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Gecko
05-08-2006, 06:47 PM
Hello all,

I have just returned from South Africa after spending 10 months working and hawking. I've spent the time flying a female Af-Gos (308grms) at LBJ's, I have to say what a hunting bird. Also a friend of mine was flying a male Black Sparrowhawk. If anyones interested in what the hunting was like in S.A. then drop me a line.

Gecko



Kevin Massey
05-08-2006, 06:52 PM
why drop a line....get a thread started:supz:

welcome to the forum
LurcherCFC
05-08-2006, 07:20 PM
why drop a line....get a thread started:supz:

welcome to the forum:supz:
Andy Cunningham
05-08-2006, 08:28 PM
welcome,gecko, dont suppose you was flying wedges amongst other bop's in oz before that for a time ?.
Mark Holder
06-08-2006, 07:01 PM
Glad to see you made it back home to good old blighty, enjoy the weather while you can:)
Chanting Goshawk
06-08-2006, 08:17 PM
Hello gecko just wondered if you came across anyone flying chanting goshawks over in SA any info would be great welcome to the forum
Gecko
08-08-2006, 02:36 PM
While being out in S.A. I did fly two Pale Chanting Goshawks; one was an adult demo bird and the other was a 7 month male which I started to hunt for a little while. I've also spoken to a few people who fly them. So here's what I found out and here also what I've been told:

Some 90% of the hunting is done simply still hunting and pouncing down on prey from a perch, they will also run along the floor in pursuit of game as well. But saying that they can catch many bird species, on the wing or on the ground. They are fast enough to take frankcolin and the female can take guinea-fowl, but to be honest (just from what I have seen) most falconry hunts end up with the birds 'rat hunting' along the ground and into cover after their prey.

The males feet are tiny; be good on magpie here if given enough work, the female would take rabbits but again small feet and short toes. Athough they have a great temperment. Considering what species we do have for hunting these birds would be a let down, but as a demo bird they are fantastic and have a great deal to offer.

Hope that helps, if there's anything else; give me a shout.

Gecko
RedNoseK9
08-08-2006, 03:18 PM
Welcome aboard mate get posting ansd fill in that profile mate