So many birds so many views

[Down In Three]

My conversations with people over the years about what bird to fly first as a beginner varies enormously. Is it true that before foreign species became easily obtainable, native species that were numerous were used ie: learn with a common buzzard, move onto goshawk etc.
Does anyone still think that if you are willing to take your time and learn about the sport that a common buzzard is a suitable species and once trained and hunting successfully could they (legally?) be released and have any chance of survival in the wild.

[Barbary Boy]

common buzzard kestrel whatever, any bird within reason can be a suitable subject for your 1st bird. years ago all we had to go on were kessies or buzzards. now everyone tells you ! harris, thats fine they are excellent birds and can do a falconer a lifetime without needing any other bird, but dont let anyone put you off , if you want a particular species read up on it do your home work and get it . if your keen enough and have done your homework youll sucseed.

[Down In Three]

Just the response I was after.
Thanks

[BlackShaheen1]

i agree with bb but dont tell anyone

[Matty]

i also agree with bb
but try and gain some experience with a local falconer
if at all possible. It will give you the confidence
you need, what ever bird you go with in the end,
good luck and happy hawking

[Down In Three]

Cheers for the replies

I have had a few days out.
But i also feel that paying to go on organised hunting trips with reputable bird of prey centres is well worth it.

Had a great day out at the Black Mountains Falconry Centre. Hunted harris Hawks in the morning out with Barbary and peregrine in the afternoon.

Female peregrine took a cock pheasant in the air - AWSOME

It was very professional with no emphasis on killing animals. This pere had one good flight, one kill and the (bird was dead when we got to it). It was then put away tor rest.

This professional attitude and image needs to be promoted especially to the uneducated beginners like me!

[Matty]

sounds like a great day out
get out as often as poss though
it's not that often your quarry will be dispatched
before you get there,
its just another thing that has to be done correctly

i take it you will be hunting your bird?

[Merger]

common buzzard kestrel whatever, any bird within reason can be a suitable subject for your 1st bird. years ago all we had to go on were kessies or buzzards. now everyone tells you ! harris, thats fine they are excellent birds and can do a falconer a lifetime without needing any other bird, but dont let anyone put you off , if you want a particular species read up on it do your home work and get it . if your keen enough and have done your homework youll sucseed.As bb says, dont feel you have to go down the harris hawk route, try and get out with other falconers before you decide, and as I said somewere before, with the right mentor, and study, you should be capable of flying what youd like to, not what you feel you have to.

[Down In Three]

When I have a bird it will most definately be hunting.
Infact i am fortunate that I should have a lot more time available during the winter months and so the bird would be flown everyday where possible.
I try not to do things in half measures.

I mentioned the fact that the large female peregrine dispatched the cock pheasant.
However trips out with a goshawk has shown me you need to be able to do the job yourself efficiently.
Got to be brave with a footy 2lb.6 Finnish Gos Tho havent you?!:lol:
Luckily the birds owner made in and only received a few scars that day. 7 flights and 4 rabbits in the bag.

[Matty]

However trips out with a goshawk has shown me you need to be able to do the job yourself efficiently.
Got to be brave with a footy 2lb.6 Finnish Gos Tho havent you?!:lol:
Luckily the birds owner made in and only received a few scars that day. 7 flights and 4 rabbits in the bag.[/QUOTE]

pmsl sounds like your a good learner
hope all goes well for you
happy hawking