Falconry, Information Discussion

[Red Feather]

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!

[Rindy]

Thanks so much Red Feather. I was thinking rabbits. Do they kill their prey right away???? The thought of that is kind of bothering me. Well I have to say the crows won, the one falcon didn't run them away. In the wild they are not enemys dumb idea. This is such a neat subject. Sure would like to see some more pictures if anyone has any. I love looking at the birds..

Slainte

[Rindy]

Has anyone every used owls for hunting? Just curious. The bald eagle was taken off the endangered list this week. I think that is very good news.

Slainte

[Red Feather]

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.......

[Rindy]

Hiya Red Feather. Thank you for answering that question. Is there a better breed of owl than another or are they pretty much the same? Male or female?? May be it doesn't matter. I think that would be totally awesome to see an owl hunt.
Thanks again for answering.

Slainte

[Red Feather]

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!

[Rindy]

Thanks Red Feather... I am sure I will come up with some more questions. Do you have any pictures of your birds? Would love to see them.

Slainte

[Red Feather]

I do have some pics, just having a hard time getting them small enough to post! I will continue to work on it........

[Rindy]

Thanks Red Feather no hurry.
I watched a video of a eagle take down a deer. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was amazing to see the power that eagle had if I can find it again I will post the url..

Slainte

[Rindy]

Here is a video I came across of a Goshawk catching a duck.


Goshawk

Slainte

[Rindy]

It's been awhile since we've posted in this thread. I am still drawn to this art/sport. I'm mesmerized everytime I see a raptor.

I do have another question. What do you do to keep these birds from attacking a game bird?

May be there isn't anything you can do, lol, that's why I'm asking the question...I suppose.

Does anyone else wonder such things?


Slainte

[Red Feather]

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.

[Rindy]

Well said Red Feather. Thank you. Anyone else have any questions?

Slainte

[Red Feather]

If you have time try this site and meet a few of my friends!

http://www.cmshc.net

[Rindy]

Hiya Red Feather. Hey thanks for the great links. I may subscribe to one of the magazines and do some reading up on this. It just nags at me "do it do it" haha. I saw a huge bald eagle today sitting on a tree stump above a river just beautiful.

Keep the informatin coming. I just hope if I get one. That I am not afraid of the bird. Guess its like any wild animal "its wild" hate to lose a finger... then I couldn't type very well...lol

Thanks again you have been so helpful.

Slainte