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Red Feather Posted on: 27-May-2008, 08:05 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
This picture appears to be of a Kestrel, which is in the falcon family.
The American Kestrel is the only New World species termed "kestrel". Actually, the molecular data of Groombridge et al. (2002), as well as morphological peculiarities (like grey wings in males and a black ear-spot) and biogeography, strongly support the view that this species, among the Falco falcons, is not a kestrel at all in the phylogenetic sense but perhaps closer to the hobbies.

Malar-striped clade or Common Kestrel group

Madagascar Kestrel, Falco newtoni
Seychelles Kestrel, Falco araea
Mauritius Kestrel, Falco punctatus
Réunion Kestrel, Falco duboisi - extinct (c.1700)
Spotted Kestrel, Falco moluccensis, found in Indonesia
Nankeen Kestrel or Australian Kestrel, Falco cenchroides, found in Australia and New Guinea
Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa
Rock Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus rupicolus, found in South Africa
Basal lineage(s) of true kestrels

Greater Kestrel, Falco rupicoloides, found in Eastern to South Africa
Fox Kestrel, Falco alopex, found in Equatorial Africa
Lesser Kestrel, Falco naumanni, found in southern Europe, India, and most of Africa except for the Sahara and equatorial forest areas
African gray kestrels (a more distant group)

Grey Kestrel, Falco ardosiaceus, found in Central to Southern Africa
Dickinson's Kestrel, Falco dickinsoni, found in Eastern to Southern Africa
Banded Kestrel, Falco zoniventris, found on Madagascar
American Kestrel

American Kestrel, Falco sparverius, found in North America and South America
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #250669

Red Feather Posted on: 16-May-2008, 08:11 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Much thanks M'lady! I have saved the link! smile.gif
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #248975

Red Feather Posted on: 30-Mar-2008, 12:51 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
A pic of Jeff and Freedom!
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #241179

Red Feather Posted on: 26-Mar-2008, 07:32 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Freedom and I have been together 10 years this summer. She came in as a baby in 1998 with two broken wings. Her left wing doesn't open all the way even after surgery, it was broken in 4 places. She's my baby.

Jeff


When Freedom came in she could not stand. Both wings were broken, her left wing in 4 places. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the decision to give her a chance at life, so I took her to the vet's office. From then on, I was always around her. We had her in a huge dog carrier with the top off, and it was loaded up with shredded newspaper for her to lay in. I used to sit and talk to her, urging her to live, to fight; and she would lay there looking at me with those big brown eyes. We also had to tube feed her for weeks.

This went on for 4-6 weeks, and by then she still couldn't stand. It got to the point where the decision was made to euthanize her if she couldn't stand in a week. You know you don't want to cross that line between torture and rehab, and it looked like death was winning. She was going to be put down that Friday, and I was supposed to come in on that Thursday afternoon. I didn't want to go to the center that Thursday, because I couldn't bear the thought of her being euthanized; but I went anyway, and when I walked in everyone was grinning from ear to ear. I went immediately back to her cage; and there she was, standing on her own, a big beautiful eagle. She was ready to live. I was just about in tears by then. That was a very good day.

We knew she could never fly, so the director asked me to glove train her. I got her used to the glove, and then to jesses, and we started doing education programs for schools in westernWashington. We wound up in the newspapers, on radio (believe it or not) and some TV. Miracle Pets even did a show about us.

In the spring of 2000, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I had stage 3, which is not good (one major organ plus everywhere), so I would up doing 8 months of chemo. Lost the hair - the whole bit. I missed a lot of work. When I felt good enough, I wouldgo to Sarvey and take Freedom out for walks. Freedom would also come to me in my dreams and help me fight the cancer. This happened time and time again.

Fast forward to November 2000, the day after Thanksgiving, I went in for my last checkup. I was told that if the cancer was not all gone after 8 rounds of chemo, then my last option was a stem cell transplant. Anyway, they did the tests; and I had to come back Monday for the results. I went in Monday, and I was told that all the cancer was gone. Yahoo!

So the first thing I did was get up to Sarvey and take the big girl out for a walk. It was misty and cold. I went to her flight and jessed her up, and we went out front to the top of the hill. I hadn't said a word to Freedom, but somehow she knew. She looked at me and wrapped both her wings around me to where I could feel them pressing in on my back (I was engulfed in eagle wings), and she touched my nose with her beak and stared into my eyes, and we just stood there like that for I don't know how long. That was a magic moment. We have been soul mates ever since she came in. This is a very special bird.

On a side note: I have had people who were sick come up to us when we are out, and Freedom has some kind of hold on them. I once had a guy who was terminal come up to us and I let him hold her. His knees just about buckled and he swore he could feel her power course through his body. I have so many stories like that. I never forget the honor I have of being so close to such a magnificent spirit as Freedom's.

Hope you enjoy this.

