24 May 2020
How are you?
We’ve had a few very windy days here in the East Neuk, which makes handling the birds a bit tricky and flying them practically impossible. Altai, in particular, dislikes windy conditions but it unsettles all of the birds, to some extent.
Fair-weather fliers
In the wild, birds of prey will avoid flying in tough conditions and only those that are really hungry will be forced to leave their shelter on bad weather days. Strong wind makes catching prey extra hard, of course. Flying is more effortful, judging speed and distance is harder and hearing is compromised. Predators use a great deal of energy when battling against the elements so, if they can, raptors will simply wait it out and hunt when conditions improve.
Our team is fed each day, so this blustery weather is nothing more than a ruffle of feathers to them. If the movement of trees and leaves becomes too agitating, one of our options is to hood a bird to calm it down and - speaking of hoods, we’ve got part 2 of our Q&A on hoods ready for you this week.
Q&A on falconry hoods, Part 2
In part 2, we’re covering what happens if a bird doesn’t take to the hood, how falconry hoods are made, and the different types of hood traditionally used in falconry. It’s a clip of just over 5 minutes, so grab a cuppa and enjoy!
(If you missed it, part 1 is on our YouTube channel, here.)
Comfrey and the bees
Are you on social media? If you follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts, you may have seen our post about comfrey last week. We featured it to mark World Bees Day, which was on May 20th. This freely self-sowing herb is a firm favourite with bees and we have several clumps of it around Hammer Inn. In the past ten days or so, it’s burst into bloom and the bees are delighted with it, as you can see!
If you’d like to learn more about this herb and its medicinal uses, which include mending bones and stopping bleeding, my post on Instagram is here.
The bees, bumble bees and other insects are also loving the bluebells which are still going strong - just look at the stunning colours they’ve produced this year!
New signs & new Covid-19 measures
If you are in Scotland, you - like us - will be anticipating this Thursday’s move to Phase 1 of the easing of Lockdown, when some of the restrictions will be relaxed to allow a bit more outdoor activity.
It seems that our new signs from FX Signs in Cupar may have arrived just at the right time! This was me installing them last week, with some help from Pete ;-) (He’s in the first photo, you can maybe make him out in the lower left hand corner?) What do you think of the signs? I am delighted with them!
We are watching Lockdown developments carefully, of course, but very much hoping that we can look for ways to offer social-distance options here at Hammer Inn before too long.
The 2m-distance rule means archery is not an option yet, but we are confident we can create a bird of prey experience that offers maximum fun and personal safety. Because, like a lot of people, we are desperate to catch up with family post-lockdown, we’re calling this new product Family First and we’re excited to update you about it next week.
If you have bookings with us in June and July, we’re keeping our fingers crossed…
If you can’t yet visit family or cherished friends, don’t forget our videogram and adoption options. They can help you melt away the miles until you can get close enough for a hug!
Last chance for the 25% discount
If you want to feel closer to the action here, at Hammer Inn in the East Neuk, become a member and enjoy all the benefits of being in The Scottish Countryman’s Club. These include a 25% discount on all products online, if you join before midnight tomorrow, Monday 25 May.
Until next time, do take care and stay safe!
Steve
Bluebells growing at Hammer Inn by crail in the east neuk, home of the scottish countryman
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