The Hawk Conservancy Trust

Set in the lush Hampshire countryside near Andover the Trust is well worth a visit for anyone, whether Bird Fancier or not.  The Trust has a four fold aim to warrant its existence.Conservation, Education, Research and Rehabilitation. All of these are entwined with each other.  Without one the others would find it difficult to exist.

The Trust is a Conservation Charity and is an award winning Centre.  Visitors may see the sterling work that is carried out by the team of willing and enthusiastic Conservationists, both professional and amateur.  The professionals lead but without the amateurs who give of their time and expertise they would never be able to overcome the daily challenges that face them.

 I am fortunate for my daughter, Jacqueline and her Partner, Adrian are two of the volunteers who help out.  Their particular forte is the collection of injured birds reported by the public and then the return of a rehabilitated bird back to the wilds. This particular facet of the work they do is one of the most rewarding events that they could be involved in.  To see a bird that a few weeks before has been struck by  car or injured in some other way fly back into its natural habitat is an experience that brings tears of joy to the eyes every time they  do it.  Only last week they released into the wild an owl that had been brought in from near Southampton on the south coast of England.  The son of the finder is only four years old and his excitement knew no bounds.  In fact, once told that he would be included in the release party he stopped sleeping such was his excitement.Not just anyone can release a rehabilitated bird and both Jacquie and Adrian had to undertake special training in the handling of the birds before they were entrusted with them.

The Trust is involved in the Vulture Conservation project at Dronsfield in the Republic of South Africa.  This project has recently suffered a setback due to a series of massive Bush fires in the area.

One of the major fund raising functions at the Centre are the Displays that the handlers put one throughout the year.  Every display is different and one may visit often throughout the year without the possibility of being bored.  here we see a Secretary Bird killing a snake (rubber) using its feet. 

There is so much to see and do at the Centre that one really needs a full day to enjoy it all. And every time you return you spot something new.  

Don't take my word for it go there ~ have a look at the Web Site of the Hawk Conservancy Trust 

And for those of you who can't get there have a look at my brother, Mal's Birthday Celebration last year in November,  

A short video of Adrian releasing an owl into the wilds.