Warwick Castle, a historic landmark in England, is home to a remarkable bird of prey – Ernie the Verreaux’s eagle owl. After three decades of captivating visitors with his “big personality” and freestyle performances, Ernie has recently retired from his duties at the castle’s Falconer’s Quest show. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of Ernie the owl and the Falconer’s Quest, providing a comprehensive overview for castle touring enthusiasts.
Introducing Ernie the Warwick Castle Owl
Ernie, the Verreaux’s eagle owl, has been a beloved resident of Warwick Castle for the past 30 years. With a wingspan of 140-165 cm and a weight of 1,615-3150 g, Ernie is an impressive bird of prey known for his “big personality” and his tendency to freestyle his shows, much to the delight of visitors.
Verreaux’s eagle owls are native to Africa and are known for their distinctive white patches around their eyes, which give them a unique and striking appearance. Ernie’s retirement after three decades of service at the castle marks the end of an era, as he has become a beloved figure among castle enthusiasts and bird lovers alike.
The Falconer’s Quest: Warwick Castle’s Bird of Prey Showcase
The Falconer’s Quest is a captivating bird of prey display that takes place at Warwick Castle. This bespoke arena, set upon the River Avon, features up to 60 birds of prey, including Ernie the Verreaux’s eagle owl, as well as a variety of other impressive species.
The Impressive Lineup of Birds
The Falconer’s Quest showcases a diverse array of birds of prey, each with its own unique characteristics and facts:
| Bird | Wingspan | Weight | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernie the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl | 140-165 cm | 1,615-3150 g | Known for his “big personality” and freestyle performances |
| Barty the Bearded Vulture | 2.3-2.8 m | 5.5-7.5 kg | One of the largest flying birds in the world |
| Wolf the Harris Hawk | 1-1.2 m | 0.5-1.1 kg | Known for their cooperative hunting behavior |
| Oscar the Barn Owl | 0.8-1.2 m | 0.3-0.5 kg | Renowned for their silent flight and excellent night vision |
| Rosie the Andean Condor | 3-3.2 m | 8-15 kg | The largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere |
| Marvin the Steller’s Sea Eagle | 2.2-2.5 m | 5-9 kg | One of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world |
| Flash the Peregrine Falcon | 0.9-1.1 m | 0.6-1.5 kg | The fastest animal on the planet, capable of diving at speeds up to 389 km/h |
| Henry the Bald Eagle | 1.8-2.3 m | 3.6-6.3 kg | The national bird of the United States, known for its distinctive white head and tail |
These birds showcase a wide range of sizes, weights, and unique characteristics, providing visitors with a truly awe-inspiring experience.
The Falconer’s Quest Experience
The Falconer’s Quest takes place on a grassed slope near the Riverside Arena at Warwick Castle. The arena has a limited number of fixed benches and an accessible area on concrete at the back, allowing visitors to enjoy the show in comfort.
During the Falconer’s Quest, visitors are treated to a captivating display of the fastest bird species, the heaviest eagles, and the biggest owls, as well as the bird with the largest wingspan. The show is a true celebration of the power, grace, and beauty of these magnificent birds of prey.
Warwick Castle Overnight Stays and Packages
In addition to the Falconer’s Quest, Warwick Castle offers a range of overnight stays and packages for visitors. These include:
- Overnight stays within the castle grounds
- One-day Warwick Castle entry tickets
- Discounted second-day entry tickets
- Themed evening entertainment
- Complimentary continental breakfast
- Unlimited WiFi
- Car parking
- The Falconer’s Quest experience
These packages provide visitors with a comprehensive and immersive castle experience, allowing them to fully explore the historic site and witness the impressive bird of prey displays.
Conclusion
Warwick Castle’s Ernie the Verreaux’s eagle owl has been a beloved figure for three decades, captivating visitors with his “big personality” and freestyle performances. The Falconer’s Quest, the castle’s bird of prey showcase, features a diverse array of impressive species, each with its own unique characteristics and facts.
Whether you’re a castle enthusiast or a bird lover, a visit to Warwick Castle and the Falconer’s Quest is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a range of overnight stays and packages available, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and natural wonders of this iconic English landmark.