Shoppers Have A Hoot At Airedale Talon Show

05/05/2015
VISITORS of a feathered variety swooped down on the Airedale Mall this weekend to the delight of Keighley shoppers.
York Birds Of Prey Centre brought three different birds of prey to meet the public, promote conservation issues and educate visitors about owls.

Those visiting the centre were excited to see the large and formidable European owl, a British barn owl and a very cute African white-faced owl.
Ian Ollerson, a volunteer from the group, said: "The three owls we have brought here have all been hand-reared and are very used to being handled, they don't mind a bit.
"At the centre we have rescue birds too, but we can't use them for the shows, although it is open to the public so people can go and visit them whenever they like."
One little girl who enjoyed getting up close to these amazing birds was six-year-old Lexi Cooper who was in the Airedale with her mum Nicola Ellis.
Nicola said: "We didn't know this was on so it was a nice surprise when we got here. They've got three owls and the big on is nearly as big as Lexi.
"She's absolutely mesmerised by them. They have little gloves so the kids can hold them and touch them and I have a feeling we're going to be back and forth here all day."
Nicola, aged 27, lives in Riddlesden with her three children and partner, and added: "Lexi is a big animal fan and wants to be a vet so anything to do with animals and she's there!"
Another shopper delighted to find the feathery visitors in the Airedale Centre on Saturday was 40-year-old Dale Robinson, out shopping with his eight-year-old daughter Hollie.
He said: "We were just coming in to the Ankerside to do some shopping like we usually do and found the birds here. The kids are loving it and it really adds to the family feel of the place.
"Hollie had the big one on her arm which was huge, especially when it started flapping its wings a bit, but she wasn't fazed by it at all.
"She loves birds of all kinds and we have a big feeder in the garden with seeds and fat balls and everything so she sits and watches the birds while she's having her breakfast.
"So to meet all these owls and get to hold them as well, she's well chuffed!"
Ian thanked the Airedale Shopping Centre for inviting the rescue group to set up a stand.
He added: "Coming in to shopping centres like this works for us in two ways. It helps us promote the centre and the work we do – we're all volunteers - and it also helps us educate the kids about these birds.
"The barn owl in particular is very endangered so if the kids get to meet them and hold them they are less likely to grow up wanting to shoot them."
Airedale Shopping Centre manager Steve Seymour said: "It was fascinating to get to meet the birds close up and to hear about the work of the volunteers to ensure that these wonderful creatures can continue to live in countryside and their natural habitat.
"We believe that the Airedale Centre is a central part of the community of Keighley, and we are happy to host local charities by offering them space for a stand, to help them raise awareness of the work they do."
The York Bird of Prey Centre volunteers spent Saturday and Sunday in the Airedale Shopping Centre with the three owls - its base is open for visitors daily and has flying shows at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
The Centre is home to over 70 birds with 45 different species and is based in the walled garden at Burn Hall in Huby.

Fonte:http://www.keighleyonline.co.uk/community/news/282-shoppers-have-a-hoot-at-airedale-talon-show.html

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