Peanut - Crow Falcon in the making [Archive]

Eznugud

26-06-2007, 08:15 PM

Peanut – Male Gyr x Pere

Earlier in the year I ordered a Female Pere x Saker for Bradley, well Bradley had other things on his mind.
Over the past few months he’s not stopped pestering me for a Gyr x Pere, I eventually gave in and last Saturday we picked up a young Male Gyr x Pere.

The Falcon is only just hard down so the plan was to stick it in a pen for a week before Brad set about training him, again Bradley had other plans and made it very clear that his new falcon wasn’t going anywhere near the pen once we got him home……..

Bradley reads this forum but does not post, say he’s embarrassed but wants me to do updates on how he’s getting on.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00288.sized.jpg

Saturday 23rd June 2007

Picked up Male Gyr x Pere, Bradley named him Peanut because apparently it’s got a small head.
Bradley immediately started manning and hooding.
Peanut fed off the fist late in the afternoon and surprised me by working the block out within a few minutes.

Sunday 24th June 2007

Bradley spent most of the day manning and hooding, fed off the fist.

Monday 25th June 2007

I had Peanut blocked out in the garden all day while Brad was at school, I didn’t bother with him just left him sat there, bloody steady for the 3rd day out of the pen.
Jumped leash length to Bradley indoors.
Hooding very well more or less puts his head into the hood and will sit with the braces loose all day if you wanted him to.

Tuesday 26th June 2007

Bradley’s off school due to floods so spent the day manning and hooding Peanut.
Jumped leash length to the fist outdoors and was introduced to the lure
He was fed today’s ration from the lure

Bradley will be getting very little help from me training and entering this falcon, I will be keeping a close eye on weight and the like but giving very little input unless its absolutely necessary……
I am not going to tell him when to progress to another stage of the training; all decisions are down to him.
From what I have seen so far I get the feeling Bradley will make one hell of a Crow hawk out of Peanut.

Looks like I will now be flying a Female Pere x Saker.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00290_001.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00285.sized.jpg

Ostringer

26-06-2007, 08:18 PM

lovly falcon keep us posted on its progress:heart:

Martin Whitley

26-06-2007, 08:37 PM

This should make a great thread, good luck with him Bradley

Sparrow Hawker

26-06-2007, 08:47 PM

Lovely looking bird, who bred him?

SH

Eznugud

26-06-2007, 08:59 PM

Lovely looking bird, who bred him?

SH

Bred by Mick Caine, got to say hes a cracker, not the biggest of male gyr x pere`s but i wish he was mine.....

Been watching how he reacts and i would love to take over with him and let Brad have the Female Pere x Saker when its ready.....but thats not going to happen

RedNoseK9

26-06-2007, 09:05 PM

Great bird looking forward to the thread

wez

Sparrow Hawker

26-06-2007, 09:12 PM

Bred by Mick Caine, got to say hes a cracker, not the biggest of male gyr x pere`s but i wish he was mine.....

Been watching how he reacts and i would love to take over with him and let Brad have the Female Pere x Saker when its ready.....but thats not going to happen

Sounds like you'll both have some fun, will be interesting to see the comparisons to each of the species.

SH

John Dumbar

26-06-2007, 09:30 PM

Wow what a cracker :supz: superlooking bird.
Rgrds.

Isis

26-06-2007, 09:31 PM

Very nice....8-)

Grey_Squirrel_Hawker

26-06-2007, 09:38 PM

beautiful bird! wish i had one. lol, looks like a cracking falconer in the making, never mind falcon!

GosHawking2Day

26-06-2007, 09:40 PM

I'm sure you and Bradley will have some great fun Shaun, look forward to a top thread.
ATB.

1ABHawker

26-06-2007, 10:17 PM

good to see you back, stuning falcon that bradley, lucky lad.

Elly

27-06-2007, 09:15 AM

Great looking bird, sounds like Bradley is on the right lines to making a good bird at the black stuff. :supz:

B C

27-06-2007, 09:20 AM

Tiercel Gyr x Peregrines are great fun. Bradley will really enjoy flying him and Peanut will teach him to become a Falconer.
I've been flying mine for 8 years now and he's still teaching me!!!!

B C

KevGem1

27-06-2007, 09:59 AM

nice one brad,great looking bird mate hope you have lots of fun and sport with him.your are a very lucky young man, you will be washing your dads car and doing little chores for the rest of your life for that:lol: .good luck with the training but if i remember right you didnt do to badlly the last time.and remember dont be to shy to ask if in doubt ask your dad or a good falconer (only joking:lol: ) i ask people all the time and iam 40 something keep us posted pal all the best KEV.

Richard

27-06-2007, 11:08 AM

Fantastic looking falcon, i'm sure bradleys going to have some fun :)

Pendleside

27-06-2007, 11:25 AM

way to go bradley .
hope you post lots of pics of peanut and the blackstuff (via dad).
this has the makings of a good thread .:supz:

Eznugud

27-06-2007, 05:37 PM

And I thought I was the one in the family that always rushed things………

The second Bradley walked in from school he told me we were going to the training field tonight…….” Hang on a second Brad; he’s only jumping leash length on the garden do we really need to be going to the field yet?”
Brad assured me that he knew what he was doing and made it clear that it was his decision how he trains the falcon………..who am I to argue with that?

Wednesday 27th June 2007

Took the falcon into the field for the first time
Bradley meant business tonight and started at 15yds; Peanut was a bit hesitant the first time but then flew another 6 times instantly to the fist
Finished off by flying him 30yds to the lure, more or less instantly, fed entire ration off lure.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00296.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00297.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00304.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00306.sized.jpg

Falcun

27-06-2007, 05:43 PM

Great Job Bradley :supz::supz: Keep posting your progress

PenelopeP

27-06-2007, 05:49 PM

Wow and well done. What a lucky lad you are Bradley, keep us posted with his progress.

ATB

Jo
xx

KevGem1

27-06-2007, 05:52 PM

nice one brad,you want to watch it though the bird will think you want to share his food if you get much closer mate.well done and keep us posted, all the best KEV.

Rabbit Killer

27-06-2007, 05:54 PM

Nice to see some young blood taking an interest in Falconry/Fieldsports.
Its a real pity that there wasn't more youngsters like him.
Thats what we need in this Country, more kids taking an active interest in fieldsports.
The very best of luck to this lad and his bird.

Mark Collins

27-06-2007, 07:48 PM

Hi Shaun, how you doing good to see you back on the forum, nice looking falcon gyr/peregrines are lovely birds, your son looks made up with him, i wish you great success with him, cheers, mark.

Eznugud

27-06-2007, 07:56 PM

Hi Shaun, how you doing good to see you back on the forum, nice looking falcon gyr/peregrines are lovely birds, your son looks made up with him, i wish you great success with him, cheers, mark.

I’m not doing to bad Mark, been very busy the last few months trying to get the lion’s share of the work done before the season starts…..

Bit gutted about Bradley getting the Gyr x Pere, really fancied flying one myself this season but looks like I’ll be flying the Pere x Saker that I ordered for him when it’s ready…..
You’re only young once so Brad gets the Gyr x Pere……

1ABHawker

28-06-2007, 04:30 PM

love the look of that falcon.

Hhaawwkkeerr

28-06-2007, 04:38 PM

That is fantastic work Bradley.Don't let your old man take all the credit for your hard work!!Good luck and keep the posts updated!!

Eznugud

28-06-2007, 06:54 PM

Thursday 28th June 2007
Peanut is coming on great guns
60yds to the fist instantly
80yds to the lure more or less instantly

Got to say this little falcon is playing the game and doing a lot more than expected.
I think if he was mine he would be off the creance tomorrow, I hope Brads not as daft as me and leaves him on the creance until after the weekend…….

a few photos from today...

