hi there i'm looking to buy me first falcon and need some help.. i've spent the last three months reading books and searching the net for all i can take in... the mews is almost finished just need the last thing... the bird!!! i'm looking for a breeder in the hampshire area can any one recommend anyone to me that i can go and talk to about me first bird.. thanks for your time mark...
hi shaun... i'd like to go for an harris hawk it seems that this is a good starting point for this hobby... it seems most have started with this hawk.. is this ture??
Anybody can train and fly a harris(i love um by the way),but i think everyone should start with a redtail (as usa)or a buzzard,like we used to,teaches you something very important in falconry,not often mentioned nowdays,....RESPECT....its not a pet your getting,its a killing machine,pure and simple!!
I don't agree, but I think your point is VERY valid.
A Harris is a far more versatile bird, and offers the beginer an easy track into falconry but....
Harris's are so laid back, unlike just about every other bird of prey, so when you get something else, it is usually a real wake up call. But even Harris's should be treated with respect, 2 weeks ago My son was putting my Harris awy for the first time, and I was obviously with him. He (son) has allways been a little hesitant, but I wanted him to get confident, Fester gave a warning call (similar to when he sees a dog, a single long "CAWWWWW!!".
I thought, Fester is safe as houses, so I let my son carry on. Fester jumped off his fist and padded his face, as a warning, but still he had a scratch above and below his right eye.....Should have known better..... as if that wasn't enough
I spoke to a friend last night as I will be looking after his bird for a while, his female nailed his son. One foot in the face, around but not damaging the right eye, and one in the top of the head.
A bird of Prey as you quite rightly say is a killing machine, that should never be forgotten.
Exactly my point!!! start with something that DEMANDS respect in the first place......you"ll learn that no bird of prey is "so laid back".......get complacaint,get nailed!!!
