Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 11:01am

Club hopes for soaring success

by Jamie MacDonald

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HILLFOOTS Community Club hope their latest venture will be a soaring success.

Falconry is now on offer to club members and it is already proving to be popular with young and old keen to learn more about the club's magnificent Harris Hawks.

Club president Billy Shepherd told the Advertiser, "It is an ancient art and we have some fantastic areas close at hand to fly the birds."

There are six birds of prey owned by club members and, as well as the Hillfoots, they have permission to take the birds to the grounds of Crieff Hydro.

Billy added, "The response has been great so far. We were at the Tillicoultry Gala and the response there was good the kids and the Community Club coaches all seem to be interested."

The falconry club is an extension of the Hillfoots Community Club which already offers rugby and football.

On flying days birds will fly from glove to glove for titbits of food and Billy compared the activity to taking a dog for a walk.

The hawks work in packs whilst hunting and for those interested in seeing them in action there will also be separate hunt days.

Billy said, "There isn't any clubs around that offer anything like this. For the more adventurous there are the hunts but we have to be sensitive.

"The idea is that we will take the kids out and introduce them to the art. They will learn about the birds and looking after them and spend the day in the fresh air."

At present the birds are moulting and growing new feathers but they will be ready to take to the skies again towards the end of August and the flying season runs from September to February.

Existing Hillfoots Community Club members who are interested in finding out more about the art should speak to their coaches.

For further details contact Billy on 01259 750775 or club secretary Tam Robertson on 07714 099 344.