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00314.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00308.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00315.sized.jpg

One thing that is winding me up a little.....so when you read this Brad:-x

He wont use his hawking bag, everything in his bloody pockets, excuse is......Hes only training and once hunting he will take the hawking bag.....bloody kids will not listen

Falcun

28-06-2007, 07:06 PM

Hi Eznugud

there is a saying - The Student one day will surpass his Master -
I think your son is doing it pretty fast :lol::lol:;)

Hhaawwkkeerr

28-06-2007, 07:36 PM

Nice use of a Disco!!

Eznugud

29-06-2007, 07:50 PM

Thursday 29th June 2007

Bradley decided to move Peanut away from the “Nursery” training fields and to the tops where Peanut will be doing 99% of his hunting, I thought it was to windy for him but again I was overruled.

When we got on the tops it was pretty windy, Brads immediately doubled up the creance length and called Peanut to the fist at 120yds…..no problem
Then called him 120yds to the lure feeding him up on the sixth time

The wind was quite strong today and I was pretty impressed how the falcon cut through it, it went in a straight line, like a hot knife through butter…….I want this falcon.

A few Photos from today.....

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00317.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00325.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00327.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00333.sized.jpg

Eznugud

29-06-2007, 07:52 PM

a few more

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00335.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00334.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00337.sized.jpg

Isis

29-06-2007, 07:54 PM

Looking good Brad......hope you took your bag with you this time :supz:

Dude

29-06-2007, 08:12 PM

U must be proud of ur son!

1ABHawker

29-06-2007, 08:16 PM

brad - Just stunning that bird, very jealous of you brad, you've got a top dad there mate.

Mark Collins

29-06-2007, 09:14 PM

Great thread , coming along nicely, good stuff, looks like bradleys enjoying every minute, mark.

Richard

29-06-2007, 09:41 PM

Got the makings of a great bird and thread, keep it up Bradley ;-)

Accipiter

29-06-2007, 09:44 PM

Well done Bradley you must be excited

Eznugud

29-06-2007, 10:32 PM

U must be proud of ur son!

Very proud of him…….

But it feels strange this year, I’m used to him asking me for advice, “shall I do this Dad?” or “shall I do that Dad”……..He seems to have grown up and found his feet and doesn’t need me……..feels strange watching him just getting on with it without needing or wanting my help..

OutFlying

29-06-2007, 10:38 PM

Very proud of him…….

But it feels strange this year, I’m used to him asking me for advice, “shall I do this Dad?” or “shall I do that Dad”……..He seems to have grown up and found his feet and doesn’t need me……..feels strange watching him just getting on with it without needing or wanting my help..

He'll still need a driver and cash supply - your not reduntant yet :D

Jim.

ps It must feel good to have a son carrying the sport forward, I hope my youngest will continue.

Eznugud

29-06-2007, 10:51 PM

Cash Supply…..lol

He’s started already, Bradley is Goshawk mad and when we went to pick the Gyr x Pere up Mick had about 8 downy goshawks running about on the back yard……..Well Brads eyes lit up, he was like a pig in **** rolling about on the floor with the young Goshawks……

So next year I’ll be inheriting Peanut and Bradley will be flying a Parent reared Female Goshawk……I thought my Goshawk days were over, looks like I was wrong.

OutFlying

29-06-2007, 10:56 PM

Eznugud

29-06-2007, 10:59 PM

Good to see he wants to progress :-P

Ouch.......Bit below the belt that one....

OutFlying

29-06-2007, 11:00 PM

:supz: :supz: :supz: bit of craic

Falcun

29-06-2007, 11:04 PM

Impressive, well done

Eznugud

29-06-2007, 11:05 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album22/goss.sized.jpg

Thats my last Goshawk, my Daughters left school now.......

KevGem1

30-06-2007, 03:22 PM

my oldest lad still taps me for money now and he is 21 the problem is i havent got any.it never stops mate :roll: by the way well done brad your doing well mate,just take your time pal and iam shore everything will be fine.and dont forget your dad will be giving a frendly watchful eye just incase you have any questions :yawinkle: keep us updated KEV.

Eznugud

01-07-2007, 02:59 PM

Saturday 30th June 2007

No progress today, bit of a cock up.

Sorry lads but “What happens in the field stays in the field” {only if it’s a cock up}

Sunday 1st July 2007

Good day today…..Brads stopped calling him to the fist now and is using the lure only.
100yds to the lure instantly about ½ dozen times, last time he was fed ½ his ration on the lure and made to jump up to the fist for the rest.

After today’s session I had a sit down with Brads and asked him what is plan of attack is, very interesting conversation…….If I’m honest I’m pretty surprised that he’s got a plan, I just tend to take 1 day at a time and wing it.

He’s putting the tail mount on tonight.
Tomorrow he will just be flying him to the lure on the creance
Tuesday he will be flying him to the lure on the creance but says he is stopping putting food on the lure,
Wednesday he’s going to fly him twice to the lure on the creance and if it’s ok he will fly him free.
2 to 3 weeks of hard lure work then enter him.

And the shocker, the falcons not called “Peanut”, I heard Bradley calling him “Cisco” today, when I asked him what was going on the told me that Peanuts a stupid name for a Gyr x Pere and he’s decided to call him “Cisco” having watched dances with wolves to other night with his Grandad.

Also finally got to the bottom of the lack of hawking bag palaver, Brad doesn’t like them and wants a hawking vest…….Can anyone recommend a good place to get an hawking vest?

A few Photos from today….

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00340.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00341.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00342.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00344.sized.jpg

Matthew Patching

01-07-2007, 03:20 PM

Just picked up on this thread.

Looking good, and will be fun to see him progress, I like the name change.

The most practicle hawking vest I have seen, is the one that falconers emporium sells. All the others that I have seen or used seem to last about a season, and fall apart. A freind has a ben long one that lasted until about mid october last year.

Word of warning though if bradley intends getting a gos, he will need to double stitch the bit of the vest where the shoulder straps meet at the top of the back (behind the neck). 3 or 4 rabbits in the back pouch and a jump over a fence is all thats required to make carrying your game into a palaver!

ATB Matt.

Eragon

01-07-2007, 03:58 PM

Great looking bird Brad! I like the nie name. You can use hunting vests (for shotgunners) or photographers vests, as long as it hast enough pockets for gear and a large one in the back for game.

Martin Whitley

01-07-2007, 06:10 PM

Just picked up on this thread.

The most practicle hawking vest I have seen, is the one that falconers emporium sells. All the others that I have seen or used seem to last about a season, and fall apart.

ATB Matt.
I'd second that, the vest I had from Julian has outlasted several others I have tried.

StoopDoggyDogg

02-07-2007, 12:32 AM

great looking GP, they seem to be hard to come by nowadays!!

Thursday 28th June 2007
Peanut is coming on great guns
60yds to the fist instantly
80yds to the lure more or less instantly

Got to say this little falcon is playing the game and doing a lot more than expected.
I think if he was mine he would be off the creance tomorrow, I hope Brads not as daft as me and leaves him on the creance until after the weekend…….

a few photos from today...

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00314.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00308.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00315.sized.jpg

One thing that is winding me up a little.....so when you read this Brad:-x

He wont use his hawking bag, everything in his bloody pockets, excuse is......Hes only training and once hunting he will take the hawking bag.....bloody kids will not listen

Eznugud

02-07-2007, 07:02 PM

Monday 2nd July 2007

Well so much for the “plan of attack”, Brads got in from School weighed Cisco and decided he was going to fly him free.
Cisco’s weight had dropped a little lower than Brad expected so he decided to take advantage and get the creance out of the way.
9 times out of 10 any sensible falconer would try the falcon on the creance first, not Brads, changed the jesses and went out to about 200yds and started swinging the lure………

Well that’s the easy bit over, the hard work starts now getting him match fit and entered…….

