You may remember a few months back I was asking about the different Birds of Prey centres as I had a hawking experience gift voucher.  Well we went off to Eagle Heights in Eynsford and just wanted to thank those who recommended it.  Eynsford was such a pretty village and Eagle Heights was just awesome.  I was concerned that it might be very limited hands on - however there were four of us in the party, we got into the minibus and drove to the North Downs whereupon we were all handed our own Harris Hawk.  Well I could of just stood there all day looking at it and I would of been happy but off we went walking and free flying them.  We also had the company of a lovely English Pointer who took great delight in rushing in and out of the hedgerow, accross field etc (remind me never to get a pointer - I couldn't cope with all that excercise) the most amazing thing was when he flushed out a fox which promptly ran accross the golf course, hotly pursued by said pointer, hotly pursued by 4 hawks! What the golfers must of thought :) Whilst I admire all birds of prey the Harris Hawk does it for me and we were able to handle all four of them individually.  Have to say they were a bit sharp and at one stage thought "why fly up to the tree when we can follow on foot" I only made one mistake - lifted my arm to point at something whilst all 4 birds were in the tree :D I soon learnt the buggar off signal!

Well I am totally smitten and if it wasn't for 3 dags, horse and full time job it would be something I would love to take up more.  Despite the long drive I was glad we chose Eynsford and would have no hesitation in returning.

Lucky you :) it must have been wonderful.

My bro has these birds.  What gets me is how they work together, not many raptors do this so its really special.  And they have a mind of their own too - as you found out.

Wish I had thoughtful people who would send me on this kind of trip - sigh