As yesterday’s readers will know, we visited this charitable body dedicated to the preservation of birds of prey in a natural environment, but that I had insufficient time to produce the pictures.
The trust’s own website https://www.hawk-conservancy.org will give details of this marvellous resource.
During the day there are three different public displays, this first of which we missed because we were so late, and the third I missed because I needed to take a rest. Before the 2 p.m. presentation we wandered around the lengthy rows of aviaries for individual species.
Little burrowing owls were the first I encountered.
Bald eagles came next. One, preening, looked warm, fluffy and much less fierce.
There were other eagles;
Harris and harrier hawks;
palm nut vultures;
preening eagle owls splendidly camouflaged.
white headed preening vultures looking rather ragged;
others on steps;
a bateleur eagle turning its back on
a blinking secretary bird.
In the ancient wildflower meadow groups of visitors were given the thrill of dressing up and providing a living tableau of medieval residents. Two young girls pulled a plough; boys ran around with butterfly nets; a goose girl was led by her charges; a royal party engaged in a progress; bee keepers tended their hives and a pair of miniature donkeys were taken to work.
A barn owl was released to perch on a log.
Ben, who began his career in the trust as a ten year old volunteer, was at home with his vulture.
Mike, the Sarson’s falconer, displayed his skills, from releasing the bird to calling it up to replace its hood, the purpose of which is to calm the falcon. I imagine this is like a small child covering its own eyes so you can’t see it. The square frame in the first two pictures is known as a cadge, on which the hooded creature is carried to the field.
We were entertained by exhibitions of flying kites and vultures.
Speeding over the heads of the rows of spectators these birds both delighted and terrified assembled children.
As the event came to a close, the threatening clouds overlooking the final aerobatics released their load and we fled for cover.
At one point we wondered whether Nugget had arrived before us. Then we realised that the row of robins on the sleepers were it fact metal sculptures.
Amazing photos! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much, Crystal
Splendid photos, Derrick! How interesting that someone would begin as a volunteer at age 10 and then continue working there. We often see hawks–and even more so, vultures–flying about in this area.
Many thanks, Merril.
What a great experience Derrick! Thanks for sharing some wonderful captures of bird and peeps💛
It was, indeed, Val. Thanks very much
So much skill
To be a falconer !
Nice photos and hey – at least you caught the 2nd of the three displays
That really was enough for me, Yvette. It was a great day. Thank you very much
🙂
That would be a wonderful place to visit! And to take Poppy when she is a little older <3 The owl has made a beautiful photo and I always laugh when I see Secretary birds – what is it about them that is so humorous? When I lived in the eastern hills of Lower Hutt (in Wellington) I would often see a hawk or two swooping about looking for lunch, it was such a beautiful sight.
Thanks very much, Pauline. In the first display they have a secretary bird stamping a rubber snake to death. It is then only fair that it gets fed. Poppy really wanted to be chosen to have a vulture speeding past her, but she wasn’t tall enough.
Fantastic array of photos. I doubt Nugget would appreciate the raptors. Another place that may be of interest to you is the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent. The director, Jemima Parry-Jones, has written several books, including “Training Birds of Prey.” Some of your pics would look right at home in her book.
Very many thanks, Oglach
Wow that is very cool
Must have been exciting to see
It was indeed, More. Many thanks
You’re welcome Derrick
Fantastic photos, Derrick! None of these birds looked to me particularly fierce, but rather proud. Still, the courage and skill to become a falconer deserves accolades, I am sure. Definitely an experience to be envied; thank you for sharing it.
It was a grand day, Dolly. Thanks very much
My pleasure, Derrick
Wow! These are incredible photos, Derrick. I can’t wait to show them to my Derek. He’ll love it! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much Jill. Some of them would make tricky jigsaws
They certainly would, Derrick!
What a treat that was. Having never knowingly seen one before, I have now met two bateleur eagles in a week,
They are just like buses. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal.
What a brilliant idea to recreate the environment for these magnificent creatures. I’d also love to be a goose girl. 😉
Thanks very much, Sue. Wonderful scenes in the meadow
Wonderful gallery Derrick. Thanks for sharing
Many thanks, Rupali
A marvellous Bird park Derrick, and thank you for the link, which like your photos, I enjoyed immensely……
Thanks very much, Ivor
Thanks to the Harry Potter franchise, owls are the most sought after birds in my household. As a matter of fact, I was stopped from acquiring one as a pet merely by the improbability of the act, I am not sure about the legality though. Those eagles are a graceful thing. The indomitable spirit, ability to stay afloat for hours and needle-sharp vision of these birds are already a legend. But trust the humans to edit and maul the delicately balanced cycles of nature.
Sound observation, Uma. Thanks very much
I love seeing all your photos, Derrick. Raptors are fascinating birds, and my what gorgeous plumage.
Very many thanks, Alys
Your photos definitely do these birds justice! Even so, I have to say that the meadow photos are my favorites.
