The Accipiter - Online magazine from The Hawk Conservancy Trust

Monthly Diary - December 2005

A general monthly overview of the park by Tracey Smith.

Although this page will always be retrospective, we shall seek to provide important breaking news by news flash on the front cover of the magazine.

1st Dec

The next phase of the Red Kite release begins with a further 6 Red Kites being released. The kites had been part of our breeding programme, and had spent several weeks in an aviary at the top of the grounds acclimatizing to the area.

Our evening heron feed had been moved to the top of the mound, so that the Kites could watch birds coming into feed on a daily basis. The day arrived and a section of the aviary netting was lowered, and the kites flew out free.

All had been fitted with radio transmitters and are going to be tracked by Amy, one of our research students from the Tawny Owl release programme.

3rd Dec

The second working day of the season and an old favourite - leaf raking day. Over 150 members turned up on a bright and sunny day, to clear the park from top to bottom of all fallen leaves.

6th Dec

A meeting was held involving staff and interested volunteers to discuss plans for a school talks programme being set up at the Trust.

7th Dec

Andy Hinton (curator) and volunteer Jon Scott provided a display at British Airways' conservation presentation day. There is a lot of interest from BA employees about the work of the Trust, and we hope that this presentation will help them continue their support in providing flights for the Trust.

8th Dec

Ashley and Tracey Smith attended a meeting at London Zoo regarding the changes to the Gift Aid scheme that come into force from April 2006.

16th Dec


Andy is Tommy Cooper	Barry, Ashley, Clive and Jane tie falconers' knots blindfold

Ashley was the target!

The Hawk Conservancy Trust Christmas Party - a chance for all the staff and volunteers to meet up and let their hair down. Most people perform a 'party piece' including: Tommy Cooper impressions, knife throwing act, Mr & Mrs competition and a variety of party games.

21st Dec

The Management team held a meeting to plan special events to be held at the Trust during 2006.

24th Dec

The Trust closed for Christmas with the majority of staff off until January. A skeleton staff remained to keep an eye on the birds.

25th Dec

Happy Christmas!!!

Click here for previous Diary entries