Mick has been a member of NRC for some time now, having developed an interest in birds of prey after seeing several country shows and visiting wildlife centres.

" I always fancied having a go..and would always tell Wendy, my other half that I would really love to be able to do that...have a bird fly and come back to me.."

Wendy took it on board and booked an experience day for Mick in Bedfordshire.

" I turned up in the morning, along with a few others, and we were taken to a hunting ground and assigned a Harris Hawk each...I had a terrific time and it literally gave me the bug big time!"

His interest truly awakened, Mick wondered what to do next..then Wendy searched the web, and found Northamptonshire Raptor Club.

"Wendy e-mailed John Tyas at the club, and John said to come along to a meeting, there would be plenty of helpful advice to be had, as well as meeting people who might mentor me on the road ahead." says Mick.

Mick and Wendy took up John's invitation, and soon Mick was making plans to attend a 5 day intensive course with Mike Hewlett at Icarus Falconry.

"The course was fantastic, and I learned an awful lot, but it was very good to know that I had both Mike and the club to fall back on for help and advice in the early days." says Mick. " It would have been difficult without that, and after I finished the course, I arranged with Martyn and Kevin, two breeders in the club, to buy a male Harris Hawk from their upcoming season. They were terrific in mentoring me and Buddy, my male Harris, and soon we were hunting together, attending field meets and having a great time!!"

Mick also met NRC committee member Dave Whittaker on his course, Dave also just looking into acquiring a hawk, and eventually ending up with Buddy's sister. Mick and Dave often fly their birds together, and brother and sister get along just fine.

Mick and Wendy didn't stop there...by now Wendy was catching the bug and was thinking of perhaps having an owl come to stay...cue John Elliott, NRC committee member and owl breeder! Wendy arranged to have an African Spotted Eagle Owl from John, almost a year ago, and they are now inseparable..the owl seeing Mick off whenever he comes near!!

When asked what the future might hold, Mick was content. " Buddy has been terrific since I've had him, he's already going well this season. Wendy is happy with her new companion, so for now, it's all good!"

Interview by John Tyas

January 2010