Jeff

  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #240703

Red Feather Posted on: 12-Mar-2008, 02:58 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Well, I thought perhaps someone would like to add a few comments! Any breed of dog is fine as long as they "tree" or perhaps chase rabbits if you are in an area with a bounty of rabbits. I prefer my Jack Russells, they just have so much energy! smile.gif
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #237678

Red Feather Posted on: 03-Feb-2008, 10:51 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
In this picture Shea is about 1 1/2 years old and Cassie is 1 year old. Both were looking at a squirrel in the next yard and I was whistling to try and turn there attention, they were intent and ready to hunt. Cassie had learned to respect Shea and keep a distance, Shea had learned that if he followed Cassie through the woods she would moved game on the ground and most often allow Shea a good attack angle on the game. They worked as a team with a common goal of catching game. Never was there a dispute over who the game belonged to, always Shea and Cassie was content to just chase with the satisfaction of knowing Shea would catch the game. Cassie would bark at squirrels in the trees and look at Shea as if to say "get him"! There is much joy in my memories from the many hunts! smile.gifsmile.gif
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #230054

Red Feather Posted on: 01-Feb-2008, 08:28 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Shea and Cassie
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #229767

Red Feather Posted on: 01-Feb-2008, 08:11 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
LOL! you can overcome a missing finger, while I do have all of mine I only use 3 on each hand to type! Now we know why I have so few posts! wink.gif
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #229762

Red Feather Posted on: 31-Jan-2008, 08:27 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
If you have time try this site and meet a few of my friends!

http://www.cmshc.net
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #229550

Red Feather Posted on: 05-Jan-2008, 05:01 AM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Now thats the thing about a Raptor! No one is his boss.....They will attack anything they feel they can eat! LoL, I have seen mine attack my dogs for getting too close and even myself. They demand respect at all times! A Raptor is never tamed. Now, they become attached to you and will protect you if they feel you are in danger, but never tame.
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #226247

Red Feather Posted on: 04-Jul-2007, 08:42 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
I do have some pics, just having a hard time getting them small enough to post! I will continue to work on it........ wink.gif
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #199050

Red Feather Posted on: 03-Jul-2007, 09:24 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
I have found any "breed" to be fine, keep in mind they will hunt different prey according to the type bird.The female is normally 1/3 larger than the male (tercel), and she is dominate! The females are more aggressive and can take larger game than the male! Both hunt excellently!
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #198988

Red Feather Posted on: 01-Jul-2007, 07:38 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Greetings! Owls have been used for hunting, it's kinda like hawks for the day shift, and Owls for the night shift! They do not like each other don't try to mix.......
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #198785

Red Feather Posted on: 10-Mar-2007, 08:48 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Greetings again! If you plan to hunt just rabbits you might want a male (tercel) because of their speed and the fact that a rabbit will not fight like a squirrel will! If there is a chance that you may encounter squirrels then go with a hen! The hen is larger and therefore stronger and they have the PMS thingy going on (LOL) not really, but it sounded good! Hen's are not slow by any means, its just that the Tercel is blinding fast and rabbits can be tricky at the last second. Talons do not need to be trimmed nor the beak if you allow the raptor to feed on whole game! The bones do a fine job keeping them worn just right! Talons an inch long sharp as a needle and strong as an ice pick are the norm for Red Tails!
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #188801

Red Feather Posted on: 02-Mar-2007, 09:30 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Yes you can hunt Raptors during their molt! Due to the fact they must fly they molt one or two feathers at a time. Normally the time of molt is after hunting season and a time when you want to feed the bird as much as they desire to ensure they have the best feathers without stress marks for the next year hunting season, so most of us do not hunt our birds during this time. In the wild they must hunt year round to eat.
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #187706

Red Feather Posted on: 14-Feb-2007, 04:47 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Another excellent question! The best birds for group hunting is the Harris Hawk! They are natives of the Sonoran Desert and they hunt in groups, sharing the kill by rank in the group.





MEASUREMENTS: The Harris’ Hawk has a body length of 18 - 24 inches, a wingspan of 3 1/2 - 4 feet, and weighs 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 pounds.
HABITAT: These hawks are found in semiarid habitats like savannas, chaparrals, scrub prairies, and mesquite and saguaro deserts. They range from the southwestern United States through Central America and into much of the drier habitats in South America.
DIET: Harris’ Hawks search for their mammal, bird, and reptilian prey from a perch or as they are flying. In some areas, family groups will hunt cooperatively. When hunting larger prey, like jackrabbits, hunting in a group will increase their chance of success.
REPRODUCTION: Harris’ Hawks build stick nests in trees, bushes, cacti, and on man-made structures. The female lays 2 - 4 eggs that are incubated for 33 - 36 days. The young hawks fledge at nearly 6 weeks, but stay close to the nest for an additional 3 - 4 months.
NAME DERIVATION: The scientific name comes from the Greek word para, meaning beside or near, and the Latin words buteo, referring to a kind of hawk; uni meaning once; and cinctus meaning girdled, and refers to the white band at the base of the tail. The bird was named by John James Audubon after his friend Edward Harris. This hawk has also been called a Bay-winged Hawk and Dusky Hawk.
INTERESTING FACTS:
Harris’ Hawks are social birds. Some of the young will stay with the family unit up to 3 years and help raise subsequent broods and hunt cooperatively with the family.

