IT'S a busy time for the falconers at Warwick Castle, with daily activities including exercise, flying and feeding for over 10 different bird species, despite the castle being closed during the lockdown period.

Head falconer Chris O’Donnell lives on site and works alongside two others to take care of the birds.

He said: "The castle may be closed for now but our work continues. We have around 70 eagles and vultures, ranging from Andean condors - the largest flying bird in the world - to peregrine falcons, bearded vultures and a Steller’s sea eagle. They all still need exercise and flying.”

The birds would usually be featured as part of the attraction’s latest show, The Falconer’s Quest, the largest bird of prey show in the UK.

Mr O’Donnell said: “We are still flying birds every day. Nobody’s here to see it in person, but life goes on and it’s important that we keep the birds fit and active.”

To support families at home during lockdown, Warwick Castle recently developed a range of free resources accessible online including activities, videos and downloadables, all themed around castles, history and of course, the birds of prey.

The new History Unlocked section can be found at www.warwick-castle.com/history-unlocked and is all available for free.