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Be a Destinations-UK-Ireland Sponsor  Some of our Northumberland Articles Northumberland’s Castle Trail Warkworth Castle Chillingham Castle Northumberland National Park Alnwick Garden Kielder Water Forest Park Bird of Prey Centre at Kielder Alnwick Castle Howick Hall Gardens Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens Preston Tower Cherryburn Etal Castle Other England Articles |
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The Kielder Birds of Prey Centre, located at Leaplish Waterside Park in Kielder Water Forest Park , is sure to provide excitement for children and adults. The centre focuses on conservation, but also educates. Its bird population numbers 70. Owner Ray Lowden is passionate about the birds. He even drives to the centre on Christmas Day to see to their welfare. 
Owls, falcons, and vultures participate in daily flying demonstrations (weather permitting). Visitors are offered the opportunity to handle barn owls and hawks. There are hunting days, hawk walks, and falconry courses. 
Falconry courses show you how to care for the birds and teach you about the falconer’s art which includes picking them up, how to attach the swivels etc, and gives you the opportunity to participate in a training or flying session. A bird management course helps people who want to purchase their own bird of prey learn all about bird handling, housing, flying, and bird diet. 
Hawk walks give you the experience of walking in the countryside with a Harris hawk and having it swoop down to take food from your fist. Under 14’s can take a two hour junior owl experience, a hands-on event. Another course gives them the opportunity to learn about birds and how to hold a bird as well as participate in a flying demonstration. 
You can adopt a bird of your choice with the proceeds going to the upkeep of the birds—vet bills, food, and accommodation for the birds. Two tame great white pelicans can be fed. Don’t miss the white-tailed sea eagle. It’s 34 inches tall and has a seven foot wing span and weighs in at 13 pounds. It cost the Centre’s owner Ray Lowden ₤6000. The small black shouldered kite had a price tag of ₤2000.