EAGLE-EYED James Channon spotted the perfect opportunity to create a bird of prey attraction.

Now Vale of White Horse District Council has granted planning permission for the Millets Farm Falconry Centre, near Abingdon, to go ahead.

Building work has begun on 35 aviaries to accommodate more than 70 birds of prey, from burrowing owls to bald eagles, barn owls to kestrels and even an endangered African Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture.

Mr Channon, 28, and his wife Sharon, 36, currently offer private, one-on-one experiences with birds of prey at their business, Fallowfields Falconry in Southmoor.

But from May 4, they will be also be offering three displays a day to the public at Millets and will be welcoming schools to the centre’s purpose-built classroom.

Mr Channon said: “This has been an ambition of mine for more than eight years and it is very exciting to get the go-ahead and see the buildings taking shape.”