Mercer Falconry

Mercer Falconry Mercer Falconry Raptor Park

Flying Demonstrations
Experience Days
Photography Sessions

Well… most of you guessed Barn Owls But our mystery chicks are actually BURROWING OWLS! Tiny legs, big attitudes, and al...
28/05/2026

Well… most of you guessed Barn Owls

But our mystery chicks are actually BURROWING OWLS!

Tiny legs, big attitudes, and already causing chaos.

Now it’s time to name them… so we need your suggestions! Drop your ideas below!

Why do some owl species have ear tufts?These ear tufts have nothing to do with an owl’s ears (the ears are either side o...
27/05/2026

Why do some owl species have ear tufts?

These ear tufts have nothing to do with an owl’s ears (the ears are either side of their face, underneath their feathers!). These feathers are called plumicorns, and they have a number of purposes.

One of which is for camouflage; the plumicorns are said to break up an owl’s silhouette and make it look less like an owl. This is a helpful adaptation for ambush predators, it’s important that their prey does not see them! The plumicorns can also be stood up to make the owl look bigger and scarier, useful for if they feel threatened by a competitor or predator. Plumicorns can be used to communicate mood, think of it like an owl’s version of a mood ring. Tall plumicorns are thought to portray excitement or alertness, or flat plumicorns can suggest anger or a relaxed state. Plumicorns also have a role in attracting a mate, apparently these feathers can be very attractive!

📸- Simon Bird

We’ve got TWO new tiny arrivals joining the team… These little fluff balls have settled in brilliantly already, but befo...
26/05/2026

We’ve got TWO new tiny arrivals joining the team…

These little fluff balls have settled in brilliantly already, but before we properly introduce them, we want to see who can guess their species first!

Drop your guesses in the comments
AND… we need name suggestions for both of them, so get creative!

We’ll reveal the answer soon

Let’s play a game of ‘find the kestrel’ 😅
24/05/2026

Let’s play a game of ‘find the kestrel’ 😅

On the radio again!BBC Radio DerbyBBC Radio NottinghamBBC Radio Leicester
23/05/2026

On the radio again!
BBC Radio DerbyBBC Radio NottinghamBBC Radio Leicester

So anyone who came to watch our 12:30 flying display may know that our Lanner Falcon, Red Dawn, decided she didn’t want ...
22/05/2026

So anyone who came to watch our 12:30 flying display may know that our Lanner Falcon, Red Dawn, decided she didn’t want to fly in our arena so took herself on an adventure instead 😅

Happy to report that Red was found and picked up within an hour. She is safe and sound! Cerys, however, has been suffering all day with her hay fever thanks to this 😬

Happy 1st Hatchday to Pippin the Red Kite!
22/05/2026

Happy 1st Hatchday to Pippin the Red Kite!

It's a busy day today at Mercer Falconry!Happy 1st Hatchday to Merry the Red Kite!
21/05/2026

It's a busy day today at Mercer Falconry!

Happy 1st Hatchday to Merry the Red Kite!

Happy 2nd Hatchday to Nora the Eurasian Kestrel! She may be little, but she has a huge personality. She certainly likes ...
21/05/2026

Happy 2nd Hatchday to Nora the Eurasian Kestrel!

She may be little, but she has a huge personality. She certainly likes to keep us on our toes, but it is such a pleasure to work with her 💚

📸- Simon Bird

Did you know that falcons have natural sunglasses?The dark lines underneath a falcon’s eyes are called malar stripes and...
20/05/2026

Did you know that falcons have natural sunglasses?
The dark lines underneath a falcon’s eyes are called malar stripes and these help reduce glare by absorbing sunlight, making it easier to see when it is bright. These stripes are also present in mammals, such as in cheetahs, and have also inspired American football players to paint dark stripes on their faces!

Address

Mercer Falconry Raptor Park, Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park
Swadlincote
NG228HX

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 5pm
Thursday 10:30am - 5pm
Friday 10:30am - 5pm
Saturday 10:30am - 5pm
Sunday 10:30am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mercer Falconry posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Mercer Falconry:

Shortcuts

Share