Visit the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary

Established in 2006, the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary in South Africa cares for more than 180 birds representing 50 different raptor species. The sanctuary’s permanent residents have either been bred in captivity, or have sustained injuries which significantly limit their chances of survival in the wild.

P-T

Bird Species P-T Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) Purple Martin (Progne subis) Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) Purple Martin (Progne subis) Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) [...]

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)

The impressive Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the largest of all falcons. Its body measures roughly 60 cm in length and its wingspan may be as wide as 130 cm. The male is usually about one third smaller than the female and the bird may weigh between 2 to 4.5 pounds. The plumage of the Gyrfalcon [...]

Merlin (Falco colombarius)

The Merlin or as it is scientifically know as, Falco colombarius, is a falcon that breeds in many different continents like North America, Asia and Europe. In North America it is known as a pigeon hawk, and the Latin part of its scientific name, “columba”, means dove also indicating the falcon’s popular food choice. But [...]

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a predatory bird that is 15 inches in length and has a wingspan of 40 inches. It is one of the larger falcons and has the typical short and hooked beak, as seen on many birds of prey. This falcon has pale coloring over its throat and breast, with [...]

Birds of Prey

Birds of prey, or raptors, are birds which hunt other animals for food and are specially adapted to do so. Birds of prey include eagles, condors, kites, falcons, hawks, osprey, owls, vultures, buzzards and secretary birds. When hunting, birds of prey use their highly adapted feet and talons to capture and kill prey. Hawks and [...]

Spectacular Birding on the Isle of Mull

The beautiful Isle of Mull is Scotland’s fourth largest island and a popular tourist destination for a number of reasons, one of them being that it offers superb bird watching opportunities in a wide variety of habitats. The island’s mountains, moorlands, sea lochs, hill lochans, damp boggy marshes and wide sandy beaches are home to many local species of birds, as well as a host of migrants at different times of the year.

The National Birds of Prey Center in Gloucestershire

The National Birds of Prey Center, located near Newent in Gloucestershire, is one of Britain’s premiere attractions and one of the top birds of prey centers in the United Kingdom. It is home to roughly 170 different birds of prey, including 22 species of eagles, falcons and hawks – a real treat for any bird lover or falconer.

Falconry Part 1: Origins and Applications

Falconry is a sport that involves the training of birds of prey to hunt game for their trainers. Although not all birds of prey are falcons, the previous use of the term “hawker” when hawks were used for hunting has come to commonly be used as a term describing traveling traders. For this reason the term “hawker” has fallen into disuse, with “falconer” and “falconry” applying to the sport irrespective of the species of bird used.