European Eagle Owl
mEET OUR MAJESTIC BIRDS
Leeds Castle’s Bird of Prey Centre houses birds from a variety of different species, from our smallest Burrowing Owl to our largest, a Russian Steppe Eagle.
Every day (weather permitting) the birds are on public display on the weathering ground and in their aviaries. Each bird has an information sign showing their name, species, age, origin and what they like to eat. The Bird of Prey Centre is located behind the Maze.
April to September: 10am to 5pm daily
October to March: 10am to 4pm daily
In adverse weather conditions, some birds will not be on display.
Please note that due to guidelines set by DEFRA/APHA with regards to Avian Flu, all visitors to the Bird of Prey Centre are required to walk through our foot dipping mats upon entry and exit.
Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
Licence holder name: Mark Brattle
Licence number: 19/01117/ANEST
Meet the falconry team
Mark Brattle, Falconry & Wildlife Manager
Mark’s life-long fascination with birds of prey began at three years old followed by visits and experiences at falconry centres throughout the UK. The first decade of his career was spent learning the art of falconry from apprenticeship to Head Falconer positions at the bird of prey centres across the country.
In February 2012 Mark joined Leeds Castle to set up and manage the Falconry Department sourcing birds, equipment and staff. Mark has established a talented and hardworking team of falconers who have great fun looking after the birds of prey for the enjoyment of visitors to the Leeds Castle estate.
Hannah James, Head Falconer
Hannah’s passion for birds of prey started at 10 years old when a falconry centre visit triggered a fascination with the bond between the Falconer and his Bald Eagle.
Hannah spent the next few years studying birds of prey before being bought her first bird Keye, a Harris Hawk who now resides at Leeds Castle, allowing her to train him, gain his trust and share new experiences.
Following work experience with Mark in Kent, Hannah ran her own bird of prey centre for five years where she helped rescue birds and taught people about Falconry. Hannah began working at Leeds Castle in March 2012.
Meet The Birds
Mozart
Broc
Harris Hawk
Coco
Asian Brown Wood Owl
Norris
Tawny Owl
Sarabi
Pale Chanting Goshawk
Hendricks
Ural Owl
Owlfie
African Spotted Eagle Owl
Groot
Burrowing Owl
Kahn
Steepe Eagle
Tash
Red Legged Seriema
Travis
Striated Caracara
Penny
Harris Hawk
Woody
Barn Owl
Zorro
Spectactled Owl
Stella
Siberian Eagle Owl
Gatsbee
Vermiculated Eagle Owl
Louis
Chaco Owl
FUN FOR ALL
What’s on