Got to say I’m really chuffed with how Brads gone about the first part of this falcons training, he got a male gyr x pere fresh out of the pen and got it flying free in a week and 2 days …….he had no help from me other than un-hooding the falcon for him……

Well Done Bradley I’m Really Proud of You

A few photos from today

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00352.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00356.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00357.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00361.sized.jpg

Matthew Patching

02-07-2007, 07:07 PM

Well done bradley, reminds me of me when I was younger. My training philosophy was basicaly get bird coming full length as quick as pos, if it over shot the lure while on the line, and turned then it was flown free, used to give my old dear a heart attack, Id be like flew so and so free today, and she'd be like youve only had it 4 days.

In time I have learnt to slow things up a bit, but not much.

Falcun

02-07-2007, 07:12 PM

As your father said Well done Bradley :supz:

LanczSpringer

02-07-2007, 07:43 PM

BIG WELLDONE Bradley!! :supz:

Looks like your going to be having a fun pack season ahead, I'm glad I aint a corvid near you! :supz:

Keep it going!

Ant

Cyclone

02-07-2007, 07:50 PM

well done matey!!:supz:
cyclone

Benny H

02-07-2007, 08:09 PM

Yes..well done Bradley :supz: :supz:

Mark Collins

02-07-2007, 08:16 PM

Well done bradley, cracking looking falcon, it wont be long before your chasing the corvids around, cheers, mark.

Hacker

02-07-2007, 08:32 PM

Bradley,
Welcome to the sport of Kings, emporers and every other mongrel below them m8!
You are learning a life long skill ,and one so young that shows so much promise.
I wish you well, and welcome you into a life long passion.:supz: :supz: :supz:

Gos702

02-07-2007, 08:55 PM

well done bradley keep it up

Eznugud

03-07-2007, 11:06 PM

Tuesday 3rd July 2007

Blowing a gale when Brad got in from school, we decided to go to the tops anyway.
It was more or less impossible to give him his first lessons in stooping to the lure because the wind was so strong, so Bradley decided to just let Cisco do is own thing and find his wings so to speak.
So I suppose you could say Cisco had a good 45mins of tame hack.

I was sat against a wall out of the wind having a cig watching Bradley & Cisco basically playing, the falcon was running about pulling heads of flowers {weeds} with Brads chasing after him……the next second the falcon was in the air hanging about 50 above him, Brads just put his fist out and the falcon dropped out of the sky and landed on the fist………
The best one was Bradley sat on a bank side with the falcon playing in the wind then folded up and came and landed on a rock at the side of him……..
This is a parent reared bird, its amazing to watch them together….

A few Photos from today

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00367.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00363.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00366.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00371.sized.jpg

Berkut

03-07-2007, 11:12 PM

Thorwen

03-07-2007, 11:13 PM

Well done Brad! 8-)

Pendleside

04-07-2007, 01:05 AM

this has the makings of becoming one of the classic threads .
well done brad .
credit where its due .

FredrickFogg

04-07-2007, 03:35 AM

Shaun, sure wish you were my pops! Brad is one lucky kid! You all are doing a great job and sure looks like you are having a blast doing it! Keep up the great work. :supz: :supz:

Fred

Thorwen

04-07-2007, 06:11 AM

Shaun, sure wish you were my pops! Brad is one lucky kid! You all are doing a great job and sure looks like you are having a blast doing it! Keep up the great work. :supz: :supz:

Fred

Aye I agree!

Nominations for the best day of the year award? ... well I at least wish mine was like you ;)

Elly

04-07-2007, 06:24 AM

Awesome, Cisco looks great, very much like the name change, and am chuffed to death that Brads done so well with him, you can tell just from the pics that hes got a great raport with this falcon. Cant wait to see the first shot of him on a nice fat crow. :supz:

Martin Whitley

04-07-2007, 06:39 AM

Keep it up Bradley, this looks like it's going to be the best thread for 2007, great reading

Buizerd

04-07-2007, 09:10 AM

Well done Bradley! Nice looking falcon!

KevGem1

04-07-2007, 10:13 AM

nice job brad,your doing a great job. cisco looks really nice the land looks really good and things are coming along nicely.well done young man keep it up all the best KEV.

Eznugud

04-07-2007, 10:37 AM

Brads is dead chuffed with all the positive comments on here, he sits here reading with a massive smile on his face…….
I’ve got to say though, his heads doubled is size since I started this thread…

Kev, we only use that land for training…..way to many trees for serious Crow Hawking……sorry that’s wrong……to many trees for the type of Crow hawking I try to aim for.

jason

04-07-2007, 01:43 PM

What a beauty.
Jason:

KevGem1

04-07-2007, 05:49 PM

i take it your after the classic ringing up flights then,very nice if you have the land for it.the very best of luck to the both of you,and may your gaze always be upwards :lol: keep us all updated pal i would love to hear how things are progressing with brads bird and yours of course,all the best KEV.

Matthew Lambert

04-07-2007, 06:29 PM

Great thread keep it going:D

Buizerd

04-07-2007, 06:49 PM

How old is Bradley btw?

Matthew Patching

04-07-2007, 08:44 PM

Its nice when it all comes together isnt it bradley, keep up the good work, and enjoy it!:supz: 8-)

Eznugud

04-07-2007, 11:06 PM

Wednesday 4th July 2007

Raining today when Bradley got in from school but no wind to talk about so it was time for Cisco’s first lesson in stooping to the lure
He was called from 200yds, Bradley pulled the lure out of the way and the falcon landed on the floor, brads walked away with the falcon running after him.
He called the falcon again and again moved the lure, this time the falcon carried on flying but crashed into a tree…..seriously it didn’t see the tree and crashed.
Brads eventually got him to make 12 passes at the lure in 3 bouts, not bad to say all 3 of us were soaked to the skin.

Well the falcon now knows to keep flying and do a circuit when the lure is moved, hes not going in hard at the lure just doing fly pasts……it will all come together in the next week.
Bradley is going on a school trip tomorrow and staying out over night, I have been given my instructions what to do with Cisco…..including a little table with how much to feed him dependent on his weight……the cheeky little sod.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00372.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00373.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00376.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00378.sized.jpg

Eznugud

04-07-2007, 11:15 PM

How old is Bradley btw?

Hes 11......going on 35

FredrickFogg

05-07-2007, 12:45 AM

Shaun,

That last picture! Whew, you are in big trouble one of these days! LOL. I can see the wheels spinning inside of his head. He is going to be an ornary one! LOL

Man, I would have given anything to be able to fly birds when I was his age. I didn't even know falconry existed at his age. I lived out in the country and had just about every possible wild animal (ground hog, raccon, snakes, possum, deer) as a pet growing up except a hawk or falcon. I did have a pet screech owl. LOL

Fred

Eznugud

05-07-2007, 06:52 PM

Thursday 5th July 2007

No Bradley today so I was left in charge of Cisco……..
In total he did 22 stoops in 3 bouts……
First he did 4 stoops and I let him have the lure, second time I pushed him a little harder and he did 6 stoops…….last time I decided to really push him and managed 12.
The second and third time he was really coughing a lung up, mouth wide open from the 4th stoop onwards..

I noticed today he is very agile {if that’s the right word}, once he learns that is tail and primaries are not just there to preen I reckon he’s going to make Bradley work when stooping to the lure…….he’s very unorthodox, today he came over about 30feet above me hit the breaks and dropped on me vertical…….when he’s starts getting confident and cocky with his flying ability its going to be fun to watch..

Matthew Patching

05-07-2007, 07:30 PM

Eznugud

07-07-2007, 12:57 AM

Friday 6th July 2007

Brad was back in charge today, well he was overseeing operations from the Land Rover……….I had to pick him up at 02:00 this morning from his school trip, half the class got food poisoning and were all being sick……..got the phone call from his teacher just after midnight to go and pick him up……160mile round trip.

So I put Cisco through his paces while Brad sat in the landy watching, we managed 30 stoops in 3 bouts plus I let him ****** off exploring the area so he did quite a bit of flying………..at this rate I reckon your looking at somewhere around the end of the month before he’s ready to be entered.
His weights gone up ½ ounce from what he first flew free at, he’s also now starting to get aggressive towards the lure…….he no longer just stands on it he now beats it up.

