British Falconers Club- Welsh Regional Report

Spring 2009

The season if now almost over for another year, just a few of the Harris Hawker's rounding up the last rabbits before hanging up their gloves for another year. It's fair to say that this year has been very successful for the Harris's thanks to Steve Jackson who took the bull by the horns and did a 'Ron seal'. All the field meetings where booked early and well attended.

I would like to mention in particular, Jackie Lynam. She joined the region three years ago after doing her research and deciding that she wanted to get involved with hawking. The only female member, she had no previous knowledge or experience, but got involved, came to the monthly meetings and attended the field meets. She did not do what is now the common thing, go and buy a bird first; she took advice and listened to the more experienced members, and took her time. This summer she bought her first hawk, an eyass female Harris, she has trained the bird herself and has been to field meetings and caught wild quarry.

 Jackie and John on Mallum

A special mention also for Andy Robinson, his enthusiasm has been a tonic for the region. Andy has been very generous in donating the hand held radios and has introduced us to new land owners who have also been extremely generous with their access to new hawking land. By all accounts we will have a lot more venues for the coming season.

Harris Hawk Field Meeting report:

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Warrington and Mark Crompton for their advice and support in my new role in the region. Also a thank you to Andy Robinson for his donation of not one, but eight hand held radios to the region, and for bringing another top quality venue to the club, thanks again Andy.

The Harris Hawks have had an excellent 08/09 season, although depleted in numbers the region has put on eight subsidised field meets and both start of season and end of season rabbit days with great success and with all birds being flown to high standards and taking game regularly. 

Also, I would like to congratulate Jackie Lynam on the work she has done with her female Harris hawk. This is her first bird and she has constantly flown her to a high standard and wiping a few eyes, with the best flight of the season on a hen pheasant….well done Jackie.

I would like to finish with a thank you to the rest of the region, whose energy and passion make all this possible.

Wishing you all, a good moult and a well deserved rest.

Steve Jackson

On the last day of the game season we held our first End of Season field meet where all members where invited to bring and fly their birds what ever type. The estate is big enough to safely accommodate both long wings and short wings. The weather was bitterly cold and windy but Malcolm Kerry still managed a successful flight with 'Baz' his gyr/peregrine, taking a cock pheasant in less than ideal conditions. The hospitality shown by the landowners was excellent and we look forward to this being a regular event. The feedback has been very positive that members would like this to become a regular event.

New members will always be made welcome; we meet second Tuesday each month at the Crown Inn, Llay, Near Wrexham. 

Tim Williams