Cedric training Siberian Eagle Owl, Cinnamon

No short-wing, broad-wing or owl can be trained when the bird is at top weight. There would be no reason even for an imprinted owl to accept human company. So, the first step consisted in getting Cinnamon to eat on my fist. This was the only good reason for him to be enthusiastic by my presence. The first few days were more disappointing because he did not want to eat because he was in high condition. Then, he started to eat, the fact he bent his head was a good sign to earn his trust. For about 2 weeks, I spent one hour every day sitting with Cinnamon in his aviary. Eventually, it was easy to get him on my fist and he was relaxed. I started to walk with him in the park. This part was important because it was the first time he was out of his aviary and close to strangers. The first time I tried to weigh Cinnamon was difficult but really important: 3.15 pounds - about 1.4 kilos. For a few days, I cut down his food to get him ready to fly and I tried to get him to jump to my fist.

At this stage, I used a créance (long thin training line) which I tied instead of the leash. The idea was that Cinnamon would fly to my fist quickly when I called him, so to start with he did few flights each session, and always into the wind. I started by a very short call and I gradually increased the distance. Cinnamon was good with the créance and he flew only 5 days with it. On 17th of August, Cinnamon flew free for his first time. He was ready for his first show: Members’ night. The only problem, I was in France the week just before Members’ night so when I came back to England I was a bit nervous; not only having to talk, but worried in case Cinnamon did not respond to me. When he did his first jumps and I saw him focus on me, I was fine!

Now you can see Cinnamon flying for the 3.30 display in our new woodland arena and also for Owls by Torch light. As for me, I get the most satisfaction when I can fly him for this show. I have the best memories flying Cinnamon. I remember once, it was moonlight, I was flying him and to conclude the show, we switched off all the electric lights for his last call and only turned them on once he was on my fist. I just could see a flying shadow coming toward me, fast and completely silently. At such a moment you would not want to be a mouse! These few seconds from when Cinnamon left the post to landing on my fist were incredible. I will never forget it.

People think flying an owl must be less interesting than flying a kite or falcon... Well, to be honest with you, I have not flown a falcon yet. Anyway, flying and watching Cinnamon, it is just great! You just have a look at the picture.

Cinnamon is a stunning eagle owl with his large orange eyes and his creamy colour and fluffy feathers. This bird combines strength and grace. He is brilliant, but not perfect; a few things upset him: cameras, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Sometimes, it is not very easy to fly him but it does not matter too much because once Cinnamon is out of his aviary, he gets all the attention of the crowd.