Wings of Freedom Charity

[ladylouise62]

I met the man Colin Sutherland and two of his "friends" (a tawny owl and a kestrel) at a local Homebase DIY shop whilst they were raising money.

Colin is the founder and main force behind a group (soon to officially become a charity), called Wings of Freedom - It's a group of falconers who both rescue birds and use the flying of them to connect with people with disability.

I met him and 2 'friends' outside a popular DIY shop, collecting for his organisation. He was standing with a Kestrel on his hand, no glove to protect it, explaining all about it to a couple of people. Whenever kids appeared he would allow them to look in his box to see this lovely fluffy bundle. Eventually he brought it out just to show how placid it was, then he returned it to the box and stood again with the stunning Kestrel sitting patiently on his hand.

A very talkative man he told me all about his life with the birds (we talked for over half an hour in between other visitors). Although initially introduced to them at about 7, it was when he was 14 that he moved into a place where birds were kept and bred... and he was hooked.
The birds being an important part of his life, the organisation started about 25 years ago when it just dawned on him that since dealing with the birds touched him so deeply, maybe it could help people with disability.

Many people were sceptical, but he has proved how effective it is at engaging those with learning difficulties, and how much joy it gives those in wheelchairs. Although he talks about the flying pf the birds, his forte is looking after them (he doesn't have the discipline to fly them well), and he says that he just 'knows' what each creature needs.

For the disabled, the activity is free, but although they are giving their time for free, it does need some money-raising, so as well as money-collecting (like today) - they also do paid falconry sessions ..... so if you are in the south of England and can get to HUNGERFORD in BERKSHIRE - please think of having an experience of a lifetime here, as it will support their activities.


*** I forgot to say - he called the Kestrel 'Flowerpot' - he said that he didn't normally give them names, but when someone asked he looked for the first thing that caught his eye... :-)

www.wingsoffreedom.org.uk

[rolf]

Sounds like a great idea Louise, may have to save my pennies and go across for a visit.

Some great photos there as well, not often that we can see them so close and in such detail.

[ladylouise62]

The Kestrel WAS stunning. She opened her wings up properly a few times - but never when I had my camera up (of course.... and I was chatting for over half an hour!!). I do like the sound of going for a visit... and if they do a 4 hour session, it sounds like you get a better deal than when on one of those 'experience' deals.

[Catherine]

Louise, those Kestrel photos are truly brilliant! Well done!

I hope the charity raises enough money to save many, many more birds like Flowerpot!

[ladylouise62]

Thanks, Catherine - I have to admit that since he put so much into the whole thing (and i got such a rare opportunity to get up close) I did donate a little more than I would normally.