Offtopik: Falconry / Practicing

[AgilisMerlin]

http://10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/merlin-release-smile.jpg

Anyone on the board ever participated in the sport/craft ?

curious

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7555416920_4123b917a5_z.jpg

[echelon_john]

There's a Falconry school here in town; I'd love to go try it sometime.

http://www.equinoxresort.com/thingstodo/falconry/

[AgilisMerlin]

i would love to join you,

looked up some info here in Maine, last night

http://www.mainefalconry.org/

rescue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnb-kJ-7pnQ

[Lewis Moon]

Always wanted to do this as a kid. Working as a partner with an animal is very rewarding, as long as you put the time and effort into it.
My latest love:
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/48709000/jpg/_48709314_sheep33.jpg

[AgilisMerlin]

Extraordinary Birds (53:58)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlR6sWgpzSE

The gift of flight would seem reason enough for humanity's fascination with birds. But there's even more to it than that. Birds are remarkable for a wide range of exceptional physical abilities, for their indications of intelligence, and — for some species — their surprising level of rapport with humans.

In the small Indian village of Kundha Kulam, for example, birds' arrival are a sign to the townspeople that rain will follow and that their crops would soon thrive. While falconry — the art of training hawks, falcons and other birds of prey to hunt — exemplifies the partnership men and birds can develop.

Humans have also relied on the more prosaic pigeon. Although city dwellers may dismiss them as flying rats, no bird can top the pigeon for courage and service to humankind. Since pigeons have the ability to find their way "home," many were used in dangerous, top-secret missions in World War I and II, delivering important messages to Allied troops behind enemy lines.

http://www.falconry.com/rollinshoods/picts/hoods/cobra/King_Cobra001.jpg

[nighthawk]

I read about falconry extensively a few years ago because I was interested in taking it up as a hobby. I quickly realized it's an activity you really have to dedicate a lot of time and effort, and not to mention space if you are actually going to keep a bird. In the end it wasn't feasible for me, but I am still fascinated with it and would love to someday take it up. If you get serious about an outing at that place in VT I would gladly drive up to join in the fun.

There is also a guy down by me (in Hadley, MA (http://www.newenglandfalconry.com)) that offers handling and hunting sessions. I don't believe he takes on apprentices which is what I would really like to do. I'm pretty sure the laws vary state to state, but in most you have to apprentice for atleast 2 years before you can become licensed yourself.

One of the more fascinating aspects of it, to me... Typically a falconer would "steal" the fledged bird from its nest and then as it grows, systematically train it to hunt on command and return to the gloved hand and all that.... But periodically (every few years) the falconer would take a new bird, letting the other go back to the wild, and the birds are able to adapt quickly back to wild living. No harm done. Originally I assumed it was a cruel and oppressive activity... but it's actually mutually beneficial.

And despite the name "falconry"... all types of raptors are used.. falcons, hawks, eagles, and even owls. Much like there are different bikes for different occasions, there are different winged assassins for different occasions.

[christian]

Owlery? Night time Owlery? Oh, now we're talking!

[nighthawk]

Forgot the pic:

http://rap361.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/owl_falconry.jpg

[AgilisMerlin]

nighthawk,

absolutely stunning picture in motion / above

my desktop / below / merlin

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2803/4541244032_c0af7db86c_z.jpg

[nighthawk]

I just pulled that photo off the internet to illustrate my point about owlry (stealing christian's new word)...

This is slightly off topic.... but speaking of "in flight"... here's a nice photo of some northern flickers my sister rehabilitated (this is the day they went back into the wild):

[witcombusa]

While not Falconry, we do have a mated pair living on our building where I work. Here's a few pix, first mom, then the chicks from 2011, 2 females and a male. Last one taken at "feeding time"!

[William]

They like live food. Be sure you're okay with helping them out...

http://www.onlinefalconry.com/squirrel.htm


I don't think Mr. Squirrel will be very happy with you!:no:








William

[witcombusa]

They like live food. Be sure you're okay with helping them out...

http://www.onlinefalconry.com/squirrel.htm


I don't think Mr. Squirrel will be very happy with you!:no:

William


I didn't suppy them any bird parts! Momma drops off a fresh kill and the 3 chicks fight over the pieces pretty "actively" !!!

Peregrins have some good strong aggression from the time they poke out of the shell!

[zap]

Closest I got was holding a falcon on my gloved hand. Facility was north of Toronto Canada and I understand the place has since closed. Not sure if animal right nuts or tax issues (most sales were to UAE, etc.) forced closure. Shame as they had some beautiful falcons, hawks and eagles.

Anyhow, I understand that regulations concerning Falconry are pretty tough. It's an apprentice program and takes years. Do a google search to see who's local and hook up with them.

[redir]

I would not have the time to do it but I love birds and that is a very beautiful animal. One day I will be one of those guys who goes off on bird watching trips.

[AgilisMerlin]

right outside your door

http://goo.gl/RZtT3

[zap]

West Niles did a fantastic job of greatly reducing the crow population a few years back.

Now the crows are back in force and pestering hawks and our neighborhood fox. Who knew...........

[witcombusa]

A few more pix for you Peregrine lovers!

[djg21]

There's a Falconry school here in town; I'd love to go try it sometime.

http://www.equinoxresort.com/thingstodo/falconry/

I've ridden by it a handful of times with BBDave. I've alway wanted to stop in. I've always been intrigued by birds of prey.