Perfect Birthday

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I had the coolest birthday ever.

I got to go to the Exmoor Falconry & Animal Farm

Birds of prey have always been of interest to me, i could sit for hours just watching them glide about, but really wanted to get up close and learn a bit more about them so my lovely partner Tony suggested it for my birthday.

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We got up early, Tony popped out

to pick up some lunch and

came back with a mini birthday cake for me,

aw bless...

In hindsight i wish i'd wished for no wind

but i'll get to that in a bit...

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We got to the farm about 11am after getting a tad lost by missing the turn off!

It was well hidden in a one of the many dips that is exmoor national park.

We paid and were told to just wander around at our own pace and enjoy the day.
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It wasn't a very big place to be honest and after a quick look about meeting some pigs, donkeys, alpaca and a few other farm animals it was time for the indoor owl show at 11.30

Here is where it got fun

We were introduced to 5 different owls, there was a short slide show with commentary for each owl, the keeper then brought out each respective bird and they flew about the barn while we were told some more about them, there was a post right by us so a number of times they were no more than 15 inches from our heads which was SO cool.
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The last owl they brought out was Snoopy who is an Indian Eagle Owl and he flies for charity, so basically you donate some money and you get to hold him, the keeper puts some food on the glove your holding and he flies to you.
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When the show had finished we went and sat in the car to have our packed lunch, we would have found a nice spot and sat outside like a picnic only the wind had picked up and not only was it feeling like 80mph but the chill factor felt like minus-50! lol

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At 2.30 there was an outdoors display ... yes we braved it, and yes we both froze but it was so worth it.

They were unable to fly some of the smaller birds as the wind was so strong it would have whisked them away but we got to meet 3 of the bigger birds, again with the keeper talking us through each bird.

I asked the keeper if we would have the same chance to hold one of the bigger birds and was told it's not normally something that they did but he'd see what he could do for me.

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As you can see from the pic below my cheeky request was sorted, and i again happily put a nice donation in the charity fund to do it.

What a wonderful way to spend a Birthday!
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I shall definitely be visiting this place again, and if you like birds of prey you should visit too x