On Friday 12th June 2026, the club enjoyed a visit to a private falconry display at the Presbytery, Le Dorat, hosted by expert falconer Tony Smith. Although, for a variety of reasons, only four members were able to attend, everyone agreed it was a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating day.
Tony proved to be a warm and entertaining host, sharing a lifetime of experience gained from owning and operating a falconry business in the UK, where he cared for around 86 birds of prey. Throughout the morning he explained the skills and traditions of falconry, while also revealing the origins of several well-known English expressions that have their roots in this ancient practice.
Members were also treated to a number of amusing stories from Tony’s time working within the film and television industry. These included promotional work with J.K. Rowling for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix before the film’s release, together with work on several episodes of Midsomer Murders, including the aptly named episode Birds of Prey, which featured a Peregrine Falcon.
The day’s stars, however, were Tony’s own birds. Cosmo, a 16-year-old Harris’s Hawk from South America, demonstrated the close bond that can develop between bird and falconer. Raised from a young age, Cosmo became imprinted on Tony and, as a result, prefers not to work in the company of strangers. Members also met Sapphire, a magnificent 16-year-old European Eagle Owl. Tony explained that the owl’s specially adapted feathers allow it to fly almost silently, while the colour of an owl’s eyes often indicates the time of day it is best adapted to hunt. We also learned that female owls are generally larger than males and that Sapphire had laid an egg earlier this year.
The highlight of the morning was a flying demonstration with Sapphire, giving members an excellent opportunity to photograph this magnificent bird at close quarters as she flew between perches and handler.
The outing concluded with a leisurely late lunch at La Petite Fontaine in Le Dorat, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on an informative, enjoyable and memorable day in excellent company.
Our thanks go to Tony for his generous hospitality, his fascinating insight into the world of falconry, and for making everyone feel so welcome. https://lancienpresbytere.com
