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Introduction to our Chairman

I have been a keeper of birds for most of my adult life. From little finches to parrots, breeding from them is my delight and I have over the years had great success.

There were a few years gap between the seed eaters and the raptors. My first bird of prey being a European Eagle Owl. I was asked to look after it for a friend. Gizmo was it's name and it knew the true definition of the word MEAN, she would go out of her way to inflict pain on any part of the body she could reach.

I manned her for some weeks to a point where she would sit on my fist and only bite occasionally. I was happy with her and believed that all raptors had the same outlook on life as this beautiful owl.

I was not sad to see her go home.

Birdless again! Then I was given a rescued male Common Buzzard (Eddie). A different bird altogether. He was kind, gentle and a real delight to handle. Soon after I had another European Eagle Owl. This time it was a male, again a kind bird and in a very short time we had bonded and he stayed with me for many years.

Eddie is no longer with me but still within the club. Stacey one of our junior members has him and loves him as did I. He must be about twenty eight years old now.

I've been with Glantawe Hawking since day one. The first meeting was held in my living room. The club has grown since that first day into a great little club. We have a strong membership all friends and all willing to help each other. Be it advice, help jessing up a bird, constructing flights or whatever. The more experienced members pass on the knowledge and skills to the newer and less experienced members.

If you are thinking of getting a hawk to fly. Firstly learn as much as you can about the bird. Maybe a Harris Hawk, a great first bird. If manned and trained correctly will gives you years of pleasure. Beware however of the imprint hawk, they can be aggressive and very noisy. I would recommend that a young Harris Hawk stay withit's parents for at least 26 weeks. It will be a steadier bird and will imprint on you less readily. Get to know someone experienced in flying birds of prey. Ask more than one person the same questions, you will soon work out who knows what. Remember a book is only one persons view.

When training I always man the bird before I Drop its' weight. Feeding the bird on the fist until it happy to be there. When dropping the weight I reduce the amount of food until the bird is flying on the creance. At this point the amount is increased quietly as the bird is now working for its' food and building muscle.

There is a lot to know, but well worth the efforts.

Before getting your bird ensure you have : A reliable supply of food; the right housing;a vet who is experienced with raptors and the support of an experienced hawker.

We are fortunate to be blessed with Mr Lance Jepson a very competent and experienced vet who works out of St James Veterinary Group in Neath.

Make sure that the bird you plan to have, has any relevant paperwork. Article 10 certificates are required for may of the raptors. This is to prevent illegal trading in wild taken specimens. Do not be tempted to buy a bird without required paperwork no matter how cheap. It is against the law.

Well, just a few tips but you will get to know your way around the sport and remember D.E.F.R.A. are not the enemy, they are there to help us. They can be reached by telephone or email the links ore on our Home page. I wish you well.

Keep the wind beneath their wings.

Doug Aue Chairman