Warwick Castle falconers keeping birds of prey safe and well during lockdown

The falconers have more than 10 different species to look after at the castle
Eagle training at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick CastleEagle training at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle
Eagle training at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle

The falconers at Warwick Castle are working to keep the birds of prey safe and well during the lockdown.

It’s a busy time for the falconers, with daily activities including exercise, flying and feeding for more than 10 different bird species, despite the castle being closed during the lockdown.

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Head Falconer Chris O’Donnell lives on site and works alongside two others to take care of the birds.

The Bald Eagle at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick CastleThe Bald Eagle at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle
The Bald Eagle at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle

“The castle may be closed for now but our work continues,” said Chris. “We have around 70 eagles and vultures, ranging from Andean condors - the largest flying bird in the world - to peregrine falcons, bearded vultures and a Steller’s sea eagle. They all still need exercise and flying.”

The birds would usually be featured as part of the attraction’s latest show, The Falconer’s Quest, the largest bird of prey show in the UK.

“We are still flying birds every day,” said Chris. “Nobody’s here to see it in person, but life goes on and it’s important that we keep the birds fit and active.”

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To support families at home during lockdown, Warwick Castle recently developed a range of free resources accessible online including activities, videos and downloadables, all themed around castles, history and of course, the birds of prey.

An Andean Condor at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick CastleAn Andean Condor at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle
An Andean Condor at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle

The new History Unlocked section can be found at www.warwick-castle.com/history-unlocked and is available for free.

Here is a little bit of information about some of the birds of prey at Warwick Castle

Rosie, Andean Condor – weighing up to 15 kilograms with a wing span of 3.2m, the Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world when measuring a combination of weight and wingspan. A true marvel to watch, this bird is a national symbol of Argentina, Chile and four other countries, plus has long played a role in mythology amongst Andean cultures. Due to its size and mischievous nature, it is tipped to be one of the heroes of The Falconer’s Quest at Warwick Castle.

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Barty, Bearded Vulture – intelligent birds renowned in the wild for their ability to smash bones into smaller, bite-size pieces, the Bearded Vulture has a wing span of 2.75m. With a diet consisting almost exclusively of bone, the Bearded Vulture is unique in the vulture world in not having a bald head; its head and breast feathers often appear an eye-catching rust colour caused from dust-bathing or rubbing mud on its body.

One of the birds of prey at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick CastleOne of the birds of prey at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle
One of the birds of prey at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle

Marvin, Steller’s Sea Eagle – the largest eagle in the world with a wing span of 2.5m and a weight of around 9.5 kilograms, the dark brown and black plumage contrasts beautifully with areas of white on the body and the strong yellow colour on the bill and feet.

Poppy, Peregrine Falcon – the fastest animal on earth, with the ability to dive for prey at speeds of over 200mph compared to a cheetah’s run of up to 70 mph, Peregrine Falcons are respected falconry birds thanks to their strong hunting ability and capacity for being trained. It is the world’s most widespread raptor and can be found in urban and rural areas almost anywhere on Earth except extreme polar regions and New Zealand.