- Young Male Goshawk
The Shropshire Falconry Club
was established in 2009 by local active falconers who regularly hunt in the field. Having been members of clubs before we decided to start an informal club with regular meetings, so experienced falconers and beginners can meet and swap ideas and stories. It also allows beginners to be able to go out into the field with falconers and actually see our sport being practiced by people with years of knowledge and experience,
We offer a warm welcome to people of all ages, whether experienced Falconers, novices or families. If you are a Facebook user please send a friends request to Shropshire Falconers as this is where we post most of our meeting dates and also where most members upload their photograhs to.
We practice a variety of different types of Falconry from Slope Soaring Harris Hawks over the Shropshire Hills to Flying Red-tailed Hawks and Goshawks to Rabbits bolted from our trusty Ferrets, who form an essential part of the Team.
We hold informal monthy meetings at the Falcon Hotel, Bridgnorth on the second sunday of every month dates posted on meetings page. If you are interested in coming along for a drink and chat with our members call Steve Cross on 07968715564
There is £25.00 Membership Fee for Adults & £10 for Children 10-16 . Meetings are friendly and family orientated.
During the Summer months we will be attending various game fairs and local shows to showcase the birds and let people get a hands on encounter with these wonderful birds. We also have birds available for photographic days to individuals and clubs who might like a chance to photograph our birds doing what they do best, flying free and chasing quarry. Please get in touch with Steve if you would like to come along
Schools Visits, Educational Talks & Parties
Shropshire Falconry club can also arrange through Feather Perfect Falconry C.I.C. for a Falconer to come out and give your club or school a talk and see a wide range of Hawks, Falcons and Owls close up. All Feather Perfect staff are CRB checked, and hold Child/Vulnerable Adults Training Certificates, staff also hold PTTLS and Lantra Falconry Qualifications. Risk assesments will be carried out for every visit.
Feather Perfect Falconry is fully insured and holds a performing animal licence.
If you are interested please call us on 07866 786142 or drop us an email on
featherperfectfalconry@hotmail.co.uk
RAPTOR RESCUE
We also rescue and re-home Birds of Prey and Owls found injured, lost or in need of a home please read below if you have a bird you feel needs attention
Rescue Techniques
Important – Please note the following
In common with most other wild creatures, birds of prey fear man more than anything else. Any raptor which allows itself to be picked up is very ill and probably close to death.
Unnecessary handling will only jeopardise its chances of survival.
Injured birds of prey require immediate, specialised care and any delay in administering this attention could seriously reduce the possibility of the bird making a full recovery.
The successful rehabilitation and re-release of wild raptors requires specialised knowledge and proper facilities. Raptor Rescue has a countrywide network of rehabilitators who have the necessary experience and are equipped to handle injured birds of prey.
The following rescue technique would be suitable in most circumstances, however these are only guidelines and we should stress that each case is different and should be treated on its merits.
1. Obtain a cardboard box of a suitable size to accommodate the bird to be rescued. Ensure that the box is well ventilated.
2. You will require a towel or blanket large enough to completely cover the bird.
3. Position yourself between the bird and any possible hazards, such as roads, rivers or ditches.
4. Approach the bird slowly, but positively. Place the towel or blanket over the bird.
5. Expect the bird to struggle when first covered. Quickly restrain the bird under the covering.
6. Once it has calmed down, ensure that the bird is completely covered.
7. Using both hands, pick up the bird complete with towel or blanket and place it into the box.
8. The box should then be put in a quiet, dark and warm position. Resist any temptation to look at the bird, as this can often do more harm than good.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FEED THE CASUALTY.
9. Contact us immediately 07968715564 or ring a local veterinary practice, or the RSPCA