Archive - Wednesday, 15 January 2003


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One man and his hawk

AS DRY stone waller Keith Ledger goes about his work across North Yorkshire he knows a friend is always keeping a watchful eye on him.

For he is accompanied as he travels around the county by his hawk, Bomber, who stays tethered to his perch while Keith sets about his tasks - often to the surprise of passers-by.

"I have been interested in falconry since I was a lad, and as I was turning 40 last year I decided to get Bomber as an early birthday present," he said.

"My job is ideal for me to take him along, especially if we are out on the moors so he can stretch his wings.

"He is a real character - very protective and greedy, and loves to play. One of his favourite games is to dive towards me and then fly off in the opposite direction."

Keith, a recent winner of the Millennium Wall Competition, has another feathered friend at his home at Boltby near Thirsk.

He recently bought a jackal buzzard as a present for his partner, Margaret Handley.

Updated: 10:05 Wednesday, January 15, 2003