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Hi All - Regarding the raptors in History of
England - I think could be Harris Harrier but wouldn't rule out European Black
Kite (Milvus migrans). Two years ago we spent the most amazing afternoon at a professional falconer's
home in Scotland. Individual birds were sitting tethered on their
respective wooden posts out in the open, unhooded, watchful but quiet of we
intruders. She had Peregine Falcons used to catch rodents; 2 or 3
Black Kites, 2 Harris Harriers - used to catch pheasant, grouse, etc. & one
female Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) of which she was very proud as it had
recently collected a rabbit. She also told me of a
colleague who flies Golden Eagles to collect foxes & rabbits etc. he
has to wear a heavy metal brace around his torso, shoulder and arm, without
which the Eagle on take off would break his arm......just as well Eagles don't
land on their owner's arms! This lady falconer had won
many many prizes for her birds which she had trained over 40 odd
years. Must say the birds were in immaculate condition
& we treasure the time we spent with these mighty raptors at a distance
of inches - the Harriers had individual enormous cages but still only at arm's
length, they were unconcerned and we felt a strange sense, not as intruders
or the next possible meal, but as if they were proud to 'show' us their
home. A magic day.
We agree about the clash with Blue Planet - just
record it & watch SBS first!!
Regards to all - Sarah
Knight
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