Harris' Hawks are popular birds used in the sport of falconry because of their group hunting style.
Live and hunt in family groups of 3-7 birds. One of only two social raptor species in the world. Mating system can be monogamy, polyandrous, or polygynous.









  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #185659

Red Feather Posted on: 11-Feb-2007, 05:53 AM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
That is a fair price concidering the man most likely paid over $2500.00 for the falcon! There are many dangers to the bird in the city, transformers on power lines, the chance the bird could over shoot and slam into a building, or tail-chasing across a highway and getting hit by a car. Tracking equipment can be expensive also.....
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #185095

Red Feather Posted on: 09-Feb-2007, 10:07 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
I am sure you would learn much about the care and handling of Raptors! I like the Sponsor/apprentice set-up, seems more like an activity that is enjoyed and less like a job. The relationship you develope with your Sponsor and with your Bird will be very rewarding!
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #184827

Red Feather Posted on: 24-Jan-2007, 10:37 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
There are no dumb questions! That does happen, the bird wants to sit at the highest point possible, so if you want them to release your hand, you lower it and they will start to walk up your arm. Careful, soon as they release you need to raise your hand again so it is the highest point or they will walk right up your arm and onto your head! Now the bird does not know the difference between tree bark and your skin, so you can imagine how this might feel in the morning...lol! Please ask as many questions as you like and I will answer as I am able! I am enjoying your questions very much! I would love to work with you as an apprentice, I can tell by your interest that you would be a patient Falconer! smile.gif
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #182773

Red Feather Posted on: 23-Jan-2007, 06:16 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
One of my dogs that hunts with my Red Tail! smile.gif
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #182502

Red Feather Posted on: 23-Jan-2007, 12:13 AM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
I would not advise such a trap! All birds have hollow bones that are very thin to as we say "lighten the load" for flight. Raptors eat the bones of their prey to help maintain the calcium levels of there own bones....such a trap could easily break a leg! A Bal-Chatri trap is more desirable! It is a cage so to speak with many snares covering it with say a mouse inside for bait. The cage protects the mouse from the Hawk and the snares entangle the feet. The trap weighs about the same as the bird so it can't fly with the trap.
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #182344

Red Feather Posted on: 14-Jan-2007, 09:11 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
Greetings! I have had a bird leave, it is sometimes unavoidable...I prefer to hunt with hens as they are both fast and slightly more agressive than the Tercels! the Golden eagles are often used to hunt Wolf and Cayote. The bird quickly learns to not rattle the bells when it counts, and I enjoy the questions.....
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #181257

Red Feather Posted on: 09-Jan-2007, 07:00 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
To become a Falconer you must first find a Falconer that will take you as an apprentice! Once you have that, go with them on a few hunts to see if this is really something for you. It requires daily work with your new partner, that means no vacations unless you can talk your teacher into feeding your bird while you are gone. You will need a very good source of food, I have set-up a deal with a local hatchery and take the baby chicks they discard. My last bird was a large Redtail hen with a wing span of 55 inches, requiring 3 to 4 chicks per day when not hunting. The bird will feed itself when hunting. If you are in the United States there is a Federal test you must pass along with an inspection by your local State Game & Fish dept.. They will make sure you have all the needed items to properly care for your bird, including medical care. Your Falconry sponsor will teach everything you need to know. Two years as an apprentice, during which time you can only have one bird! One is plenty of work so don't be too eager! Five years as a General Class Falconer, during which you may have two birds and you can up-grade to Harris Hawks which will hunt together. Then in your eighth year you become a Master Falconer, and you guessed it three birds or at this time you may chose to hunt with a Golden Eagle! Way much work, and can be very dangerous. Now there is just enough to cause you to ask questions! So, please ask and I will be most happy to answer them one at a time. Just as a foot note, a moderate sized Redtail has around 200 PSI per toe of grip with there feet! That is enough to crush a Squirrels rib cage or make you cry if they grab you just right!
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #180324

Red Feather Posted on: 02-Jan-2007, 10:26 AM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
i will give you the details soon as I survive vacation through the holidays.....LOL!
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #179232

Red Feather Posted on: 24-Dec-2006, 06:24 PM

Replies: 83
Views: 142,408
greetings! I am a Master Falconer, what would you like to know about Falconry?
  Forum: Medieval Gateway  ·  Post Preview: #178437

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