Hi everyone,

was just wanting to ask if anyone out there has any experience of hares with male harris'. my male who flies at only 1lb 5 & 3/4 has flew at two hares in the past week. the first he hit from height through bramble etc and i guessed at the time he thought it was a rabbit. he just dropped out of a tree onto it but it broke free. however he gave chase after it but had little chance of getting near it. The second he hit in more open woodland and got dragged about a good bit before i could get near, and it escaped.

i was really surprized at this as he is so small and had no back up in the way of other hawks. he is a brilliant rabbit hawk and has taken over 40 this season so far and is a keen hunter but i have heard of female harrises refusing hares so why such a small male is takling them is a puzzler. dont get me wrong i aint complaining but i dont want him hurt.

also, this may sound daft but i swear on this. he flew after a roe deer a few weeks ago and was about to land on its back before pulling off and going up a tree. i was stunned by this. has anyone had similar experiences. i just love his appetite for the hunt its such a buzz.

best wishes evry one, have a nice holiday.