A 'must visit' place for your Wildlife Break!
This week we drove to a very special nature attraction at Ipplepen just outside Totnes. This is home to the Devon Bird of Prey Centre owned and run by Karen Andriunas and a small band of enthusiastic helpers. Karen is amazing with so much passion for these birds and unlimited energy. The Centre is set in beautiful rolling Devon countryside with views across to Dartmoor.
We arrived just after lunch on a very cold grey April day but as soon as we saw the amazing collection of birds we were captivated.
Ranging from Golden Eagles to Merlins and almost everything in between there was a bird for everyone to admire. Over 40 birds are normally kept on site. As well as British birds of prey there are birds from all over the world.
Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Vultures and Owls are all on display and birds are flown every day, weather permitting.
We were very lucky to be introduced to Wisp the female Barn Owl, one of the most attractive of our British Owls.
Having been raised by Karen Wisp was entirely at ease being
held by all of us in turn and totally comfortable.
The colouring and feather patterns on this little predator are amazing and she was adorable.
It was a good job we were issued with a proper stout leather gauntlet though, her talons are formidable (and it kept our hands warm!)
The thing that impressed us all on our visit, apart from the gorgeous birds, was the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm not just from Karen but all the staff. They clearly love being there and it is not regarded as work!
The DBPC has a strong educational programme and visit local schools and run courses for students. They especially like to work with special needs children as it is so rewarding both for the students and staff.
This wonderful attraction is entirely self funded and relies heavily on donations and sponsorship. They are open daily and have no entrance 'fee' they just ask for a donation.
We all had a great time and want to thank Karen, staff and the volunteers we met that provided such a lovely experience with these beautiful birds.
You really will experience an almost magical feeling being so close to these birds and the atmosphere on site is just so positive and uplifting, it makes you want to keep going back, to connect with nature.
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| Galahad |
Ranging from Golden Eagles to Merlins and almost everything in between there was a bird for everyone to admire. Over 40 birds are normally kept on site. As well as British birds of prey there are birds from all over the world.
Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Vultures and Owls are all on display and birds are flown every day, weather permitting.
 |
| 'Wisp' the Barn Owl |
We were very lucky to be introduced to Wisp the female Barn Owl, one of the most attractive of our British Owls.
Having been raised by Karen Wisp was entirely at ease being
held by all of us in turn and totally comfortable.
The colouring and feather patterns on this little predator are amazing and she was adorable.
It was a good job we were issued with a proper stout leather gauntlet though, her talons are formidable (and it kept our hands warm!)
Karen works hard to continually improve the visitor experience and recently has been asked to work with Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and provide regular flying displays indoors to rapt audiences (please click on the link to check times of displays). In addition to this the birds are displayed and flown at Powderham Castle near Exeter and Escot, just outside Honiton.
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| Chelsea with 'Wisp' |
The thing that impressed us all on our visit, apart from the gorgeous birds, was the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm not just from Karen but all the staff. They clearly love being there and it is not regarded as work!
 |
| Chris with 'Wisp' |
The DBPC has a strong educational programme and visit local schools and run courses for students. They especially like to work with special needs children as it is so rewarding both for the students and staff.
 |
| Sam with 'Wisp' |
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| Jalad |
We all had a great time and want to thank Karen, staff and the volunteers we met that provided such a lovely experience with these beautiful birds.
You really will experience an almost magical feeling being so close to these birds and the atmosphere on site is just so positive and uplifting, it makes you want to keep going back, to connect with nature.
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