Well peed off today………I have quite a few blocks but most of them are on their last legs due to being left out on the garden for years and years……
So I’m down to 3 serviceable blocks 2 from falconry originals and 1 that I bought from crown falconry with a rubber top instead of astro turf.
I don’t use a specific block for a specific bird its just a case of putting whatever bird I have on my fist onto the first block I come to.
Cisco ended up on the Crown Falconry block today and we found a terrible design fault at the cost of a tail feather.
The ring is to big, if the falcon bates off sort of up and out the ring pulls up and wedges up onto the block…….so it the falcon bates another few time in different directions and gets wrapped & tangled.

Usually I work in the kitchen so I’m looking out of the kitchen window keeping an eye on the falcons…today because Bradley wasn’t very well I worked in the living room while Bradley was laid on the sofa feeling sorry for him self………when a went to check on the Cisco was laid with his wings spread, feet tight and tangled right up to the base of the block with a tail feather sticking out at a right angle……….the bloody ring was jammed up onto the block.

Gutted……….

LanczSpringer

07-07-2007, 10:08 AM

Hope Bradley get better soon so he can be out there teaching Cisco the ropes!

Guess your now down to two blocks, I think I know whats going to be on your shopping list for the festival!

Falcun

07-07-2007, 10:49 AM

Hopr you get better soon!!! Bradley

Matthew Patching

07-07-2007, 11:39 AM

Friday 6th July 2007

Usually I work in the kitchen so I’m looking out of the kitchen window keeping an eye on the falcons…today because Bradley wasn’t very well I worked in the living room while Bradley was laid on the sofa feeling sorry for him self………when a went to check on the Cisco was laid with his wings spread, feet tight and tangled right up to the base of the block with a tail feather sticking out at a right angle……….the bloody ring was jammed up onto the block.

Gutted……….[/I]

Thats a real shame. Still atleast its only an imping job, instead of a trip to the vets!

I hope you get better soon bradley, and get back to flying him for yourself.

ATB

Matt.

Eznugud

09-07-2007, 08:54 PM

Monday 9th July 2007

Both I and Bradley have been sick over the weekend so have not been able to do anything with Cisco.
Brad weighed him this evening and he had gone up just over an ounce since Friday……..Brads mums been feeding the falcons for us while we have been stuck in the bathroom vomiting and it turns out when I said “give them a few quail” meaning 1 quail for each falcon she thought I was only talking about Cisco and gave him 2 quail on Saturday…….
So it was a very little food and non-flying day today….

This couldn’t have happened at a worse time, Cisco was coming on great guns and just starting to understand about stooping to the lure……..we could have done with out having to miss 4 days out of his training at this stage……..sods law I suppose

Mark Collins

09-07-2007, 11:33 PM

Get weel soon, mark.

Fawkes

10-07-2007, 02:04 AM

Well done Bradley - I hope you are feeling better soon (and your dad too).
I wish I had a dad like yours - granted mine was pretty lenient about the critters I brought home, but never would have bought me a bird!

Sounds like cisco is a cracker of a bird, looking forward to hearing about all your hunting this fall.

Eznugud

10-07-2007, 08:13 PM

Tuesday 10th July 2007

Cisco and Brads first day out since Friday, I suggested trying him on the creance first but Brads just gave me one of those “don’t be stupid dad” looks.
Brads gave him a mixture of lure stooping and just letting him fly around in the wind today.
It’s going to be another few days before he twigs with the lure and starts putting in proper stoops at the moment he’s still not to sure what’s going on…….

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00395.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00396.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00397.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00398.sized.jpg

Falcun

10-07-2007, 08:16 PM

Great job Bradley:supz:. Good seeing you around :lol:

Eznugud

10-07-2007, 08:16 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00399.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00400.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00405.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00403.sized.jpg

Rex06

10-07-2007, 09:55 PM

well atleast he has his hawking bag/vest on rofl :lol:

a bery good job m8 and why don't u talk to us to, u don't have anything to be shy fore ! u would rather make us shy :wink:

keep up the good work and make a "jack the ripper" out of him

greetzz

Matthew Patching

11-07-2007, 10:09 AM

The fourth foto says it all, well done bradley!:supz:

Eznugud

11-07-2007, 08:46 PM

Wednesday 11th July 2007

Not a lot to say only it was blowing a gale today….

Some photos

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00415.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00416.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00417.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00420.sized.jpg

Eznugud

14-07-2007, 08:48 PM

Saturday 14th July 2007

Bradley was at a party today so I took Cisco out and put him through his paces……
I love this part of a falcons training, watching him learn to fly and get fitter and fitter by the day…

First of all I cast him off and let him do his own thing for a while, he was flying about like an headless chicken exploring when a crow heavily in the moult flew directly under him………he turned over and gave chase…….nothing serious he was just playing, within a few seconds the crow turned the tables on him and chased him out of sight.
I turned the telemetry on and he was a good way off and still flying so I sat myself down, had a cig and waited…….After he had not returned after 20mins I made my way to the high ground, according to the telemetry he was a good mile away over the old coking plant, I put the receiver on the floor and started swinging the lure……I could hear the signal getting stronger but couldn’t see him, the next second he was waiting on about 400feet above me……..chucked the lure out and down he came.

I gave him a while to catch his breath then stooped him to the lure, we managed 36 stoops in 3 bouts………the way he’s shaping up I reckon Bradley will be getting ready to enter him somewhere around the beginning of August

Yeoman

14-07-2007, 09:44 PM

Wednesday 4th July 2007

Raining today when Bradley got in from school but no wind to talk about so it was time for Cisco’s first lesson in stooping to the lure
He was called from 200yds, Bradley pulled the lure out of the way and the falcon landed on the floor, brads walked away with the falcon running after him.
He called the falcon again and again moved the lure, this time the falcon carried on flying but crashed into a tree…..seriously it didn’t see the tree and crashed.
Brads eventually got him to make 12 passes at the lure in 3 bouts, not bad to say all 3 of us were soaked to the skin.
Well the falcon now knows to keep flying and do a circuit when the lure is moved, hes not going in hard at the lure just doing fly pasts……it will all come together in the next week.
Bradley is going on a school trip tomorrow and staying out over night, I have been given my instructions what to do with Cisco…..including a little table with how much to feed him dependent on his weight……the cheeky little sod.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00372.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00373.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00376.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00378.sized.jpg

the lad is a real credit to you

Eznugud

17-07-2007, 09:07 AM

Monday 16th July 2007

Bradley is starting to work Cisco really hard now; he needs a good 10mins rest in between flights.
Yesterday he managed 48 stoops in 3 bouts.
Cisco’s stopped flying with the breaks applied now and he’s really finding out what he can do.
Bradley is hoping to have him at a reasonable fitness level and more importantly with a male in the right frame of mind to try and enter him a week this coming Saturday.

Eznugud

17-07-2007, 07:36 PM

A few photos of him from Saturday & Yesterday that i`ve just got off my phone....

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00424.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00431.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00435.sized.jpg

Eznugud

17-07-2007, 07:40 PM

Tuesday 17th July 2007

These 11year olds have one hell of a social life; Bradley was at his school leavers before they go to “big school” disco so I was left to put Cisco through his paces.

Its now time to step it up a gear with Cisco………He needs to learn how to twist, turn, throw up and the best way to learn is to do it in a confined space.
I have a nice little spot where I have been taking my “would be” crow falcons since 1993 and I swear by it.
It’s a clearing that is 30yds x 80yds, all 4 sides are lined by 60foot high trees…..the falcons really got to work very hard, once they have put in a pass at the lure they have to immediately throw up and go almost vertical or else crash into a tree at full speed……..I
It does make it a bit tricky swinging the lure, the stoops are coming in a lot faster and the falcon is stooping almost vertical 90% of the time.

