Eagle Heights is one of the UK's largest centres for birds of prey - currently home to 150 birds of over 50 species.

As part of their science education, pupils of Groups 1 and 2 were treated to a presentation about birds of prey.  The students met the birds and discussed the adaptations which each had developed to suit its particular lifestyle.

The barn owl has specially designed feathers, giving it almost silent flight.  The peregrine falcon has a translucent eyelid that it uses when flying at high speed and the soles of the feet of the bald eagle are rough to give extra grip on the slippery fish it snatches out of the water.

The students also learned about the importance of care of the environment and protection of the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures.

The girls were very excited to see the birds swoop over their heads and were keen to get up close to have their photographs taken.

Here are some of the girls’ reflections:

‘I felt incredibly privileged to have held a bald eagle.  It was an amazing experience.’

‘I was amazed to see the bald eagle fly.  It’s wing span was huge.’

‘You couldn’t hear a thing when Casper the barn owl flew.  He was amazing.  He was like a ghost.  Casper was a good name for him.’

‘I would have had a heart attack if the eagle had swooped down on me, but luckily I had swapped places with Lucy.’

‘I can’t wait to show my family the photo of me holding the eagle.’

‘We were told how Billy the peregrine falcon could catch pigeons in the air.  It was a very fast killer.  I was amazed as he looked so innocent.’

‘We were told that the falcon had a transparent eye-lid to help it see when it flies at high speed.  It is like nature’s goggles.’

‘The best bit was lots of things!’

‘When I saw the eagle fly, I fell in love with her.  I now have a new favourite animal.’

‘I was scared when the barn owl looked at me – as if I was its prey.’