Telephone: 01531 820286
About the ICBP
The International Centre for Birds of Prey is the oldest bird of prey centre in the UK and one of the friendliest. The atmosphere here is great and visitors always say they feel like a part of the family, which is nice to hear. As you arrive you will see first of all the tiny Burrowing Owls, Ruby, Rival and Wayside, who are nothing if not very talkative as your first welcome. Probably a labrador or two will be your next welcome and no the little one is not a puppy, it’s our Patterdale Terrier who is in disgrace right now as he keeps getting stuck under the decking trying to eat the wild baby rabbits! The Hawk Walk is where you will wander through on your way to the flying ground. This is where most of the trained birds are kept, and the individual birds and the species will change through the year as older birds get a rest period and young ones start work again. There could be a huge Steller’s Sea Eagle or a tiny American Kestrel, a handsome Peregrine or a mad looking Goshawk. There are usually between 20 and 38 birds living here, and all are flown every day.
Through the gates at the bottom you can either turn sharp left and go straight down to the flying ground, or keep on and look round all the aviaries, it depends on your choice and the flying times. Each demonstration in the field is completely different with differing birds on every one. Just watch behind you as you walk down through the archway of trees to the benches, the next bird might be coming behind you fast and low under the trees!!
If you are interested in photography and a challenge, the flying demonstrations will give you plenty of opportunities, with some of the birds flying just over the top of your head, and on occasion it seems like they are flying down your lens! Some birds are slow and easy, some are fast and almost impossible. All are wonderful to watch and we are delighted if you get good photos, in fact – keep an eye out for the annual photography competition; you never know you might win!
While you are in the field you can walk round it, two ponds that have been recently cleared and extended will soon be full of wildlife again. In the spring the field is full of wild daffodils, which are very pretty. The wood to the side has paths through it, say hello to the dogs who have lived and died here, this is their place. The field is also a good place for picnics in the warmer weather.
Round the aviaries you will see over 60 species of different birds of prey and owls, the Owl Courtyard houses 15 different pairs of owls, some you will know, others not. The Eagle Barn has eagles and large vultures, and the other enclosure blocks house a variety from falcons to hawks, harriers and buzzards to name but a few. While you are looking round if you enjoy gardens you should enjoy the surroundings, which are lovely in the summer and autumn.
The food in the café is great, home-made cakes, the tiffin is to die for, the soup is all made there in the café with fresh vegetables, and the new panini machine makes for great and different paninis, with all sorts of delicious fillings. The coffee is real and the tea good and strong if you like it that way. All the prices are very reasonable.
On your way out, spend a little time in the shop, you can buy a good memory to take home with you and help the Centre and the birds in the process, or if you really want a good present, look at our various experience days.