WE received a surprise visit from a new feathered friend today at the Cornish & Devon Post office on Southgate Street, Launceston.

Larkin the Harris Hawk ‘flew by’ with his owner Ian McDade, who provided us with a bit of information about this beautiful hunter.

Ian told us: “His name refers to the history of this type of hawk, which was predominantly used by women in the 18th century. Women would use smaller hawks like this so as not to upstage the men — the men didn’t view these as serious falconry birds you see, so they would say the women were just ‘larking around’.”

Ian and Larkin often take to the streets of Launceston and Bude, educating people on the power and grace of these majestic birds.

Our Editor was honoured to be offered the opportunity to hold this powerful bird of prey, who was very gentle and enjoyed a bit of fussing.

“In one fell swoop Larkin has stolen our hearts.”