Life’s a hoot for new recruits at Hampshire bird of prey charity

A pair of nine-week-old barn owl chicks have swooped into a new home at the Hampshire-based bird of prey charity Hawk Conservancy Trust.

The youngsters are embarking on an induction scheme to help them bond with their keepers before they take part in flying displays.

It is hoped they will be flying for visitors at the attraction near Andover by next spring.

Barn owls are the most easily spotted owls in the UK because of their low-level hunting at dawn and dusk.

However, long-term habitat loss is putting pressure on the species.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.