|
|
SPECIALIST DAYS - EAGLES
Our annual Gathering of Eagles started
in 2003 and remains exclusive to Elite Falconry. This event was originally
put together as a means
by which we could bring many eagle falconers together for exchanges
of views, mutual learning and shared eagle flying. However, more and
more people wished to attend and we ended up with as many as 23 eagles
together on one day all looking for a flight. In winter the days are
short, and ideal flying conditions in the mountains are rare, so often,
patience was tested and tempers could flare. We then reduced the numbers
able to attend, but still with weather pressures, too often eagles
were left too long between hunting opportunities. We thus decided to
reduce the size of the event even further and have in attendance only
a very few invited falconers and one or two spectating guests. This
became your only real chance to come and witness the worlds aerial
giants in full action in true eagle country. |
 |
In
the Grampian Mountains of Glenshee in the heart of winter we fly
our eagles like Golden, Verreaux and Tawny eagles, plus Black Chested
Buzzard Eagles (Geranoaetus melanoleucus). We look for windward
facing hill in a good strong wind. We release the eagle, and she'll
make her pitch (height). This can be several thousands of feet
up. We then work the ground below in a bid to flush game for the
eagle to hunt in fully natural style. When it all comes together,
the spectacle is breathtaking. Probably the most awesome natural
sight available.
However, with unpredictable weather, incredibly
arduous terrain and altogether harsh work, the option of taking
guests out is one we have severely curtailed. Should anybody wish
to join us for this event, it must be done only after a direct
conversation either on the phone or in person. We need to assess
fitness and the potential guests suitability to attend. This is
not meant to be condescending in any way. When we take guests out,
we must feel they will, and after, that they have, enjoyed their
day, but we have days where we can't fly due to low cloud, mist,
rain or driving snow. |
 |
| It's not entertaining to
just watch the weather from a cold Land Rover. We need to be sure
a guest is flexible with time to make sure they can make a day
when we're flying, and that they understand the restrictions, and
the physical demands from walking, working and flying in such arduous
terrain. In addition, it needs to be understood that we're not
only in very steep, harsh terrain, but that we do not control the
weather, and indeed we need good strong winds to get the eagles
waiting on well. We also have to remember that wild game is unpredictable
in volume and location, so we can not guarantee that where we find
lift for the eagles, that we'll also find quarry. Guests also need
to be ready for a very testing Land Rover ride! |
|
 |
For those who do attend, after
the adventure of a trip up the glen to 3,500 feet in the Land Rovers
(snow depth allowing), you will see the birds being prepared. The
eagle is then released into the wind whereupon it begins its climb
on the wind for height. As her vast wingspan disappears to a speck,
we walk out over the heather in a bid to flush white hares, when
we do, you will be awestruck by the sight, sound and speed of this
giant bird as she crashes to ground in pursuit of her quarry. Your
dram back at the lodge is well earned. |
| We have retained an eagle experience
for those who wish to work with eagles, but either do not wish to
hunt intensively, or feel the Grampian Trip is perhaps beyond their
current level of fitness. At the centre here you'll start with one
of the smaller eagles, learning to understand their demands of weather,
topography and prey, then through the day, you'll build in the size
of eagle until at the end of the day we'll be out with a Golden Eagle
(Aquila Chrysaetous). This is a winter activity and species flown
and where we end up flying will vary according to weather etc, but
all movements will be completed in our specially prepared Land Rover
Defenders. |
|
| If you purchase and eagle experience voucher online, it will be for the day out
here in Fife, not in the Grampians. Bookings for that must be done by telephone
or in person only. |
|
|