Thank you very much, Liz. You have good taste
Thank you!
What an interguing adventure. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much, msw.
That looks a really great day out!
It was indeed, John. I’m going back when my knees are better
We have a similar place called the Raptor Trust.
Thanks very much, Sherry
Those little burrowing owls have captured my heart!!
Thanks very much, Helen. They had the same effect on Jackie X
Loved your visit to the ‘ Birds of Prey’ . We regularly have Red Kites flying overhead and I’ve witnessed the odd Sparrow Hawk catching prey. Last week we spotted another large bird of prey with a noisy youngster but it wasn’t close enough for us to identify the markings.
Thanks very much, Sue. I learned a great deal. We only have buzzards here
Really fascinating birds! Beautiful pictures Derrick!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Wow! What magnificent photos of those magnificent birds! Wonderful, Derrick! Thank you for sharing with us!
What an important place doing such good work! Thank you for their link!
We see owl, hawks, ravens, crows, falcons, etc., in our neighborhood.
But we have to drive a bit away from town to see the eagles and other large birds. They are an honor to see!
I have to say…those little owls are like the little donkeys to me…I’m in love! <3
Ha! Your comment about Nugget made me snort-laugh! Looks like a robin reunion! 😀
HUGS for you and Jackie! 🙂
Tweets for Nugget! 🙂
PS…I think the secretary bird needs a coffee break! 😉 😛
Thanks very much, Carolyn. Jackie really liked the little burrowing owls, too. X
I never tire of birds such as these and have much admiration for those who fly them. I pass Weyhill regularly on the A303 – I think a diversion is in order before too long!
Definitely, Sandra. Many thanks
Phew! I thought today’s ‘Where’s Nugget’ was way too easy – or he’d invited all his relatives for a housewarming! 🙂
(Mostly) beautiful birds! The vultures are a bit scruffy looking. 🙂
I visited a raptor centre in our South West and got to handle a Falcon! They are big birds but quite literally light as a feather. When the handler handed him over to me i was expecting something that weighed about the same as a turkey. It was so light i nearly threw it up in the air as i tried incorrectly to compensate for it’s imagined weight!
Thanks very much, Bob. I would probably have done the same
What a terrific place to visit and you got some pretty nice photos of the place. Maybe you should be their publicity agent!
Very many thanks, GP. I hope they will read this
I know that conservation often requires birds and animals to be caged and trusts do a wonderful job so it was great to see those final shots of the birds flying so freely before the rains came.
Thanks very much, Paol
illiant ability to say a lot without saying anything.
That is quite a place!
It is, indeed. Thanks very much, Laurie
Great post. Thanks Knight.
Thanks very much, Flower
Always lovely to see birds. They look best in flight 😊
Thanks very much, Helen
Some superb photos Derrick. Of all the magnificent birds it was the Burrowing Owls that stand out the most for me, though the Robins were good too. 🙂
Thanks very much, Quercus, Jackie loved those owls, too
I used to see a lot of owls in one of my previous jobs and they are always full of character.
Some great photos of another marvelous adventure. Looks like a beautiful day for it.
Thank you very much, Jerry
Incredible shots! This is a place I need to go.
Your photographs would be wonderful, Jessica. Many thanks
It’s an excellent place for a day out. We’ve been a few times at different times of the year when the flying displays are altered. The feeding of the vultures is a particular favourite. Such an under rated bird!
Great pictures Derrick.
Thanks very much Jenny, We will certainly return, as have Becky and Ian several times
What a great day. The photos are so beautiful. The Eagle Owls are very like our Great Horned Owls here in the U.S., but larger and with a darker coloration. I love the vultures.
Thank you very much, Lisa.
What a great visit. I have warm memories of our visit to a similar place on Kangaroo Island. Also, I read H is for Hawk recently, and am now enamoured of Goshawks. Here in our complex we have little hobby hawks, a small swift falcon. They perch on windowsills while checking out their prey.
We have buzzards circling overhead, Gwen. Thanks very much
Oh Bravo, Derrick! These photos are fabulous! Of course, raptors are a favorite subject of mine. Truly incredible. Thanks for sharing all of them.
And thank you very much, Cheryl
Amazing photos. What an interesting experience!
It was, indeed, Becky. Thanks very much
Your photos of the birds in flight are amazing.
Thank you very much, LL/PS
As always, excellent quality of photos. Such a variety of birds at the conservancy. I am glad for all the centers that work to preserve these birds. Raptors have always been my favourites.
I expect you don’t have to go such centres to see yours, Crystal. Thanks very much
I do have a few raptors circling my place day to day, but I enjoy going to centres like these so much because you get to see such a variety and you can see them up close. And I appreciate the education and awareness that bird conservancies bring to us.
Quite
These are absolutely stunning. Son loves the photos.
I’m so pleased. I wondered in particular what he might think about Ben.