But wait, even more…

At the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, while I was waiting for a steam train I found this Old Dutch Capuchine Pigeon, a fancy breed once thought extinct.There were also a number of rehab owls at the Farm. This Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is nine years old. This is the most common owl in Britain.And this Little Owl (Athene noctua), smallest owl in Britain. This species was introduced to the UK in the 19th century. I didn’t see either of these in the wild, unfortunately.

The town of Moretonhampstead was chartered by King John in the 13th century. For rent, John called for an annual delivery of a Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Falconry was all the rage. Shades, too, of the Maltese Falcon. This bronze — the oversized talons seem to be a little mammal’s point-of-view — is by Roger Dean, whose work is found elsewhere in town.