Walks with Hawks

A ONE off rarity of nature in beauty was shown to our members by passionate falconer Clare Lott through the handling and showing of her beautiful birds of prey.

Originating in Japan; widely known in Egypt and especially the Arab countries, falconry has always fascinated people and been known as the sport of kings.

Eagles, Hawks and Falcons are carnivorous hunters, using the least energy to hunt; catch their diet of voles, rodents and vermin.

Their eyes, feathers and food are top priority.

Clare introduced Comet, a three year old Peregrine Falcon, hand reared, known for it's aerodynamics.

Using thermals, currents of air, they plummet from heights of 2,000 feet to 200 feet in a stoop at 150 to 180mph, catching their prey instantly, 'masters' of the universe, fastest in the world.

Females are a third heavier than males and are the boss.

Comet was unhooded, this fools them to think it's night time, so the saying hoodwinked comes from this, also the end of my tether, a piece of leather similar to the jesses that they wear, another saying, under the thumb, as the bird of prey sits on a gloved hand above the thumb, I could go on.

This beautiful bird surveyed everyone in the room, fascinating.

Next was 'Missy' a four year old Kestrel weighing 8oz, from the falcon family, the only bird of prey that hovers.

Using their ultra violet spectrum eyes they can trace a rodents urine from 50 feet high.

Missy is dark brown but a male is blue/grey weighing around 6oz.

50 per cent are killed by cold wet weather and 80 per cent with loss of habitat, they nest on cliff edges.

We have over 250 types of owl and Clare introduced 'Horrid Henry', a young three year old, much loved Barn Owl, weighing 10 1/2 oz.

They have asymmetric hearing; eyes are set in a facial disc, wings have serrated feathers as they fly low at dusk or night time in total silence over open grassland seeking their prey of voles or rodents.

Now sadly in great decline over loss of habitat, insecticides and barn conversions.

A larger version is the Snowy Owl and only Tawny Owls emit, to whit - to whoo.

Last but not least, Phoebe, an impressive Great Grey Owl, known as the 'Ghost Owl', rarely seen, originates from Russia, Northern Atlantic regions and Scandinavian countries.

Nearly four years old, weighing 2lb, 5oz, with a wingspan of 4 - 4 1/2 feet this beautiful bird has very deep feathers for warmth with surprisingly small talons for feet.

Seeing these birds fly is a dream, but can be done as an experience into the ancient art of falconry, as our title suggests, Walks with Hawks, Clare really brought it to life for us with her impeccable, fantastic birds.

A warm round of applause followed with a vote of thanks from Marlene.

Competition winner, new member Lesley with a black feathered hat.