#24 Hold a Bird of Prey

 

Some of the items on this list have been put there so that I just stop procrastinating and get them done. Others are things that I think would be good for me or things I haven't done in a while. This one however is the fulfillment of something I have wanted to do for a long time, holding a beautiful bird of prey.

I spent the morning at West Sussex Falconry in the village of Compton.

Even the journey there, through narrow country lanes and past cornflower blue fields and chocolate box villages, was an adventure. Sally's beautiful home is tucked between a farm and a church and as we walked through to the patio for tea and homemade cake, we passed some of her beautiful birds sunning themselves in the garden.


Sally's extensive knowledge and immense love for them was obvious. She introduced us to her hawks and owls, explaining a little about each of their backgrounds, and even let us meet her new baby Barn Owl.

Then we had a chance to handle the birds before walking over to the field to fly them.

The expression on my face in the pictures is completely joyful and I now have a new wish, to one day own a hawk of my own. Maybe that's an item for the next list!




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