By Mal Butler
A fraught two-week search and rescue for Heasley, the Harris hawk, ended successfully thanks to the Falconry Experience and Drone SAR For Lost Dogs IoW.
The Falconry Experience, which is now based at Robin Hill, and is run by Charlotte Bell and Sam White, were first alerted to Heasley’s escape on Christmas Day.
Charlotte takes up the story, saying: “We were alerted that a Harris hawk had been seen in Arreton. We rang around to see if we could locate the owners as it wasn’t one of our birds.
“We had been told that his owner, who was based elsewhere on the Island, had known for a week that the bird was missing but hadn’t made an attempt to retrieve him.
“A few days later he was seen again. We headed straight over, but we were losing light fast. Each day we went back to look for him, but never managed to actually see him.
“He had settled around Arreton, and would land at a house there, so, with the help of the home-owner’s sightings, we were able to study his daily patterns and did stakeouts for hours hoping to get a glimpse of him.
“We walked daily around the surrounding areas with no luck. Each time we got the call to say he was back; he would be gone again before we got there. With the awful weather, we started to become concerned, especially as the photos were starting to show his condition was deteriorating. We needed a new plan, so we contacted Drone Sar for Lost Dogs IoW.
“This team is amazing! They were straight out and a trap was set with cameras so we could watch from a distance. Sadly, over the next few days Heasley wasn’t seen and our fears he may have died started to sink in.
“But on Monday morning, we had a call from the search and rescue team who told us the bait in their trap was missing, so we headed out to re-set the trap. Then, pulling into the lane, we noticed a bird sitting on the lamp post.
“We abandoned our car and raced to get the glove and food. Instantly, Heasley showed interest but was very hesitant, so we backed off and walked away to discuss which approach to take. Next thing, he flew over our heads and landed close by.
“He was following on, so at this point we headed towards the trap on foot, hoping if we threw the food in the door he might follow, and set the trap off! He refused, but he was still following our every move but was too timid to come to the glove.
“He then landed low enough for us to approach and, with a little bit of encouragement and getting the food right in front of him, he jumped down and was on the glove. He was carefully secured – we finally had him!
“The excitement of finally having him safe was overwhelming! We named him Heasley after the cottages where he had spent the last fortnight.
“A big thank you to the Heasley home-owners for the countless hours they spent looking out the windows, their hospitality, and allowing the trap and cameras to be set up in their garden. The care they had to find Heasley was heart-warming.
“And a huge thank you to Drone SAR For Lost Dogs IoW. Once again, this team is a real lifeline! They are such a wonderful, dedicated team, and I think everyone can agree the work they do is outstanding!
”We have Heasley safe and sound and will now look after him. If his owner would like him back, there is a sizeable bill to pick up.”
Isle of Wight Observer