Imperial Bird of Prey Academy

24/03/2024

For anyone with a keen interest in photography!

Check out our highly successful workshops from last year! Due to popular demand, we're bringing them back this April and September 2024. Join us at the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy for an unforgettable experience. Get hands-on with Sigma lenses and capture stunning shots of magnificent birds of prey. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Watch last year's highlights on YouTube and book your spot through Sigma UK now. See you there! 🦅📸

https://youtu.be/b77N_CJVgnk

https://sigmauk.com/product/birds-of-prey-photography-experience-morning-session

https://sigmauk.com/product/birds-of-prey-photography-experience-afternoon-session

23/03/2024

Before things got too breezy, we thought we’d give Tempest the golden x steppe eagle a bit of flight training!

She has just finished a rest period, meaning she has had a few months to regrow lovely new feathers, during a process known as ‘moulting’, whilst also taking a break from more intensive flying. We may be a bit biased, but we think she’s looking rather impressive after he well deserved rest!

20/03/2024

Happy World Frog Day!

Today is a day to remember the importance of frogs, toads and other amphibians for the services they offer their ecosystems. It also gives the opportunity to reflect upon how we can safeguard them in our own green spaces.

We’re fortunate to have an array of different amphibian species around the centre, in part due to the pond and log piles we have in place. As you can see, they have even started spawning, which our visitors have enjoyed seeing!

We’ll keep you updated on when the tadpoles start to emerge!

19/03/2024

For some of our birds, there are far too many distractions for us to free fly them on the farm. That’s when we head over the road to the surrounding countryside!

One of those birds is Flynn, the Harris’ hawk. After recently coming out of a rest period Flynn is now back to flying on experiences. One of these is our hawk walk, where you get the opportunity to watch a hawk soar from tree to tree, as well as have them fly to your fist!

Interested? Well check out all the information on this experience at https://www.imperialbirdofpreyacademy.com/experience-days/hawk-walk/

18/03/2024

Need a Monday pick-me-up? How about a pair of wallabies munching on some carrots?

As grass, herbs and roots make up the bulk of the Bennett’s wallaby grazing diet, carrots and other vegetables are only offered as an occasional treat, but they certainly enjoy them!

On the topic of Bennett’s wallabies, our mob of wallabies has grown in size, with a grand total of six females and one male. Because of this we’re looking for name suggestions! Do you have any?

17/03/2024

This week has seen a massive mixture of weathers, so when the sun does shine (even for a brief moment) it’s certainly nice to take advantage of this. Even for our cold climate species such as Allomere the great grey owl, a spell of nice weather makes flying a lot easier!

16/03/2024

A ‘mouse’s-eye view’ of Grace the common kestrel hovering. As you can see a fanned out tail and rotating wings allows Grace to hold her position, making it easier for her to scan the ground for any prey, or in this case wait for a tidbit to be thrown up.

13/03/2024

Though vultures may not be a ‘conventional beauty’ to all, we firmly believe vultures such as Gonzo the African hooded vulture are stunning. Like with other vultures, a featherless face not only helps to keep him clean whilst he’s doing his vital scavenging services, but it is also plays a key role in regulating his body temperature. Thos expose skin can allow heat to be lost when he’s too hot, something important for survival in the vultures’ typically warmer ranges!

12/03/2024

Unsurprisingly the burrowing owl is the only North American bird of prey that nests exclusively underground. To inform others of a burrowing being occupied, these owls are known to place dried animal manure, pieces of litter and other objects at the entrance and within their homes. Chaos is very skilled of entering and exiting his tunnels!

11/03/2024

Like many mammal species that venture underground, ferrets have long whiskers, which work to provide extra sensory information when sight may not be as effective. These specialised hairs allow them to navigate below the surface, helping them figure out if a space may be just too tight to squeeze through.

Did you know we offer 'ferret playtime' experience, where you can come to the centre and meet Nelson, Chino, Sugar and the rest of the 'business' of ferrets! More details can be found at https://www.imperialexoticanimalencounters.com/meet-and-greet

10/03/2024

Happy Mother’s Day!

Here’s a through-back of Mara, our female meerkat and leader of the mob, with some of her now fully grown sons. This was a few years ago, but the bonds in the mob are still as strong. Mara is certainly a doting mother!

Want to meet our mob? You can find out how at https://www.imperialbirdofpreyacademy.com/experience-days/meerkat-meet-and-greet/

09/03/2024

Eurasian eagle owls are arguably one of the more formidable species of owl, able to take on prey up to four times their bodyweight, including small deer. In their native habitats, spanning across Europe and Asia, they are considered apex predators, sitting at the top of their 'food chains'. In their habitats, their quests for food help naturally regulate wild animal populations, including rodents, providing balance and reducing pest levels.

If you'd like to meet one of our eagle owls, such as Arnie pictured below, why not consider our owl encounter experience! This session provides you with the opportunity to interact and learn about a range of different owl species. More details can be found at https://www.imperialbirdofpreyacademy.com/experience-days/owl-encounter/

08/03/2024

Happy International Women’s Day!

We are incredible lucky to have such dedicated, passionate and inspirational women on our team of staff and volunteers!

07/03/2024

Happy World Book Day!

As education ambassadors, our animals do like to make sure they are well informed, often heading to the books!

In all seriousness, we strongly believe that real interactions with the animals you encounter in your favourite stories and books can ultimately help strengthen the understanding and appreciation for such remarkable animals!

Want our team to help bring the books to life? We offer a range of different school workshops and educational talks. More details can be found at https://www.imperialbirdofpreyacademy.com/educational-and-offsite-visits/

06/03/2024

The common kestrel is consequently one of our native species of bird of prey you are most likely to spot. Their impressive hovering capability clearly identifies them, whilst also making it easier to track down small rodents, as they can follow urine trails left by their prey with their awesome ability to see in the ultraviolet light spectrum.

We may be biased, but we feel Grace is a fine example of a kestrel. Being with the centre more or less since its start, she is certainly a pro when it comes to our flying demonstrations, offsite visits and experience days. Have you met Grace?

05/03/2024

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, don’t forget one of our experiences makes the perfect gift! Whether that special someone in your life love owls, or goes mad for meerkats, there’s plenty to choose from!

For more details be sure to check out https://www.imperialbirdofpreyacademy.com

04/03/2024

25/12/2023