Today we did 30 stoops in 2 bouts but Cisco had to work really hard due to the environment I had put him in.
He’s used to having more room than the QE2 to turn a round in, I think he had a bit of a shock today…..really pleased with his progress

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00442.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00447.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00446.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00444.sized.jpg

Miliscer

17-07-2007, 07:43 PM

Cracking Shaun, he is really coming on well - just hope you can keep up with Bradley now? 8-)

Mike

Falcun

17-07-2007, 07:45 PM

Hi Shaun
What is you judgement of him compared to the other falcons you have trained

Cheers
Philip

Eznugud

17-07-2007, 08:56 PM

Hi Shaun
What is you judgement of him compared to the other falcons you have trained

Cheers
Philip

It’s hard to say just yet, it would probably be easier to answer in about 6 months when I’ve had more time with them.

They do seem to have a very short temper, Cisco does seem to run hot and cold…..1 second he will step up off the block and the next he’s baiting away from you.

Falcun

17-07-2007, 10:00 PM

They do seem to have a very short temper, Cisco does seem to run hot and cold…..1 second he will step up off the block and the next he’s baiting away from you.

Yes you cant be more right I found that out at my expenses!! They are like Dr Jackle and Mr Hyde :lol:

Eznugud

18-07-2007, 07:01 PM

Bloody kids these days can’t wait……no idesa where he gets it from:roll:

Cisco spotted a young Crow on the top of a neighbour’s chimney, the crow was calling /begging for food……..
Cisco was more than interested, stood very tall on Brad’s fist, neck stretched, head bobbing……..then he started baiting towards it, he was definitely wanting to have a go, this falcon never bates from the fist.

I shouted over to Bradley to hood him up…….. “Did you see that Dad? Let’s take him to try him with a slip”…..
Well this is the first time I have had to put my foot down during Cisco’s training and say “Not a chance in hell Bradley, he’s about 10days away from being ready”.

I good friend of mine thinks that a falcon should be able to take crows on once it can do 15 stoops, I personally want a falcon to be able to do at least 60 stoops in 2 bouts with very little rest in between…….plus its not only about how many stoops they can do, you can tell they are ready by the way they fly, the shape changes and they start getting cocky…….Cisco it not fit enough yet and nowhere near cocky enough…

Wednesday 18th July 2007

Cisco managed 60 stoops in 3 bouts today………he was pushed really hard this evening….very little rest in between bouts……….hit lure, take off lure and straight back in the air….he also was given no time to have a breather while in the air….constant stooping.

Matthew Patching

19-07-2007, 07:09 PM

He sounds like he isnt far off shaun, Hope brads social life calms down abit, otherwise he is going to miss that first kill!

JupeSingh

26-07-2007, 06:04 PM

Hi Shaun,

Just wondering what's happening with Cisco? Have been following the thread closely and hope to encourage you to keep posting. Really good insight.

Pendleside

26-07-2007, 06:23 PM

there appears to be much interest and little info .:cry: :cry:

Eznugud

26-07-2007, 07:53 PM

there appears to be much interest and little info .:cry: :cry:

Ok…..I know when I’m beat

Over the last week we have lost about 3 days due to horrendous weather, and in the 4 weeks Brads had Cisco we have lost at least a week in training days due to the weather……So we are a little behind schedule with him.

He’s now at the point in his fitness training where he’s very close to being entered…..

Thursday 26th July

Time for Cisco to be given is first “Dead Crow”.
I like to make it look semi realistic so the dead crow basically gets a garden cane shoved up its bum and then pushed into the ground at an angle……If I do say so myself from 50yds it does look alive especially with a bit of wind……the creance is tied to the cane and run out…..

I told Bradley not to expect too much and to give me a shout when he had un-hooded Cisco so I could give the creance a bit of a tug.
Bradley un-hooded Cisco at 50yds, no interest, he was looking everywhere except at the crow.
Bradley started walking towards to crow and got to within 10yds and still no interest from Cisco…..
The next second Brads shouts me to come out from behind the tree I was hiding behind with the creance…….Cisco was hooded and Brads was upset because he was ignoring the crow……..I explained that he had no idea that he could eat a crow yet and that he had to learn him just like he a taught him to go for the lure………

I pulled the crow off the garden cane and told Brads to stoop Cisco, I told Brad to hide the lure and I chucked the crow out……..Cisco hit the brakes and landed at the side of the dead crow…….Brads had hold of the Crows leg giving it a little shake, Cisco was screaming at the crow, footing it then running off, coming back footing it then running off again….this went on for a few minutes until Cisco finally plucked up his courage and slammed into it with both feet and went on a feather plucking frenzy looking very chuffed with himself………. Brads gave him a good crop and also left him for a good half hour with the crow…….

Brads came away with a big smile on his face…….

Another few days of Dead Crows and I think he should be ready for the real thing….

Pendleside

26-07-2007, 07:57 PM

hurrah ! ! !

glad to see its back .
any pressure off brad to re-post ? lol

Martin Whitley

26-07-2007, 08:01 PM

Thank you for posting again, this had ( and still has ) the making of thread of the year

Tibbu20

26-07-2007, 09:11 PM

Hurray !!!!
Thanks for continuing this thread,I have been waiting with baited breath hoping that it would return.....
Will be watching eagily for the next instalments of Brad's adventures with Cisco :P :P :P

Eznugud

26-07-2007, 09:56 PM

A few Photos from today....

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00015.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00014.sized.jpg

Pendleside

26-07-2007, 10:06 PM

Thank you for posting again, this had ( and still has ) the making of thread of the year

i said this sooooo long ago and its sooooo true .
glad im'e not on my own with these views .

WAY TO GO BRAD ! ! !

TimDog80

26-07-2007, 10:31 PM

class thread please keep it coming!!!!!:supz: :supz:
its great seeing the bird and your boy progress together:D

regards
tim:D

Matthew Patching

27-07-2007, 01:16 PM

Nice one Brad, & Shaun, He wont be long.

Nice to meet you yesterday Shaun, And keep it up brad, dont let little set backs get you down, cisco just needs guidance, and you & your dad will be able to give him that.

Kevin Massey

27-07-2007, 03:47 PM

Rating has been added to thread:supz:

Pendleside

27-07-2007, 03:55 PM

likewise .

Eznugud

27-07-2007, 05:24 PM

Friday 27th July 2007

Raining AGAIN……Well Showers, but its starting to get on my nerves now

Brad and Cisco stayed local today.
Due to Brads Roller Hockey tonight we had to go out about 3 hours earlier than we would have liked.
First of all Cisco was long lured approx ½ mile, then stooped to the lure….Brads managed to get around 2 stoops out of him before he let Cisco catch it.

I then set the Crow up {work of art if I do say so myself}, Brads un-hooded Cisco but he was having none of it {½ ounce up from his good crop of crow yesterday didn’t help matters}.
I set off running with the creance dragging the crow and Cisco left the fist immediately catch the crow up {me} in no time……..got to say he didn’t hold back and really slammed into it……I dragged him about a bit then Bradley let him pull it about a bit but didn’t let him have to much of a crop today….

It’s getting better, now I have the dead crow from Matt {eagle} the final part of Cisco training should come on leaps and bounds.

A few Photos

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00022.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00025.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00028.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00026.sized.jpg

Eznugud

27-07-2007, 05:26 PM

Looks like Brads also taking over with Nobby’s training……..Suits me down to the ground.
Nobby and Brad seem to have a really good relationship, its really good to watch them.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00018.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00020.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00021.sized.jpg

Eznugud

27-07-2007, 05:29 PM

Matthew Patching

27-07-2007, 05:41 PM

Have you wondered why Bradley is not using his hawking vest?

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00016.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00017.sized.jpg

The dirty little sod, I have refused to clean it out for him……..Kids

He proly thinks that if he leaves it long enough you will, or maybe youll just buy him a new one, then he wont have to clean it out atall. lol.

