RSPCA Friends of West Hatch Newsletter | Issue 16 RSPCA-Newsletter-SummerAutumn-2019-online | Page 18

Buzzard
Birds of prey
left homeless
Back in early June the heavy rain was a real
challenge for our wildlife and in particular
nesting birds.
We saw an increase in abandoned nestlings
coming into the Centre during this time,
including a Buzzard whose nest had
collapsed and was washed away in the
torrential rain, leaving the Buzzard on the
ground with no nest or parents in sight.
Around the same time a nestling Kestrel
also came into the Centre under similar
circumstances so we can only assume that
the same happened to this bird.
After a few weeks of stabilising them
both and ensuring they were eating well
for themselves it was decided that they
would both be transferred to the Hawk
Conservancy Trust in Andover.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust have far better
equipment for releasing large birds of prey
such as Buzzards. They also had a Kestrel of
a similar age to the one here which would
be beneficial from a socialising aspect.
Kestrel
Buzzy raising
funds!
The Eco Team at Heathfield School in
Taunton have raised a fantastic £108 for
the animals here at West Hatch.
The money was raised earlier in the year
from the sales of their custom made
Reindeer Bee Hotels. The Eco Team students
voted on their choice of charity and West
Hatch was chosen.
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We think you will agree that they are fabulous
and we are sure there are plenty of bees
enjoying their stay in these hotels.
Thank you to all the students and staff
involved, we really appreciate your support.