At the invitation of proprietor, Jo Ashman, five of the 'Forest of Dean Falconry' birds of prey, along with their handlers, Andy, Duncan and Graham spent the day at 'Halcyon Daze,' in Ross-on-Wye on Saturday, 7th February 2004. This fascinating display attracted crowds of people, who gathered around the shop doorway to see the Aharonis Eagle Owl, Junior Peregrine Falcon, Lanner Falcon, Gyr / Saker hybrid and Harris Hawk.

Below are just five of the many photographs I took during the day - some for myself and some on behalf of the Ross Gazette. The top photograph shows Jo, holding the beautiful Eagle Owl. I asked trainer, Andy if the story I had heard somewhere about the 'wise old owl' not being strictly a correct description was true. 'Quite right,' he replied, 'all of our owls share one brain cell between them.' Well, they may not be eligible for MENSA membership but they are certainly the best looking birds I have seen in a while!

I just had to take the third photograph down!. The six year old boy in the picture, whose name I missed, happened to be passing the shop with his father. Obviously well read and an expert on the Peregrine Falcon, he gave a brilliant impromptu two or three minute lecture on the subject to an amazed street audience.