Birds of Prey Centre (The Hawk Conservancy Trust)

Member Name: mrsbump1

Product:	The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Date:	02/12/08 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Friendly, enthusiastic staff. Beautiful, well kept park, great displays

Disadvantages: You may become hooked and keep wanting to go back!

If you want an informative and thoroughly enjoyable day out with the family (or just yourself) then The Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover is the place to go. From the point you turn up you will be met by friendly, helpful and most importantly enthusiastic members of staff. During your visit you will be able to see a wide variety of raptors and birds of prey ranging from the tiny pygmy owl through to endangered vultures and bald eagles.

There are three demonstrations throughout the day which show you some of the beautiful birds in all their glory and teach you a bit about them too. Each demonstration is different so you will see something new at each display. If you only see one display then make it the 2pm Valley of the Eagles which takes place with a wonderful backdrop and culminates in two Bald Eagles being released a few miles away and flying back home to land majestically on the fist.

During your visit you can also hold a british owl, fly a Harris Hawk (over 16s) and watch a runner duck and a ferret race. There is a play area for the kids and competition for them to take part in (collect all the stamps dotted round the park for a small prize when you leave). If you need a break the coffee shop has sandwiches, hot meals and cakes on offer to tempt you and the well stocked gift shop awaits before you leave to find a memento of your day.

The Hawk Conservancy is only open weekends during the winter but although cold still makes for a great day out.

Summary: Fantastic family day out with birds of prey