Clare Teal: Air aces show their skills in the sky and down in the woods

Cotswold Falconry Centre is nestled deep in the heart of Moreton in Marsh. On our journey from Bath we were treated to a wonderful aerobatic display courtesy of the Red Arrows.

Muddy's sister, Helen, is over from Canada where she has lived for the best part of 30 years. Much fun was had trying to capture said Arrows on camera for the folks in Ottawa.

The evening started at 6.30pm with a stroll into Owl Wood where the chaps with the big eyes hang out. There were loads of them, from teeny-weeny hamster-sized Pygmy Owls to whacking great European Eagle Owls.

We learned all about their habitats and breeding schedules, then came a nice hot drink, a piece of cake and a detailed inspection of some fresh owl pellets in a Tupperware dish. For those uninitiated in these matters, a pellet is a mass of undigested matter, bones, fur, teeth and stuff squished together and occasionally thrown up by an owl.

After the nibbles we saw some of these incredible creatures in flight, starting off with a beautiful barn owl called Jo, who at 19 years of age had an attitude not unlike most of the teenagers I know. Next up was Thumper, a huge European Eagle Owl about the same size as a small labrador but without the waggy tail. Chris explained that the birds' eyes are fixed in their heads, so in order to refocus they have to bob their heads from side to side in a jaunty fashion. Also owls are extremely long- sighted and can only see blurry shapes close up. "Thumper has never seen her own feet." "She's not alone," I thought to myself, visualising my morning shower.

By far the most impressive flyer was Crystal, the snowy owl, who was simply stunning – even with a chicken hanging out of her mouth.

Everyone got to handle one or two owls (they are very light) and came away with a warm feeling of having shared a very special evening with these wise fellas.