Out & About Winter 2019

Out&About feature

The Valley of the Eagles display takes place in Reg’s Meadow

If you just want to spend the day wandering around the site there is plenty to see and do. The birds are all in large cages or tethered in open pens, where they sit and stare knowingly at the visitors as they look around. There are plenty of information notices scattered around, plus a dinosaur trail – no dinosaurs on show, but an educational series of boards to keep the children entertained. In the afternoon we watched the Valley of the Eagles flying display. A team of vultures swooped over our heads and Black Kites showed their aerial hunting skills. At one point music was played and the birds swooped and danced in time to the rhythym. A Bald Eagle soared across the meadow, having flown in from two miles away, and sat majestically by one of the keepers as he was fed tasty mosels. We were then invited to take pictures. This was just one of the daily displays put on by the team and despite the rainy, grey day, the audience of 40 plus were gasping as the birds came in low and seemed to perform a synchronised dance. There is quite a lot of evidence that these displays have a positive effect on mental wellbeing and the trust is planning on carrying out research into the impact and how they can develop this aspect. The trust isn’t just about entertainment. It also runs conservation programmes worldwide, particularly in Africa, where it is involved in a project to protect vultures that fall prey to poachers, who, after killing elephants for their ivory, then lace the carcasses with poison, which in turn wipes out the vultures that feed on it. In the UK, the trust runs a nest box project for birds of prey, specifically the Barn Owl, Kestrel, Tawny Owl and Little Owl. And they are also monitoring the UK Kestrel population, which has declined significantly since the 1990s. Along with the hospital and rehabilitation centre, there is also an extensive education programme offering visitors and school groups an insight into the life of the birds. Like all charities, the trust relies heavily on donations and membership, but they have also diversified and you can book birthday parties and corporate functions at the centre, and they even have a wedding licence, with a bespoke function room, as well as the large dining area available for hire – there aren’t many places where you can arrange for an owl to swoop in to deliver the rings during the wedding ceremony. The trust is open all the year round, apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and a month at the beginning of the year (January 7- February 7 in 2020) when they carry out repairs and maintenance. Displays run throughout the day and there are extra themed nights and events at certain times of the year. If you’re looking for a family day out, the Hawk Conservancy Trust is great value with lots to see and do, a large restaurant and, of course, a gift shop.

Christmas events at the Hawk Conservancy trust Christmas Carols & Owls by moonlight Friday and Saturday, December 20 & 21 The festive season really takes flight with these special evenings. Welcomed by the yuletide sounds of The Blue Horizon Handbell Ringers, visitors join in with Christmas carols, both traditional and modern, under the night sky and accompanied by Test Valley Brass. During the interval, mulled wine and mince pies keep everyone warm before heading into the magical world of the trust’s owls where these stunning creatures twist and turn in the night sky and skim silently over the top of visitors’ heads. Father Christmas’ Flying Visit Monday, December 23 Father Christmas and his magical team of owls will be stopping at the trust for this special family event. It’s a chance to find out what mischief Evergreen the elf is up to this year and watch the magical owls fly. Girls and boys will meet Mother Christmas, who will share some freshly- baked treats from her kitchen for the children to enjoy while she tells them about the magical owls. Some of her friendly elves will also be asking for the children’s help to make some crafty creations. The evening includes a magical owl flying display, Christmas crafts and festive story-telling and tickets include a hot dog, festive biscuit and hot drink as well as a Christmas gift for each child. Book online at www.hawk-conservancy.org

For prices and a full list of daily displays and special events visit www.hawk-conservancy.org

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O&A WINTER 2019