I came to Falconry through a love of wildlife and many years of bird watching, always hoping for sights of Birds of Prey in particular. I then went on a beginner's course with the Fords at the British school of Falconry when it was in Stelling Minnis in Kent. I then got a Common Buzzard 18 years ago which i was happy just to get following on through woods but a chance flight at a rabbit was a defining moment leading to a keen desire to practice Falconry properly. A Redtail soon followed, after 2 years it was becoming an accomplished hunter when it sadly died from a bowel obstruction. The next twelve years were spent flying 2 male Goshawks with good success, limited only by the constraints of available flying time and abundance(or otherwise) of quarry.This season i have taken on a female Harris Hawk which is coming along very nicely, and with the help of my 12 year old son sam, who is rapidly developing his own skills and knowledge. we both attend the NEFC rgularly, which we enjoy because members take their Falconry, but not themsleves seriously. The club has a membership with a wide range of experience and skills. we are keen to encourage new members to become responsible, competent Falconers and this is our defense against those who would seek to stop or limit this ancient art.