Swooping into Swindon! 

New falconry experience opens in Swindon

 

Birds of prey were on display in Swindon this week as a new falconry experience opened at the Chiseldon House hotel.

 

In a free open day, over a hundred people took the opportunity to meet and handle birds such as Swivel, a European eagle owl and a Harris Hawk - including our Kirsty from SWTV (see video above).

 

' Owl's that! Swivel the European eagle owl at Chiseldon House Hotel

 

Fray Falconry owner Frank Hunt spoke to us about his plans for the new venture based in the picturesque grounds of the hotel, just off junct. 15 of the M4.

 

"It's ideal here. The absolutely perfect setting for the birds," he told us.

 

"We'll be offering various falconry experience days and owl evenings where people can feed and fly them."

 

Winged wedding

 

Frank has also uniquely trained one of his white owl's to swoop down holding a pouch with wedding rings inside, which the Chiseldon House will now be offering as a special addition to their wedding packages.

 

"It's an amazing sight to see," commented Sarah Sweeney, owner of the hotel.

 

"We're delighted to have the falconry here and judging by the interest, I think all the birds are going to be very popular. They really are quite fascinating creatures."

 

Name the Harris Hawk

 

Fray Falconry and the Chiseldon House are inviting suggestions as to what they should call their latest feathered friend - their Harris Hawk.

 

Can you suggest a name?: suggest a name for their new Harris hawk (pictured) and you could win two fantastic prizes at Chiseldon House hotel

 

Suggest a name and you and your family could win a fantastic day at the hotel:

 

A one-hour family falconry experience where you can feed, handle and fly the hawk you've named....

 

.....plus, enjoy Sunday Lunch for four!

  

Entries will be drawn on 15 November 2010.

 

Just enter your name suggestion below....