When Fabian Smith read Barry Hines 's novel Kes at the age of 8, he was so distressed by the ending that he promptly rewrote it. Now aged 13, Fabian's passion for birds of prey has led to his back garden in Essex being turned into a mini aviary, where he and his younger brother Oliver train kestrels, buzzards and barn owls. At the request of Maya Wisbey , the boys' neighbour, Open Space spent a snow-bound week with them, recording their patient dedication to the birds.