We spent a fantastic afternoon at the Phoenix Falconry Centre just outside Gleneagles yesterday.
I had first seen what I thought was a stuffed owl when shopping at the Gyle in Edinburgh. I only realised it was real when it's head turned round to look at me! After meeting one of the residents of the Centre there I booked a half-day experience and duly set off yesterday morning.
The Centre is new and offers a great introduction to the fascinating world of birds of prey. Despite the name it isn't just Falcons which are at the Centre, but also a variety of Hawks, Owls and Eagles. Sadly I can't remember all the different names (apart from the unforgettable Edna) so the pictures will have to remain unlabelled.
The best thing about the Centre is that the birds aren't just exhibits to be looked at through a window or netting. They are living creatures who enjoy the freedom of flight and in the process get some of their food.
Before the tour starts there is a talk by Adrian Hallgarth who is a veritable font of knowledge when it comes to the birds, their habitats and their needs. Then you are taken through the breeding section, before going outdoors to see the birds that you will be meeting more closely later.
There is a large arena where the birds are flown and you aren't just a spectator, although you can be if you prefer. We were split into two groups at either end of the arena which allowed the birds to be flown between, each person taking a turn at having the bird land on the outstretched gauntlet. Of course they were more interested in the morsels of food awaiting them than meeting new people. They have no fear of people as they are 'imprinted' which basically means they don't realise there is a difference between them and us.
The weather wasn't the best but seeing the birds in their natural element more than made up for that. The final bird of the day was the Bald Eagle, a truly massive and majestic bird who was only interested in getting his dinner. Everyone had to be ready for his return quickly as he was stopping for no man, or woman!
I'm looking forward to a return visit in the near future, and would recommend it to anyone.
If you'd like more details just click here
www.falconry-in-scotland.co.uk
The latest issue of Craft Stamper has finally arrived. Our apologies for the delay but they literally only arrived this morning. Heads have been jumped on, feet have been stamped ( no pun intended ) and we've been assured that they will be here on time in future.
We were off to Dunkeld again yesterday morning to enjoy a bit more off-roading. This time we were driving a £66,000 Range Rover, something that's been on my 'If I win the Lottery' list since I discovered the joys of off-roading.
While we were there the local wildlife made a few appearances in the form of a couple of herds of deer who were totally unfazed by the presence of a large lump of vehicle, or the brief appearance of an RAF jet as it thundered low overhead. They only vanished when some quads noisily appeared and disappeared.
Wee Wicca Babe, otherwise known as Debbi Glennie, is coming to Kitty Krafts on Saturday 12th June to demonstrate her skills.
I had first seen what I thought was a stuffed owl when shopping at the Gyle in Edinburgh. I only realised it was real when it's head turned round to look at me! After meeting one of the residents of the Centre there I booked a half-day experience and duly set off yesterday morning.
There is a large arena where the birds are flown and you aren't just a spectator, although you can be if you prefer. We were split into two groups at either end of the arena which allowed the birds to be flown between, each person taking a turn at having the bird land on the outstretched gauntlet. Of course they were more interested in the morsels of food awaiting them than meeting new people. They have no fear of people as they are 'imprinted' which basically means they don't realise there is a difference between them and us.
The weather wasn't the best but seeing the birds in their natural element more than made up for that. The final bird of the day was the Bald Eagle, a truly massive and majestic bird who was only interested in getting his dinner. Everyone had to be ready for his return quickly as he was stopping for no man, or woman!
Difficult to believe that it is 4 years since we opened. I can still remember driving down here that first morning, wondering what I'd let myself in for when I heard an item on Tay FM news about "an innovative new craft shop opening in Dundee".
We've just got the new StazOn metallic ink pads in, all of which come with a re-inker bottle. We have Gold, Silver, Copper and Platinum in stock. I'll be trying them out over the weekend, or on my next day off.
We were at the Land Rover Experience centre at Dunkeld, courtesy of a Land Rover competition. The prize was a half-day on- and off-roading in a vehicle of our choice, which was a lovely new Discovery 4. It's definitely on the 'If I win the Lottery' list now!
Our instructor, Gilbert, was excellent, both as an instructor, and with his local knowledge of the wildlife around the site. Best of all for me, it made no difference to them that I more regularly drive a wheelchair. So long as I had a driving license and could get into the vehicle I was treated no differently to anyone else.
So, if you fancy something different, or you have someone who has a landmark birthday or anniversary coming up, try off-roading in a Land Rover. Just make sure you go with them as more than one person can drive.