WE WATCHED with fascination as the creature bellowed out monkey-like sounds, mimicking the voice of its prey.
There aren’t a lot of monkeys in Nottinghamshire, so instead he was being tempted by morsels of squirrel.
One piece? No, not interested. Two pieces? OK then.
Spreading his magnificent wings, off he flew, skimming the ground and landing on my leather-gloved arm, allowing me to tickle his feathers while he munched his reward.
Domino, a spectacled owl, is one of the many mighty birds at the Hawkeye Falconry in the small town of Ollerton, Notts.
During our Bird of Prey Experience, I was also greeted by a great grey owl called Bluebell, who had needed lots of encouragement from the head falconer, Alastair, after spotting a mouse in the woodland, as well as Tilly, a kestrel who could fly at 200 miles an hour.
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The impressive bird sanctuary was a highlight of our weekend break in the peaceful town of Ollerton.
We were staying just a few minutes walk away at Thoresby Hall, a Warner Leisure hotel, where a Queen tribute band was waiting to serenade us at one of their themed music weekends, Seventies Showtime.
Lead singer Mark, our own Freddie Mercury, certainly had all the moves, but it was soul band Hot Chocolate that had everyone wiggling their hips to bangers like You Sexy Thing.
Thoresby Hall has had a £20million upgrade and the new wings feature modern elegant rooms with a warm and welcoming character.
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Our Historic Room in the main house was huge and featured a grand four-poster bed that was fit for a princess and heavy patterned curtains that made us feel like we were living in another era.
If you’re after something a little more luxurious, though, check into the Honeymoon Suite which features twin rolltop baths.
If you’re a fan of wine, make sure you book a tasting experience.
Our guide Callum set up a dish of salt, lemon, cheese, chocolate and crackers to teach us how food affects the flavour of the wine.
Nibbles, accompanied by glass upon glass of white, red and rose ensured that we learned a lot . . . and fell into that fabulous four-poster to sleep it off.
Those who prefer gin won’t be left out.
The Gin Tasting experience is equally indulgent and guide Alex obviously knows his stuff, imparting his knowledge as he served up an arrary of top quality ones.
No chemicals or artificial sweeteners in the mixers is the one rule we were given — it spoils the flavour of the gin, Alex told us.
Drained our glasses
We drained our glasses like good students and once again that four-poster was calling.
Of course, you’ll need something to line the stomach with all the tipples — and the food here really hits the spot.
Head to the elegant Brasserie32 for dinner, which is a little more sophisticated than the Market restaurant and serves classics like beer-battered cod with triple-cooked chips and grilled pork chop with clotted-cream mash.
The breakfast here is top-notch too with everything from the typical Full English to curried scrambled eggs and guacamole muffins.
But this weekend wasn’t all eating and drinking.
We did eventually get out of that huge four-poster in time for a brief archery session, one of the many activities on offer.
We failed miserably to hit the target, but it was fun trying.
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There are also beautiful walks surrounding the old house, and we enjoyed a visit to the rose garden, where the David Austin roses were just coming into bloom.
And no matter how booze-fuelled or activity-packed your day, that spectacular four-poster bed awaits.
GO: Thoresby Hall
STAYING THERE: A four-night break at Thoresby Hall costs from £269pp, based on two people sharing a standard room, arriving on January 16.
Price includes breakfast, three-course dinners, live music, pools and activities.
OUT & ABOUT: A two-hour Family Bird Of Prey Experience at Hawkeye Falconry costs £205 for a family of five.
See hawkeyefalconry.co.uk.
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