Falconry

BigCatConniseur24

BigCatConniseur24

Well-Known Member
Hi guys,

I was wondering if any of you are involved in falconry and or get to work with birds of prey (falcons, hawks, eagles, owls, vultures, etc.). After getting to partake in a private wild encounter with a male red-tailed hawk (his name is Prince, and he’s a rescued bird) from the National Aviary, two Saturday’s ago, and also watching some YouTube videos about hooding falcons (peregrine falcon) and hawks (Harris’ Hawk) for falconry, it honestly got me kind of interested in the sport/hobby. Anyways, do any of you that partake in this activity have any advice or insight. I love all birds and I particularly love birds of prey, as their hunting capabilities are so fascinating to watch, and I know falconers wear thick gauntlets and gloves for protection, but my biggest concern is getting injured by the raptor’s razor sharp talons or beak. I love birds of prey and falconry sounds awesome and really fun, I just don’t want to get stabbed and pierced by these powerful and truly majestic and beautiful birds. The rapid wing-flapping also makes me kind of nervous, especially when you are holding the bird.
 
I plan on acquiring a species of owl that isn't native to the United States in the near future to use in educational programs. It isn't falconry, but it is working with birds-of-prey none the less!
 
BigCatConniseur24 said:
That’s awesome! Good luck with that! Hope it all goes well! Is it an Eurasian Eagle Owl?
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I don't believe it will be a Eurasian Eagle Owl. I've got a friend that planned on importing a breeding pair of Northern White-Faced Owl from Europe, but due to COVID-19 she hasn't been able to find any to ship over. She has been looking around the United States for any species that she'd like to acquire and breed, so I'll get the offspring of whatever species she decides to acquire.
 
EsserWarrior said:
I don't believe it will be a Eurasian Eagle Owl. I've got a friend that planned on importing a breeding pair of Northern White-Faced Owl from Europe, but due to COVID-19 she hasn't been able to find any to ship over. She has been looking around the United States for any species that she'd like to acquire and breed, so I'll get the offspring of whatever species she decides to acquire.
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Hope it all goes well for you. The White-Faced Owl sure is a nice bird. I love their red eyes. That’s awesome.
 
I have previously cared for several birds of prey at a small facility, although I have never actually done true falconry. They are incredible to work with, but are definitely a step up from more commonly handled species like small parrots, ducks, and such.
If you are serious about getting more into falconry, I would suggest working/being around birds more as you sound nervous about them. You have far more of a chance of getting hurt by a bird of prey if you are nervous about working with them. They are good at reading body language, and many larger species and more aggressive individuals will attempt to bully you if you let them. Now there are some that are rather skittish, and would be more likely to injure you by accident while trying to get away from you. Thus why if you are not comfortable with birds start small and work up. You might see what avicultural and falconry societies are near you, and inquire into what events and such they do. They would be an excellent place to start.

As far as getting bit by a bird of prey, for most species it really isn't that bad. I've been bit by five different species and I can tell you a lorikeet bite hurts worse than any of them. :p
Far as the talons, if you work with them for some time you probably will get footed (falconry term for getting grabbed by the talons) at some point. I only got grabbed once, only partially luckily. Honestly it wasn't that bad after the initial shock, although it wasn't a particularly large raptor either. I have had a few holes punched in older shoes as well, but thankfully not ever in the foot. That said, getting footed is the exception and not the rule, I have had an owl and a hawk miss the glove and end up on my arm without causing any damage. They weren't trying to hurt me, they just slipped and/or I accidentally moved as they were landing.
Bating (the rapid flapping) is a regular occurrence, mainly when the bird is startled or is nervous. It's really nothing to be scared of, getting batted with a wing rarely hurts. In most cases it only lasts a few seconds before the bird returns to the glove.

All that said, if you do really want to get into falconry, learn about handling birds and inquire into any avicultural and falconry groups near you and see what advice they can offer. If you are looking for falconry groups/individuals, I would strongly suggest doing some homework and making sure they're legitimate. Nearly all birds of prey are protected by at least one law, sometimes more. You should be able to find a lot of information on falconry in general and local groups here: Becoming A Falconer - North American Falconers Association.

Hope that helps. :)
 
BigCatConniseur24 said:
Hope it all goes well for you. The White-Faced Owl sure is a nice bird. I love their red eyes. That’s awesome.
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Thanks! It'd be nice to work with native bird species, but all the permits and licenses that go along with birds on the Migratory Bird Act aren't something I want to deal with at the moment. They require that you work so many hours working with birds on the act to be able to get the license to own them. I don't have the connections or time to be able to meet those requirements currently.
 
Great Argus said:
I have previously cared for several birds of prey at a small facility, although I have never actually done true falconry. They are incredible to work with, but are definitely a step up from more commonly handled species like small parrots, ducks, and such.
If you are serious about getting more into falconry, I would suggest working/being around birds more as you sound nervous about them. You have far more of a chance of getting hurt by a bird of prey if you are nervous about working with them. They are good at reading body language, and many larger species and more aggressive individuals will attempt to bully you if you let them. Now there are some that are rather skittish, and would be more likely to injure you by accident while trying to get away from you. Thus why if you are not comfortable with birds start small and work up. You might see what avicultural and falconry societies are near you, and inquire into what events and such they do. They would be an excellent place to start.

As far as getting bit by a bird of prey, for most species it really isn't that bad. I've been bit by five different species and I can tell you a lorikeet bite hurts worse than any of them. :p
Far as the talons, if you work with them for some time you probably will get footed (falconry term for getting grabbed by the talons) at some point. I only got grabbed once, only partially luckily. Honestly it wasn't that bad after the initial shock, although it wasn't a particularly large raptor either. I have had a few holes punched in older shoes as well, but thankfully not ever in the foot. That said, getting footed is the exception and not the rule, I have had an owl and a hawk miss the glove and end up on my arm without causing any damage. They weren't trying to hurt me, they just slipped and/or I accidentally moved as they were landing.
Bating (the rapid flapping) is a regular occurrence, mainly when the bird is startled or is nervous. It's really nothing to be scared of, getting batted with a wing rarely hurts. In most cases it only lasts a few seconds before the bird returns to the glove.

All that said, if you do really want to get into falconry, learn about handling birds and inquire into any avicultural and falconry groups near you and see what advice they can offer. If you are looking for falconry groups/individuals, I would strongly suggest doing some homework and making sure they're legitimate. Nearly all birds of prey are protected by at least one law, sometimes more. You should be able to find a lot of information on falconry in general and local groups here: Becoming A Falconer - North American Falconers Association.

Hope that helps. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for that information. I will check out the link you sent me and do some more research.
 
Worked and bred with a number of bird of prey species at 2 of the 3 collections I worked at but these were only for display ( and breeding ). At one of the parks I became friend with the falconer which gave shows at the park and if I had some spare-time I helped him during the shows and also after the shows I helped with taking care for the birds and by the training-sessions.
He also isn't working anymore at the park and now has its own breeding-station for Birds of prey.
 
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