Leeds Castle is home to a diverse array of owl species, offering visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent birds. From the impressive European Eagle Owl to the captivating Spectacled Owl, the castle’s Bird of Prey Centre showcases a remarkable collection of these nocturnal predators.
Species of Owls at Leeds Castle
The owls found at Leeds Castle include:
| Owl Species | Description |
|---|---|
| European Eagle Owl | The largest owl species in Europe, with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. |
| Harris Hawk | Although not exclusively an owl, this bird of prey is often featured in the castle’s falconry displays. |
| Asian Brown Wood Owl | A medium-sized owl native to parts of Asia, known for its distinctive brown plumage. |
| Tawny Owl | A common owl species in the UK, recognized by its mottled brown and white feathers. |
| Pale Chanting Goshawk | Another bird of prey, not an owl, but often included in the castle’s demonstrations. |
| Ural Owl | A large, grey-brown owl found in the forests of northern Europe and Asia. |
| African Spotted Eagle Owl | A striking owl species with distinctive white spots on its dark brown feathers. |
| Barn Owl | The iconic white owl, known for its silent flight and haunting calls. |
| Spectacled Owl | A South American species with distinctive dark markings around its eyes, resembling a pair of spectacles. |
| Siberian Eagle Owl | One of the largest owl species in the world, native to the forests of Siberia and Northeast Asia. |
| Chaco Owl | A small owl species found in parts of South America, with a unique facial disc pattern. |
Falconry Displays and Meet the Birds
Visitors to Leeds Castle can witness the impressive falconry displays and get up close with the owls during the “Meet the Birds” sessions:
- April to September: Daily Falconry Display (2 pm) and Meet the Birds (3:30 pm)
- October to March: Falconry Displays (2 pm) and Meet the Birds (3:30 pm) on weekends and school holidays only. Displays may be shorter or cancelled in adverse weather conditions.
Owl Experience
For a more immersive encounter, the castle offers an “Owl Experience” package:
- Cost: £30.00 – £85.00
- Duration: 3 hours (half day)
- Maximum Participants: 4 (plus up to 2 spectators each)
- Minimum Age: 7 years (under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult)
- Inclusions:
- Learning techniques of handling and flying an owl
- Flying a range of owls to and from your hand
- Behind the scenes tour
- Day ticket to the Castle and grounds
Bird of Prey Centre
The Bird of Prey Centre at Leeds Castle is home to a variety of bird species, including the smallest Burrowing Owl and the largest Russian Steppe Eagle. The centre is led by a team of experienced falconers, including Mark Brattle, the Falconry & Wildlife Manager, Hannah James, the Head Falconer, and Sam Weir, a Falconer.
Visitor Reviews
Visitors to the Leeds Castle Falconry Experiences have left glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with one guest stating: “We started the morning with the most informative and interesting tour, getting to meet all the amazing birds and learning all about them… owls they do what it says on the tin!”
Additional Experiences
In addition to the Owl Experience, Leeds Castle also offers a “Bird of Prey Experience,” which combines the Hawk Walk and Owl experiences, allowing participants to fly a wider range of birds. The cost for this experience ranges from £30.00 to £150.00.
Leeds Castle’s collection of owls and other birds of prey provides a unique and captivating experience for visitors, offering a chance to learn about these magnificent creatures and witness their impressive abilities up close. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, the owls of Leeds Castle are sure to leave a lasting impression.
References:
1. https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/falconry-displays/
2. https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/bird-of-prey-centre/
3. https://leeds-castle.com/product/owl-experience/
4. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1927273-d20990395-Reviews-Leeds_Castle_Falconry_Experiences-Leeds_Maidstone_Kent_England.html
5. https://leeds-castle.com/product/bird-of-prey-experience/