Achilles the Little Owl

The last time that I wrote one of these articles was for ‘helping hands’ as a volunteer, but this time the month has finally come where it's my turn to write an article for ‘On the Park’. It feels like a big step up from being a work experience student two years ago to finally being a member of staff on the park - I keep having to pinch myself as it feels so strange to be a member of staff!!

As you may or may not know I work at the trust five days a week, three days on the park and two in the coffee shop. In the coffee shop I cover on Jemma’s days off as Deputy Manager. It wasn’t the best idea to leave me in charge, but it hasn’t gone up in flames yet - touch wood!

Drifter the Saker Falcon, hooded to keep him calm before his workout

Working in the coffee shop is completely different to working out on the park, but it's still good fun and it's a change in the week, which keeps me keen and enthusiastic.  The strange thing about working in the coffee shop is that some of the regular members come in and keep saying to me that they’re used to me serving soup but a different kind - the bird kind!

On the park I am getting used to the hustle and bustle of the day to day routines. I am just starting to talk some of the commentaries which at first seemed to be very daunting and scary, but the audience will always make you feel so relaxed that I eased into the role of commentator and now you can’t get me to shut up!

Gary teaching lure swinging to Cedric

Myself and Cedric have also been given the opportunity to learn to swing the lure and fly a falcon! We have been lucky enough to be given Drifter the Saker Falcon to practice with so we will just have to see what that event brings! I can’t wait to have a go but there is so much to take in. I have been having lessons off other members of staff and we have all been out often after work swinging lures. I am also at the moment getting Achilles the Little Owl back into his routine for later on in the year when he will make his guest appearance once again in the demonstration.

Overall as you can probably tell it's exciting and full steam ahead, every day I am learning new things around the park and I hope it's paying off! I love every minute of working both in the coffee shop and out on the park. Meeting lots of new faces has to be one of the best parts so far and I would just like to thank you for making the first few months welcome for me and I look forward to seeing you around the grounds.