One of our all-time favourite surprises was a visit to a raptor centre in England (National Birds of Prey Centre -- www.nbpc.co.uk -- Newent). The surprising part was how much we enjoyed the experience.

We met an array of caged, meat-eating creatures, but the best part was watching the birds in free flight. They would fold into wingless missiles and dive from heights that almost made them invisible, to trounce on an appetizer.

In other demonstrations, they would swoop through the seated crowd at jet speeds, gently rustling hair as they weaved past.

This summer, the B.C. Wildlife Park has a 10-week Falconry Festival from July 1 to Sept. 4. The festival will emphasize B.C. birds of prey and their natural abilities and behaviours. The festival will showcase the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, kestrels, turkey vulture, great horned owl and barn owl.

The spectacular speed and agility of the falcons will be demonstrated by lure flying, where a piece of meat on a string is pulled away from the hawk as it flies in for lunch. Falcons swoop and dive for the lure, flying incredible patterns to grab a bite.

The amazing speed of the peregrine falcons will be demonstrated with a radar gun. This is the fastest predator on Earth and has been clocked in dives exceeding 250 km/h.

There will be demonstrations three times a day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The half hour free birds-of-prey demonstrations will be followed by a question and answer period.

The admission is $9 for adults and there are discounts for seniors, students and children. Call 1-250-573-3242 or see www.BCzoo.org.

For other things to do and places to stay in the area, have a look at www.tourismkamloops.com.