Hobby turns into training of birds of prey at centre in South Cave

I feel tense as I wait, bracing myself for the moment of impact. With great accuracy and the minimum of fuss, Casper, as this Harris Hawk is known, lands lightly on my outstretched hand to claim his reward. I’ve never been this close to a bird of prey before and, at first, I hardly dare turn my head to look at him. When I do, he’s perched on my hand happily tucking into his snack. He’s stunningly beautiful to look at and completely nonplussed to find himself on my arm - his training has taught him that he’ll be rewarded if he responds to the signals.

My nerves vanish and I really begin to enjoy my ‘hawk walk’ with Casper. As Poppy and I wander along the woodland path, he keep us firmly in his sights as he flits between branches and tree stumps. When Poppy tells me to raise my arm to offer food, Casper responds and, regardless of how far away from he is, returns to me in seconds.

Although Harris Hawks originate from more arid environments, including parts of the United States and some South American countries, he looks perfectly at home in this woodland environment and it’s a real privilege to watch him fly freely in a natural setting.

Casper is one of several raptors that take part in hawk walks and other falconry experiences at South Cave Falconry Centre in East Yorkshire. Before we set off, Poppy, who works at the centre while studying Animal Management, told me to turn my back to Casper each time I raise my arm to ensure my hand is the highest point. This precaution means his talons and beak won’t catch me in the face if he misses his target.

Owned by Ann and Peter O’Brien, the centre opened just over two years ago and is home to a variety of raptors. As well as running the falconry business from the site, their Wolds Way Owl Trust provides a home for rescued owls.

Peter’s always had a passion for falconry and, over the years, Ann gradually became involved, although she jokes: “It’s a hobby that raged out of control. I used to think, why can’t he just play golf? He always dreamed of having a falconry centre so, when I inherited some money, we thought it would be enough to get us started.

“It was a difficult business to get into because there’s a lot of regulations, but we’re now in our third year.

“We started with two or three working falcons and a couple of owls, and we’ve developed things from there. We’re trying to build up the number of birds and we’ve also got some alpacas, pygmy goats, rabbits and guinea pigs for younger visitors.”

When I visited with my family, the 1pm flying display, which takes place whenever the centre is open to the public, was just getting under way with a fine performance by Edward, a magnificent European Eagle Owl. Next, a Red Tailed Hawk flew a few lengths of the lawn, but the wind was a little too strong for some of the smaller raptors to take to the skies.

I was shocked to learn that Edward had to be nursed back to health after being rescued from a flat where he was tied to a coffee table. Ann said: “In this country, 12 owls a week are taken from members of the public. They all need permanent homes and we’re one of the centres that take them. It’s got worse in recent years; we call it Harry Potter Syndrome.”

Astonishingly, exotic owls can be bought online and it’s not illegal to own one, although it is an offence to take a native species from the wild. Despite his ordeal, Edward is now one of the friendliest owls at the centre and is extremely popular with children on visits to nearby schools.

South Cave Falconry Centre is open at weekends during the winter months, and throughout the week during school holidays. See www.southcavefalconry.co.uk