Former hunter to set up falconry centre
‘An opportunity to see birds of prey at close range’ – Renè Scicluna
A falcon leaves its lofty perch and wheels over a field at Siggiewi. It suddenly banks and stoops to land on the gloved hand of Robbie Whytock, who offers it a few morsels of meat.
Mr Whytock is a professional falconer engaged by Renè Scicluna, the man who in less than a month will be launching the first Maltese falconry dentre.
Mr Scicluna, a former hunter, made up his mind to set up the centre after seeing one in the UK.
“I immediately realised that a falconry centre could provide people, including hunters, with an opportunity to see birds of prey at close range.
“I know there will be people who will argue that these birds are not free, but all the birds are bred in captivity and trained just as other pets are. I believe the educational value that one derives from this sort of thing outweighs the arguments against it,” Mr Scicluna said.
He believes that when hunters see birds of prey at his centre they may become reluctant to continue shooting at such species.
“I had some very bitter experiences when I started,” he added. A hooded vulture and a kestrel he was training were blasted out of the sky when they ventured out of the sanctuary of his place.
“I have been speaking to people in the area and they now refrain from shooting at my birds of prey, and I dare say, at other birds of prey flying over our area,” Mr Scicluna said.
Other hurdles were experienced in getting a permit because he had started to carry out some works when the outline application was still being processed. Mepa later issued the permit in view of the educational and tourism value of the project, but not before imposing a major fine and compelling Mr Scicluna to carry out road works as compensation.
The centre, close to Limestone Heritage in Siggiewi, occupies some seven tumoli of land, where Mr Scicluna has erected several aviaries. He has some 30 birds of prey, ranging from golden eagles to eagle owls, as well as several species of falcons, hawks and vultures.
A pair of Harris hawks, an American species very popular with falconers, is currently raising two young in one of the aviaries.
“We’d like to set up a breeding centre here. Eagles are easily bred as they are artificially inseminated. We will try to breed Pergerines here too. The aim is to have a centre which can treat injured birds and have them breed so that some can be returned to the wild,” Mr Whytock said.
Two daily shows are planned at the centre, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. There will also be static displays where people can see the birds as they sit on blocks in areas that have been prepared for such a purpose.
(source: TimesofMalta)