I knew from having explored the area prior to flying “Red” on the farm, that the main warren was roughly 30 meters back into the wooded area from the the edge of the field. We were about 60 meters from the dip, meaning he would have to make up the ground pretty quickly if the rabbit ran straight away. Realising that it was now or never, I slipped him down towards the rabbit. He had left the fist with a purpose and now he was powering down towards his quarry. The rabbit had started to run but had not got far. The bird threw up vertically 15 feet above it, then folding his wings back, he stooped, crashing down into a small patch of brambles. He had caught it and as I made into him, I could see that he had it expertly controlled. It was dispatched, he was allowed to feed off it, and as it was getting late, we made our way back home. For anyone with their first bird, I think that the first day that the hawk makes a kill will always be one of the most significant and it certainly was for me. I have gone on to have many great days out with this versatile bird and I am looking forward to having many more.
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June - July 2011
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