Send him out with a fishing rod, and tell him not to come back till he has caught somthing!:lol: :lol:

Falcun

27-07-2007, 05:45 PM

Looks like Brads also taking over with Nobby’s training……..Suits me down to the ground.
Nobby and Brad seem to have a really good relationship, its really good to watch them.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00020.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00021.sized.jpg

FANTASTIC :supz: Are you sure is is not an imprint :rolleyes:

Great job Bradley

Cheers
Philip

Eznugud

27-07-2007, 06:12 PM

FANTASTIC :supz: Are you sure is is not an imprint :rolleyes:

Great job Bradley

Cheers
Philip

No, Nobby is 100% parent reared……

I can’t approach him on the block, its a pain to be honest when Brads is out with me and Nobby…..

The Bloody bird wont fly and follows him about, seriously it just runs about following him like a puppy…..it will run right up to his feet and just stand there looking up at him……

I had to get Bradley to go and sit in the car so I could get him stooping……..

Buizerd

27-07-2007, 08:13 PM

You doing a great job Bradley! :supz:

Eznugud

29-07-2007, 01:47 PM

Saturday 28th July 2007

Cisco was AWOL for about 6 hours.

We were looking to try and enter him, first slip was as easy as you are going to get, Bradley sneaked up behind a wall, popped up giving Cisco a 15yd slip at 2 crows……the crows went one way Cisco the other.

At this point Bradley is thinking that’s Cisco is a vegetarian, I explained to him that its all new to him and he’s got to learn and unlike females a male needs to be 100% and Cisco may not be there yet.

Slip 2 was at a larger mixed flock, we were hoping that with a bit of luck a young corvid would panic and try to hide behind a blade of grass or something.
This time Cisco went in the direction of the crows but was not really putting any effort in, the flock started swirling up and Cisco was somewhere in with them………then he came out of the flock in a semi stoop and dropped behind the hill…
It was easier a quicker to drive on the track and go round than to walk up and over the hill, when we go to the other side of the hill I got the receiver out…….”He’s definitely on that bank side Brads”.

Out with the Binoculars, I could see a dozen or so crows sat on a wall and Cisco sat in the middle of a field……”I think he’s got one Brad”
Brad started running towards Cisco {a good ½ mile up hill}, I locked the car and just before I set off I had one more look through the binoculars, Cisco had gone and was now sitting on a wall, I shouted to Brad to lure him in.
He had a cut on his cere, we will never know what actually happened but I reckon he must have had hold of a crow and been bullied off it.

Slip 3, another small flock near the farm again hoping for a young crow to panic.
Brads un-hooded Cisco and surprisingly he left the fist instantly, completely ignored the crow and was going like a bat out of hell at 2 Curlew that I hadn’t seen.
Straight over the valley……….For nearly 6 hours we couldn’t get a signal, in the end I had the yagi through the sunroof and driving.
At around 20:30 I got a weak signal, stopped the car to get a direction and the bloody batteries on the receiver went flat……I told Brad to pass me the spare batteries out of the glove box…..No spare Batteries I had given them to my daughter the previous week for her digital camera and forgot to replace them, I didn’t have my wallet and only about £3 in change in the car…….****.
No choice, go home, get something to eat, new batteries then back out and find him in the dark…..

We were driving home along a small track about 4 miles from where I had got the faint signal when Bradley screamed “HES THERE”……….Cisco was flying about 200yds away from the car heading in the sane direction……..I stopped, Brads jumped out and brought him in to the lure……

LOL….Bradley is convinced that Cisco was following us.

Off out in about an hour or so to try him again, he should touch wood be entered within the next 3 or 4 days its just a case of dropping on that weak crow….

Matthew Patching

29-07-2007, 01:54 PM

Saturday 28th July 2007

LOL….Bradley is convinced that Cisco was following us.

….

I had a very similar feeling last weekend!!!!!:roll:

Eznugud

29-07-2007, 08:53 PM

Sunday 29th July 2007

Talk about frustrated, I had forgotten how frustrating this time of year can be…..

I took Bradley and Cisco to the tops again trying to get him entered….

First slip, we spotted about a dozen crows in a half decent location, Bradley sneaked along the wall and popped up with Cisco when he got level with them…….Cisco completely ignored them, Bradley hooded him and got back into the car very disappointed.

Second slip, we drove half mile down the lane and spotted a huge mixed flock……..Bradley decided he was going to try him.
Brad got out of the car and sneaked along the wall again he popped up when he was in a decent position………Cisco hesitated for a few seconds then left the fist and powered into the flock…..a gull was slow getting off the ground and Cisco bound to it about 5 feet off the ground and dropped to the floor with it……..the gull started screaming and Cisco panicked let go………Bradley was gutted.

Third Slip, 20yd slip at a mixed flock {about 20 corvids} this time Cisco left the fist instantly and really powered towards them……..he was really trying but got beat to a few trees, Bradley ran over to try a get the to flush but no chance……

He brought Cisco in to a dead crow and fed him up…….Maybe we will have better luck tomorrow.

Matthew Patching

30-07-2007, 06:52 PM

I hope that you do have better luck tomorrow, there is nothing more frustrating than a bird that hits somthing then gets off because the thing starts complaining.

Still I am sure that he will get over it, and will be going for anything that moves in the very near future!:D

Eznugud

30-07-2007, 09:40 PM

A few Photos from yesterday that i forgot about.....

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00036.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00038.sized.jpg

Pendleside

30-07-2007, 09:43 PM

A few Photos from yesterday that i forgot about.....

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00036.sized.jpg

sneaky little bleeder int he ! :lol: :lol:

Eznugud

30-07-2007, 09:44 PM

Monday 30th July 2007

And So It Begins…………………..

Slip 1…..Brad slipped Cisco at a group of 8 crows, he left the fist the instant the hood came off but didn’t look like he was really trying until it was to late and turned on the speed but got beat to a bush…..Bradley ran over but Cisco didn’t know to wait, Brad brought him to the lure and off we went looking for another slip.

Slip 2……I don’t like slipping a un-entered falcon a massive flocks but we were getting desperate, we had spotted a massive flock of well over 200 corvids, I suggested that Brad take the slip with the hope that Cisco would spot the weak one……..
Brads slipped the hood; Cisco didn’t go straight away I think the amount of corvids in front of him was a bit of a shock to the system.
After about 10 / 15 seconds the left the fist and started climbing to the now swirling flock, it was long before we had lost sight of him in the flock….
A Jackdaw dropped out of the flock with Cisco powering after it, stoop throw up, stoop throw up, stoop throw up…….this Jackdaw could fly but Cisco was not giving up he was now sticking with it and countering every twist and turn…….eventually after one of the most exciting tail chases I have witnessed the Jackdaw lost its nerve and dropped to the side of a bale…..Cisco slammed into it leaving indentation of the Jackdaw in the bale.
I turned to say “well done” to Brads but he was already running across the field to protect his young falcon from the horde of crows that were now attacking him on his prize.

……………………………

I really can’t put into words how proud I am of Bradley, 37 days to train and enter a young male Gyr x Pere is a great achievement by anyone’s standards.
Bradley’s face was a picture while he was sat beside Cisco feeding on his first kill…….at first he was a little disappointed that it was a Jackdaw and not a Crow, I explained to him that Cisco went for the weakest in the flock and it turned out to be a Jackdaw and it will not stop him catching Crows in the future……that smartened him up a bit..

Bradley’s quote of the day, when we were walking back to the car…..

“He’s not a baby any more is he Dad”

I am pretty disappointed with myself, I forgot my mobile so no photo of Brads with his first kill with a falcon that he trained on his own, got one when we got home.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00042.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00043.sized.jpg

This was just before we went out, Brad giving Cisco a pep talk and telling him what was expected…It worked.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00041.sized.jpg

Pendleside

30-07-2007, 09:49 PM

and blooded to boot .:D

well done cisco and brad .8-)
lets hope its the first of many .
pleased for the pair of you .:supz: :supz:

FredrickFogg

30-07-2007, 10:12 PM

and blooded to boot .:D

well done cisco and brad .8-)
lets hope its the first of many .
pleased for the pair of you .:supz: :supz:

Just Awesome! I LOVE THIS THREAD! I can't wait to see updates everyday. Way to go Brad and Cisco! That smile on Brad's face say everything you need to know. You guys really inspire me to get a falcon one of these days!

