry and Hawking Historically, no bird of prey has shared such a close relationship with man as the Falcon did during the middle ages, when Falconry was, across Europe and Asia, known as the "Sport of Kings". Today the tradition of Falconry (hunting with Falcons) is continued not only for food: specialized techniques in training raptors are an important force in the conservation of falconry and of rare and endangered species. Falconry as a "green field sport" is a rewarding pastime but requires serious commitment. There are issues that need to be addressed in modern day falconry in the UK. With regard to guidelines, we believe that all raptors in captivity should be registered, to protect Falconry and the welfare of the birds being flown. It is time for apprenticeships to become compulsory, such as the beginners' Lantra Award Certificate. Falconry Apprenticeship We offer a beginners package of forty one-hour lessons for committed applicants. All tuition is on a one to one basis and we will guide you through all aspects of Falconry and Hawking, practically and theoretically. During the lessons we will cover raptor management, basic training techniques, fitness training, hunting, healthcare, nutrition, equipment, housing and up to date legislation. You will be equipped and introduced to your own Falcon or Hawk for each session. May we first suggest you first point of call should be to one of the following, as they offer very good advice as well as apprenticeship schemes. Welsh Hawking Club: tel 01993 822847 Cheshire Hawking Club: tel 01942 201995 British Hawking Association: tel 07771 993645 British Falconers Club: tel 01692 404057