So after the beautiful lighting earlier this evening came a devastating hail storm - the worst I have ever seen in newcastle (and my life). Besides the terrible losses to people living here (including pets, damage to houses, gardens and vehicles), there was a severe impact on the environment..... more specifically the Amur falcon roost in the middle of newcastle (at the farmers hall). Well over 1000 falcons injured (and now in need of rehab) and possibly more dead.

When I... realized the hail storm had caused damage to the falcon roost, I called Silva Francis (the local rehab lady) around 10pm and asked that she meet me at the roost. When we arrived there the devastation was horrible - dead, dying, injured and concussed falcons lying everywhere. We started calling friends and colleagues who rallied to assist - amazing support from 911, spca, Johan Pieters , Heather Gero , Dale Schnuir, Johan Swart and family, Angelique Campher and so many others who came and collected the injured falcons. We all worked until after 1am to get them to Silvas house and tomorrow will be the next stage to get those that need further help to rehab facilities.