Fred

M & J Raptors

30-07-2007, 10:28 PM

well done brad, kept an eye on the thread, really pleased for him shaun,

regards

mick

Pendleside

30-07-2007, 10:31 PM

You guys really inspire me to get a falcon one of these days!
Fred

its not that good . :roll:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

SnakeHuts

30-07-2007, 11:03 PM

Well done Brad, Cisco and Shaun have a great season

TimDog80

30-07-2007, 11:23 PM

cracking stuff:supz:
cant wait for the next update!!!!!

cant think of what could be a more satisfying days hawking than spending it with my son as you do with yours:goodman:

regards
tim:D

Fawkes

31-07-2007, 12:53 AM

Way to go Brad! I love this thread - it is always fun to read how Cisco is coming on in his training. Great to hear he is now entered! Keep the stories and pictures coming! :supz:

Ned

31-07-2007, 01:45 AM

well done brad,cisco and shaun
all the best ned:supz:

Martin Whitley

31-07-2007, 06:35 AM

Congratulations Brad, first of many for you

Grey_Squirrel_Hawker

31-07-2007, 06:40 AM

absolutely brilliant!:supz:

Buizerd

31-07-2007, 09:13 AM

Congratulations with your first kill! :supz:

robaa

31-07-2007, 09:13 AM

just read this thread well done hope its the first of many.will be following this thread for progress.all the best rob:supz:

MnM

31-07-2007, 09:13 AM

Fantastic! Well done Brad and Cisco.

Miliscer

31-07-2007, 09:32 AM

Well done Brad' !!

Hows your dad getting on with his Gry/Per? is he ready to get him going yet :twisted:

Mike

Elly

31-07-2007, 10:27 AM

Im absolutely made up for you both! The fun begins here! :supz:

Richard

31-07-2007, 10:58 AM

Good going Bradley, heres to many more:)

Eznugud

31-07-2007, 11:08 AM

Brads words not mine........Hes just registered an account but not allowed to post just yet due to age restrictions etc.......

So he wrote the following on a piece of paper and i am copying it word for word.

Thank you for all the great coments I realy like reading them all, im realy proud of cisco yesterday was just brilliant and umberleaverble for myself. When i saw cisco stuping at the jackdoe my heart was in my mouth. Cisco put in about 6 - 7 stoops before catching the jackdoor. When i jumped over the wall and was runing to help cisco i couldnt beeleve it.
At first i didnt know what he had caught only till i got there. I was a bit disapointed that is first kill was a jackdoor anyway it is still black and it wont stop him from killing crows in the futcher.

Thankyou

Bradley

Miliscer

31-07-2007, 11:40 AM

Wicked!! :supz: 8-)

Mike

Falcun

31-07-2007, 12:59 PM

Well Done Bradley :supz::supz:

Cheers
Philip

Kanati

31-07-2007, 01:08 PM

:supz: congrats guys...sounds like it was a cracking first kill... i liked the 'indentation on the bale' part :lol:

Matthew Patching

31-07-2007, 04:12 PM

Cracking, made up for you both, there will be no stopping him soon, and then you will have a freezer full of crows again. All the best and keep it up.

Matt.

Pendleside

31-07-2007, 04:39 PM

Slippery Teal

31-07-2007, 05:41 PM

Well done bradley keep up the good work.

Ryan

Martin Whitley

31-07-2007, 06:22 PM

and about time .
good post brad . :rolleyes: :supz: :supz: :supz:
Seconded, It's about time we had first hand reports you Bradley, again well done

JupeSingh

31-07-2007, 06:31 PM

Well-done Bradley!

Reading this thread has been really good for a newbie like me regarding falcons. Makes me want to get a longwing as my first bird :D

GyrXPeales

31-07-2007, 06:47 PM

As they say in some parts of the great state of Oklahoma. "YeeeeeHaaaaa, way to get er done boy!!":lol:
That's the most awesome thing I've read in a long time Bradley. It would have been interesting to take your pulse rate when you jumped over that wall.
No more young Bradley for you, you've been blooded. From now on it's Sir Bradley a by god falconer.
Well done Bradley, Shaun and Cisco, really well done!!!
My very best,
Jeff

Mark Collins

31-07-2007, 08:24 PM

Well done Bradley, nice one , first kill, good luck with him, cheers, mark.

Dude

31-07-2007, 08:45 PM

SnakeHuts

31-07-2007, 08:51 PM

Bradley,

Any crowhawk who can take a jackdaw as his first kill will not have a problem taking any other black stuff....bets of luck

Eznugud

31-07-2007, 09:28 PM

Number 2 for Cisco & Brad

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00058.sized.jpg

Tuesday 31st July 2007

We spotted 3 Rooks in a half decent position, within reach of the farm but beggars can’t be choosers, I suggested to Brad that he takes the slip.
We got in a down wind position, Bradley un-hooded Cisco and started walking towards the Rooks the second they lifted Cisco was way.
He was really turning on the speed and surprisingly for an inexperienced falcon was climbing and working hard to get above the Rooks, the Rooks were also fancying their chances and were going to try and beat the falcon in the air………..dependent on how bad Cisco wants it we are in for a good flight.

Cisco was really climbing hard and was now in front of and above the Rooks who were now heading for the farm, Cisco picked out a Rook and turned it {Bradley was now screaming like a girl}, the flight was coming back towards us……
Cisco flipped over and put in a cracking little stoop, the Rook jinked and Cisco missed, on his way back up you saw a foot snatch out at the Rook but missed again…….
They were now locked in a battle of tight turns in the middle of the field about 50feet up, Cisco got above the Rook and put in a neat short little stoop and bound the Rook maybe 30feet in the air…

Slip 1

This was about 5 minutes before the slip at the 3 Rooks, Bradley slip Cisco a group of 12 Rooks and Crows…..he left the fist immediately but flew in the opposite direction and landed on a wall about ½ mile away….Called into lure

This little falcons got a head on its shoulders, I have flown quite a few crow falcons and seen quite a few and I have never seen a falcon so inexperienced use its head like this one did today…..he’s a very intelligent little falcon.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00054.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00057.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00062.sized.jpg

Eznugud

31-07-2007, 09:31 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00060.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00061.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00068.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00070.sized.jpg

Mark Collins

31-07-2007, 09:35 PM

Brilliant well done bradley, mark.

Falcun

31-07-2007, 09:41 PM

Well done Bradley, you have done a good job with him, Enjoy the fruit of your work:supz::supz:

Cheers
Philip

TLDWB

31-07-2007, 10:01 PM

Well done.:supz:

Tom

Matthew Patching

31-07-2007, 10:09 PM

SnakeHuts

31-07-2007, 10:15 PM

Another good kill, well done young man.....

Eznugud

31-07-2007, 10:16 PM

Spot on!!!! I wish my feilds looked somthing like that! I spoke to one of my landowners today and he said its going to be a good 2 weeks before they think about cutting. This is going to be a long two weeks.

Still not cleaned out your hawking vest Brads???

Matt they started cutting here a few days ago....Thank God.

I was starting to worry about it, it does make life a lot easier with them cut...

No, his hawking vest is still full of maggots:-|

Benny H

31-07-2007, 10:21 PM

Well done to you both..:supz: :supz:

Murph

31-07-2007, 10:26 PM

Young girls and boys like that are the future of falconry ! look at whats hes doing at his age! imagine what he will do in the future! well done. Just wish i could get my doys interested!

Sparrow Hawker

31-07-2007, 10:35 PM

Well done Bradley:supz: good to see youngsters taking an interest they'll be no stopping you now!

