Family Summer Fun – Wild Bird Week

Birds of prey have been associated with the Royal Air Force since its foundation.

The Eagle has been given pride of place on the Royal Air Force’s badge.

Its aircraft, from the Kittyhawk to the Harrier, have been regular named after these predators to convey their dexterity in the air and their precision when chasing down the enemy.

Its airfields, throughout their history, have been regularly protected by these hunters in order to prevent bird strikes as RAF jets take off or come into land.

To celebrate the contribution that birds of prey have made to the RAF, we will be running daily, in conjunction with the English School of Falconry three free displays on the Museum’s Helipad from Monday 30th of July until Sunday 5th August at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

As part of each display a few of our younger visitors be presented with the opportunity to work with one of these magnificent animals under the guidance and supervision of an English School of Falconry tutor as ‘trainee’ handlers.

Should the weather prove to be inclement for a session supervised handling sessions will be held inside in the Museum's Dermot Boyle Wing where the birds will be on display to the public throughout the day between each show at the following times - from 12.15pm to 1.15pm, 2.15pm to 3.15pm and 4.15pm to 5pm.