After an enjoyable excursion to Malham in North Yorkshire, NRC were back in local (ish) territory at Thenford Hill Farm near Banbury / Brackley. Quite a few birds were in attendance, all Harris' Hawks barring Roland's Tawny eagle.

A hearty breakfast was to start the day at Jack's Hill Cafe on the A5, the meeting point for our convoy to Thenford. We arrived at around 10.00 a.m., and we were greeted by the farmer, who made us very welcome and advised us of areas where we were welcome to take our birds.

There were to be six birds flown, five Harris' Hawks belonging to Kevin, Gary, Gary, Jim & Martin , and Roland's Tawny Eagle.   There were a further three Harris Hawks out on a day's manning belonging to Kate, John and Nigel.

Ferreting duties were shared among members, as the expected ferreters who knew the area never arrived. Luckily, Kevin had brought a pair, and so had Gary.

We started in a small wooded area were there was a known set. we had one flush with a hawk chasing hard, but no success. No further flushes were forthcoming in this wood, so the group moved on in vehicles to the next area to be worked.

Here we walked some cover hoping to scare something up for Roland's Tawny, but unfortunately nothing showed. We then crossed into some wooded area, and two Harris' were put up. After a short time, a pheasant was scared up, and a Harris' gave chase, tagging the bird in good style, but unable to hold on, the pheasant making a very lucky escape.

We then crossed into a second wooded area, and the most success for the group came here. Kevin's hawk chased and caught a rabbit in superb style, the only kill of the day.

Another flushed rabbit was chased and caught, but fought hard and managed to kick itself free to fight another day.

There were fine aerobatics when a pheasant was flushed, then chased by one Harris directly into the path of another. Some high speed contact was made, but the pheasant managed to escape without harm.

The group then adlourned for some lunch - soup and chunks of bread - before heading out to walk up a field to once again try and flush something for Roland's Tawny. Unfortunately, again nothing showed, and we proceeded into the wooded area beyond the field.

Several more slips were made, and although unsuccessful, provided some fine flying to watch.

The day ended toward dusk, the gamekeeper was given a token "Thank You" contribution toward the building of a barn to accommodate the likes of us to meet in, and the group headed home a little cold and wet, but nonetheless satisfied with another good outing for the club.

Many thanks to Glynne and Kate for yet again organising the group - a great effort, not to mention rewarding for all who participated.

Next meet details will be e-mailed out to all members in due course.