I am not a fan of social networking! Bold statement, but while I may not wish to either publish my, nor read of the minor details of other peoples lives, I understand the popularity, and I can’t deny the power. That’s why Robin has launched the Elite Falconry Facebook page (you can click the link from the icon in the main website) which I have to say will be more regularly updated but with less detail than the blog, so read and enjoy!
On the subject of things new, we are also launching some web video streaming which will go live on the website probably over the weekend. The idea for this was Roxannes, and was driven by the amazing developments in the Great Grey Owl eggs. Right now, the only way I can describe what we can see in the eggs, is that they look like tiny red dragons swimming inside tethered to the inside of the shell, by ropes made from blood vessels. It’s just incredible, and we figured it’s something that might be good to share. The software has been added to the website, and we’re testing it now. After the eggs, we’ll add video which will run live in real time of the eggs hatching, then later, the owlets through their progress. Isn’t technology wonderful? Watch this space!
Back to what I am better at – birds! The young falcon chick is doing fine, so we’re chuffed with that. We’re over the most critical stage of the return to Mum, so with luck, that’ll be a nice young falcon to work from late summer. We’re not so sure about a Harris Hawk chick. It keeps laying with a leg kicked out behind it. It’s hard to see if it’s a problem through a tiny spy hole, so unfortunately, I’ll have to go in and see if it’s in need of help. I’ll let you know how it goes.
We’ve lost the really nice sunny days, but while we have cloud and rain, it’s patchy, and in the clear spells it’s roasting hot! We’ll be trying to hit those gaps in the cloud with the thermalling birds. I hope to give the altimeters a good workout.
On all days we’re not with guests or at other venues doing bird of prey flying demonstrations, we’re building towards our displays at the Royal Highland Show. It’s a showcase event in our 2011 and 2012 calendar. We won’t be doing stunts or tricks with the birds. We don’t want to encourage ‘pet keeping’ of birds of prey, and we don’t want to cheapen falconry! The aim therefore is traditionalism, with education, but served with an element of humour. I really hope what we perceive as high standards and professionalism, along with respect for falconry suits the crowds!
Just a final note, it’s worth noting that someone drove into the back of our Land Rover Defender while at a roundabout last week. We’re being offered an equivalent substitute as a courtesy car while repairs are carried out. Last time that happened, we were given a BMW X5 which was about as useful off road and for our job as giving a cow a gun and telling it to go deer stalking! The Land Rovers may be uncomfortable, expensive and often difficult for guests to get in and out of, fact is, for what we do, in fact anyone who needs to know they’ll get on the hill, they really are the only choice!
That’s all for now, so thanks for looking in!
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Hi Robin, Roxanne, Jordan and all at Elite Falconry. After my half day experience on friday, i would just like to thank you all for the experience of a life time. I had been waiting since christmas for this day, and thanks to you all, i certainly wasnt disappointed. The expertise,enthusiasm and professionalism shown by you that day ( especially Robin) was fantastic. Robins knowledge of the birds, his interaction with the birds and his interaction with the people having the experience was second to none. I will not hesitate to recommend you to everybody i speak to. Infact, it was that good, that my wife who never had an interest before wants to do the experience now. keep up the good work, and we will see you again soon. Many thanks once again. Mr John McNeil.