1. According to Interpol estimates, the illegal smuggling and trade in wildlife worldwide is worth upwards of $5 billion per year!

2. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to ‘intentionally take, damage or destroy’ a wild bird’s nest. That also includes intentionally destroying or taking down a nest which has been built in or onto your own house.

3. It is also an offence to remove or collect wild birds’ eggs.

4. If you find a damaged or disabled wild bird, take advice before attempting to take it into your own home. It is far better that any distressed wild bird, or any other wild animal, is placed with an expert licensed to handle them. If in any doubt, contact the RSPB or the DETR.

5. According to RSPB statistics, 11 of the 15 species of birds of prey breeding in Britain are of ‘conservation concern’.

6. In 1930 there were just two breeding pairs of Red Kites left in Wales. Now, thanks to legislation, and the hard work of voluntary organisations, the Kite Country project has helped that number reach 164 pairs.

7. A European Buzzard has eyes 50-80 larger than a human; hence the phrases ‘Eagle-eyed’ and ‘Eyes like a hawk’.

8. Birds of prey also have their own in-built visor, the nictitating membrane – which is an opaque membrane that covers the eye to protect it when the bird is attacking its prey.

9. Mankind’s relationship with birds of prey goes back as far as the 8th Century BC. Evidence has been found to indicate that the Assyrians practised Falconry.

10. There are 35 species of true Falcons worldwide. They range from 15cm to 60cm in length. The world’s largest true Falcon is the Gyrfalcon, just like the beautiful pure white specimen featured in our piece on Griff Griffiths.