Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey is a 1997 novel by Wilbur Smith set in the late 17th century. The novel was the first in the third sequence of the Courtney series of novels, and as of 2013 was chronologically the first in the entire series. Smith says the book established the characteristics of the family: "Right from "Birds of Prey"... the Courtneys were pirates, merchants, looking to seize the main chance. They were very much driven by monetary considerations. But with the Ballantynes it was much more empire, patriotism, glory – the soldierly virtues." In 1667 Holland
International Centre for Birds of Prey International Centre for Birds of Prey The International Centre for Birds of Prey, formerly the National Birds of Prey Centre, in the United Kingdom houses a large collection of birds of prey with over 60 species of owls, eagles and hawks. It works towards the conservation of birds of prey through education, captive breeding, research and rehabilitation. The centre is located at Boulsdon near Newent in Gloucestershire. The Director is Jemima (Glasier) Parry-Jones. In March 2013 a new branch was opened at Duncombe Park in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. The ICBP was originally established, as the Falconry Centre, by Phillip Glasier