Hawk Conservancy We'd driven past the signs for the Hawk Conservancy on the A303 near Andover loads of times but never actually visited, so we thought it was time we fixed that.
Bald Eagle They've basically got loads of hawks, eagles and owls across their 22 acre (I think) site. But the best part of the visit is definitely the shows they put on when they bring some birds out to fly around an arena built in the woods.Here's a Bald Eagle that had taken exception to something off to the right.
Golden Eagle Sitting on a perch ten feet away, it's about as big as a medium sized dog!
Burrowing Owl These were brilliant.
Owl During the display the owls fly very close to the spectators. (I'm not sure what sort of owl this is.)
Eagle Owl However, this one is an Eagle Owl and I got to see it from very, very close up. In fact it's wing brushed the top of my head as it went over.
Eagle Owl And here it is sat on a post behind my seat.
Tawny Owl I think this is a Tawny Owl, but I didn't take notes when the lady was talking so I can't be certain (but it does look a lot like the pictures of Tawny Owls on the internet).
Snowy Owl I'm virtually certain this is a Snowy Owl.
Kookaburra A special guest at the owl show...
Kookaburra ...this Kookaburra really liked (or didn't like) the rubber snake its keeper presented to it (in the wild they prey on snakes).
Bald Eagle (again) Well that was an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. They've got a pleasant cafe too. Recommended.