The Falconers & Their Birds
Haven Falconry
Haven Falconry was founded by Paul Martin and his wife Sally. Paul has a lifelong passion for all things wildlife, in particular birds of prey. The ethos behind Haven Falconry is to promote and preserve the art of falconry and birds of prey for further generations … To promote education through entertainment.
Paul had a natural interest in wildlife from an early age and at the age of just eight had his first bird, a Kestrel. He successfully reared it and went on to train it to fly to the fist. Over these early years, his knowledge built with the help of an interested teacher who supplied Paul with books and advice. It became common knowledge in his village that he loved birds and so he was frequently given birds to look after. It was not uncommon for his mother to open his wardrobe or chest of drawers only to find a feathered friend!
Later Paul joined the Army and would often take his owls and kestrels back to camp after leave, and would get into trouble for keeping them in the drying room where they often made a mess on military uniforms! On one occasion he had a locker inspection and to the horror of the inspecting officer, his locker was home to live mice (food for the birds). Paul’s mother had a letter from his commanding officer asking her to make sure he had no livestock on him on his return to barracks after leave!
After his spell in the Army, Paul had various birds of prey including sparrowhawks, buzzards, little owls and barn owls. He spent lots of time with a falconer in
Sally has been married to Paul for 30 years and shares his passion for wildlife and animals, and in recent years has helped Paul build Haven Falconry from a hobby to his career.
The Birds
Archie and Buster - Imprinted Harris Hawks, hand reared from 10 days old. Friendly natures. Both enjoy flying demonstrations and Hawk Walks, Archie is a particular show-off!
Sparky - Parent reared Harris Hawk, 5 years old, gifted to us by a falconry centre.
Bibby - Imprint Kestrel, 2 yrs old, happiest on the gloved fist with Paul chatting to her. She loves flying through the crowds at demonstrations.
Maisie - An imprint Indian Eagle Owl (
Barney - A 5 year old male Barn Owl, gifted to us from a falconry centre in
Whisper - An imprint female Barn Owl, 8 months old, in training. Has been with us since 5 days old, and spent her first few months regularly watching the TV! Loves to show off her flying skills.
Merlin - This European Eagle Owl was gifted to us last year by a falconry centre as a male. In February she surprised us all by producing 3 eggs - So obviously a female!!! She apparently spent a couple of years before we had her as an escapee in
New additions coming during 2010 include Lanner Falcon, Saker Falcon, and Little Owls. Haven Falconry are also breeders of Harris Hawks and Kestrels.
Animal Welfare
For those who may have any concerns with regard to animal welfare please be assured that all our birds are in great condition physically and mentally, and are legally held, bred in captivity.
Our birds are trained by Paul and maintained to the highest possible standard. Each individual bird is registered with the proper authorities and where required holds an EC Cites certificate for public display and commercial use.
All our equipment and transport boxes meets or exceeds best practice recognised throughout the international falconry community.
Each individual bird is meticulously trained and socialised to be happy in their environment and they are constantly monitored when on display to the public. Any bird that shows any discomfort, fatigue or stress would be immediately removed from the display.
Please be assured the mental and physical well-being of our birds will always come first, whether at home, on a Hawk Walk or on display.
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