­THE feathers were literally flying at Frensham Heights when a flock of majestic birds of prey spent the day at the school last month.

In a display that was originally intended to take place during science week, the handlers from GMG Falconry shared the characteristic traits and habits of hunting birds of all sizes – from the smallest owl to the golden eagle.

Key among the handlers was Frensham year nine student, Tom, who has been an apprentice falconer for two years and spends most of his spare time at weekends and holidays with the birds.

His passion and skill shone throughout the day as he released the birds to swoop over the historic main building and high up into the sky before calling them back to land gently on his outstretched hand.

In the morning, Frensham’s youngest students from the junior school were thrilled to get up close with peregrine falcons, eagle owls and gyrs, mingling with them on their perches and gasping as the harris hawk swooped down, just skimming the tops of their heads.

After a rest for lunch the afternoon belonged to Frank, the proud and handsome golden eagle, whose spectacular display stunned senior students and staff alike.