it's total luck, Sorch. Having a friend in the village who does it has given me the opportunity. By helping out and learning the ropes, I'll be able to decide whether I definitely want the commitment of my own bird. Even if I decide not, I can always carry on helping Pete. He has two European Eagle Owls as well as the two falcons, but they're a bit big and scary for me to even contemplate at this stage.

As it's something I've always fancied trying, it's really cool to have the chance to do it in a sustained way.