Martyn’s sculpture of a life-sized gyr falcon catching a partridge is very impressive. It is carved from Lime wood, the fact that it is meticulously hand-painted makes it even more impressive. The pose of the falcon, with its talons gripping the partridge, captures a moment of intense action and drama, and the fact that it looks almost real adds to the impact of the sculpture. Martyn’s work is a skilled and impressive piece of art that captures the power and beauty of this majestic bird of prey.

The Gyr Falcon is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, and conservation efforts are underway to protect their populations. The Gyr Falcon is the largest of all falcon species and is sometimes referred to as the “King of Falcons.

They have a circumpolar distribution and can be found in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Gyr Falcons have a distinctive, powerful build and can weigh up to 3.5 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 55 inches. They are highly adapted for life in cold environments and have a dense layer of feathers that insulate their bodies from the harsh temperatures. Gyr Falcons are apex predators, and their diet consists mainly of other birds, such as ptarmigan, ducks, and grouse. They have incredible eyesight, which is eight times better than a human’s, allowing them to spot prey from great distances. Gyr Falcons are renowned for their speed and agility, with some individuals reaching speeds of up to 200 mph when diving to catch prey, the Gyr Falcon is the fastest creature on the planet flying horizontally reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. In some cultures, Gyr Falcons have been highly valued for their hunting prowess and have been trained for falconry for centuries Gyr Falcons have a unique mating ritual that involves elaborate aerial displays, such as high-speed dives and acrobatic manoeuvres, to impress potential mates.