Mulberry, Jason Braithwaite

Whilst the weather has been mostly kind to us over the last few days it's odd how quickly the mornings and evenings can start to feel very autumnal - as if one can smell the approaching cooler weather on the breeze.
We've just finished the Living History week which saw large numbers of various 'ancestors' meeting and greeting visitors to the castle. The birds coped very well with musket fire on the lawn and even, at one stage I think, a cannon. I think next year it might be nice for us to tie into the history side of things a bit more and get involved with some historical falconry and educate visitors a little more about falconers' roots in history. Peter is desperate to get us dressed up in medieval gear for the shows - I'm not sure that'll go down too well with Stuart, or the birds!

Ash, our baby Great Grey Owl, has started work in the displays this past week. At the end of the World of Owls demonstration he has made an appearance as a training session. We've only been flying him on a creance line (a length of line for training birds before flying them free) so far but I think he'll not be long before he's ready to go free. We'll be fitting a radio transmitter first mind you! I think the plan is to try and get him involved in our Friends of Muncaster event (http://www.muncaster.co.uk/special-events/friends-mhoc) thats happening on Sunday.

Herriot, Michael Edwards

Speaking of the event, the team have been hard at work preparing for the evening and it looks to be a wonderful event. We're going to have a few surprises at the flying demonstration so if you are a 'Friend' and you're thinking you've seen our shows before - think again. The finale (which we've rehearsed twice now with one of the falcons) is just awesome. We've also hired a couple of high profile newbie falconers who are going to be a part of the display. Emma and Stuart have also been working to get their talks ready about the conservation work we're all here to support - both here at the castle and at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. It looks at the moment as if the weather is going to be fine too so it's all set to be a really great evening. I shall look forward to seeing you there.

To the Muncaster Hawk and Owl Centre page - http://bit.ly/1II332v