Harris hawk treated for broken leg by Hucknall vet after flying into a tree

A Hucknall vet had a close encounter with a bird of prey which needed treatment for a broken leg after flying into a tree.
.Dave Steele, and veterinary surgeon Jon Hadley (right ) with Gus the Harris Hawk..Dave Steele, and veterinary surgeon Jon Hadley (right ) with Gus the Harris Hawk.
.Dave Steele, and veterinary surgeon Jon Hadley (right ) with Gus the Harris Hawk.

Gus the Harris hawk plays a role entertaining people as part of a falconry display team - Hawks of Steele.

But Gus will be out of action for a spell while vet, Jon Hadley of Buckley House, gets him on the road to recovery.

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The hawk underwent surgery at the West Street clinic and was kept in overnight.

“I put on a fixator to keep his bones in position while the leg healed,” said Jon. “It is not unusual for me to treat birds of prey but it is the first time I have had to deal with this sort of fracture.”

Gus is six years old and he has been with Hawks of Steele, which is based at Rufford Abbey Country Park, from the age of two. There is an ongoing arrangement with Jon for him to treat any of their birds needing his attention.

The business is run by husband and wife team Dave and Trish Steele, who set it up about six years ago. The couple have decades of experience in caring for and training birds of prey.

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Hawks of Steele teaches people how to fly and handle birds and learn the art of falconry. It takes birds to schools for talks and flying displays as well as attending events at venues throughout the Midlands.

There is a young falconers’ club and barn owls from the business deliver wedding rings.

Dave, a former prison officer, says: “We are always keen to share our passion for these magnificent birds with other people.”

Those who have benefited from contact with the birds include youngsters who come to Hucknall each year under a scheme run by the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children.

An important part of the business is to rescue and take in many wild birds of prey each year.

If you find an injured or distressed bird of prey, you are asked to call Hawks of Steele on 07923 974818.

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