SH

StoopDoggyDogg

31-07-2007, 11:14 PM

Well done!! That bird is going to be AWESOME !!

:supz: :supz:

TimDog80

31-07-2007, 11:28 PM

pure quality:supz: ..............welldone brand and dad!!!!!!!:D

regards
tim:D

BestBeagler

01-08-2007, 12:30 AM

Congratulations. I enjoy this thread a lot. Your progress had been phenomenal :supz: . Isaac

Pendleside

01-08-2007, 01:32 AM

Number 2 for Cisco & Brad

{Bradley was now screaming like a girl},

video and sound effects next shaun .:supz:
we need to hear the exitement ...........even if he sounds like a girl . :lol: :lol:

Rico1

01-08-2007, 07:28 AM

[QUOTE=Eznugud;632367]http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00060.sized.jpg

Congratulatin !!!!!!
Paolo

ReluctantTwitcher

01-08-2007, 07:55 AM

Congratulations Brad & Shaun - Top bombing!!! I had troubles with my Internet connection yesterday so didn't catch up with this thread until now,
and all of a sudden you guys have managed to not only get Cisco entered but get a second kill with him as well! As SnakeHuts rightly said, any crowhawk who can take a jackdaw as his first kill will not have a problem taking any other black stuff (they certainly can twist & turn and stay out of harm's way...). So you deserve to be very proud indeed. Here's to the rest of your season!

Cheers,
/Magnus

Eznugud

01-08-2007, 12:07 PM

Thanks for all the comments & support, I get the feeling that this is one of the reasons Bradley is really giving his all to make Cisco a good hunting falcon; I’m sure Brads will reply once he gets out of bed! X-box live until about 3.00am

Not sure if Cisco will be out this evening with the amount of food he’s had the last two days, he’s still to cast but it’s not looking good.........seriously considering popping him in the freezer for 10mins;-)

Rex06

01-08-2007, 01:21 PM

congrats again m8
i do even think (i say think) that jackdaws are smarter and so a bit harder to catch than a crow , crows would rather be harder to hold.

Matthew Lambert

01-08-2007, 04:55 PM

Brilliant thread keep both there progress coming:supz: :supz:

Dude

01-08-2007, 05:45 PM

Well done Brad! Brilliant job!

ATB,
Dan.

Stu Bailey

01-08-2007, 05:46 PM

Excellent Thread

Wish i had the space to give it a go,so its nice to read threads like this...

Makes up for it....:D

HawkNorth

01-08-2007, 05:52 PM

Well done brad you'll maybe give me a few tips excellent thread

Buizerd

01-08-2007, 06:38 PM

I love the first photo! Keep up the good work Bradley! I would give everything to start with falconry at my age (i'm 15 now), but unfortunately, my parents wont let me do my thing...

Dude

01-08-2007, 08:01 PM

I love the first photo! Keep up the good work Bradley! I would give everything to start with falconry at my age (i'm 15 now), but unfortunately, my parents wont let me do my thing...

keep fighting 4 ur right! :supz:

Eznugud

02-08-2007, 05:01 PM

Wednesday 1st August 2007

Took Bradley and Cisco on to the tops looking for his 3rd kill….
We spotted a nicely positioned group of 6 crows, Bradley took Cisco from the back of the Land Rover and started to walk towards to Crows……I got out of the driver seat the collapsed onto to floor squirming in agony …….I shouted to Brad not to slip him.

I have never been in such pain in my life, I was crawling about on the side of the road clutching my stomach and vomiting at the same time….
Bradley put Cisco back on the cadge, got my mobile and phoned his Mum then phoned for an ambulance.
The farmer who was cutting the field stayed with Bradley while his Mum arrived and the Ambulance took me straight to hospital..

I got home a few hours ago, Kidney Stones……..So Cisco’s had to have 2 days off but young Bradley used his head today and fed both Falcons early morning so we have loads of leeway for tomorrow.

1ABHawker

02-08-2007, 05:16 PM

bloody hell, just p.m'd you to ask how you were! not so good it seems. hope brad wasn't to upset by it.

regards, james.

Sandeep

02-08-2007, 05:36 PM

Matthew Patching

02-08-2007, 05:42 PM

**** shaun, Hope your feeling better mate, That has got to be a painful experience. Take it easy, for a few days, Im sure that bradley can cope with 2 falcons!

Dude

02-08-2007, 05:48 PM

Take time off and rest for a while before going out to the field again.... This is an awesome thread and I love the fact that your son is already a falconer at such a young age. This is what we all need to keep this sport of the Kings alive..

Keep up the good work! Bradly may give us sum advices in the future! Or yet?! ;)

Pendleside

02-08-2007, 05:55 PM

Number 2 for Cisco & Brad

Bradley was now screaming like a girl

TIME TO GET YOUR OWN BACK BRAD :yawinkle: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Rex06

02-08-2007, 06:24 PM

kidney stones: drink more, sweat less :p its time for bradley to do the sweating hehe.
i wish u 2 alot of luck and a good/better health

Falcun

02-08-2007, 06:51 PM

Hope you are better now.

Make a herbal infusion of Small Leaved Micromeria. It really help in removing renal stones.

Eznugud

03-08-2007, 07:40 PM

Number 3 for Cisco & Brad

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00093.sized.jpg

Friday 3rd August 2007

After an enforced 2 day break Brad was chomping at the bit to get out today…
Within minutes of arriving Bradley spotted a single Rook in the same field that Cisco caught his last Rook.
After a small discussion Brads made the decision to take the slip…….He got Cisco from the Back of the Land Rover and started to walk towards the Rook, the second the Rook lifted Cisco left the fist.
You could see from the falcons shape that he meant business and this Rook would need to do some serious flying to beat him.
The Rook was climbing and heading directly for the farm, Cisco was now about 30feet higher and catching up fast, he turned over and put in a nice little stoop, a brilliantly timed side step by the Rook caused Cisco to miss…..Cisco immediately threw up to ready to go again but the Rook knew it had now lost the aerial battle and was now just 4 feet off the ground and trying to get to the wall……Cisco hit the afterburner and dropped into position directly behind the Rook and bound to it about 3 feet before the wall……..

………………………………………………

I actually advised Bradley against slipping at the single Rook……..

“Brads, its up to you mate but do you thinks he’s ready for singles yet?” ………..

“We’ll see in a minute Dad because I’m going to try him”

Bradley made the right choice.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00073.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00080.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00087.sized.jpg

Eznugud

03-08-2007, 07:41 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00091.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00095.sized.jpg

Elly

03-08-2007, 07:42 PM

Top Man Bradley, really really great to read this thread and see you both progress on a daily basis.

Matthew Patching

03-08-2007, 07:45 PM

very nice, Im struggling to find anything more than singles and doubles at the moment.

Im pleased that he is doing well for you bradley, Keep up the good work.

GregMik

03-08-2007, 07:48 PM

Good Job Brad!!! Awesome thread!:supz:

Greg

Fawkes

03-08-2007, 09:14 PM

Good one Brad - you make me want to try hunting crows instead of ducks with my female pere!

Martin Whitley

03-08-2007, 09:18 PM

Well done again brad, but where's the hawking vest?:lol:

Mark Collins

03-08-2007, 09:19 PM

Brilliant, well done Bradley.

Rex06

04-08-2007, 03:17 PM

and tell us, what has happend today (i can't whait :lol: )
another rook or finally a crow ?
wish alot of luck blokes :p

greetzz

Eznugud

04-08-2007, 09:26 PM

Number 4 for Cisco and Brad

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00104.sized.jpg
the flight started at the top of the hill in the far distance of the photo.

Saturday 4th August 2007

Bradley spotted a group of approx 8{he’s starting to get an eye for the slips now} crows in a pretty good position, we couldn’t get a bang on into wind slip but it was one of those slips you have to take.
Cisco was very jumpy on the fist; Bradley was struggling trying to keep him out of sight until he got onto position.
The crows spotted him and lifted before Bradley got into position, he quickly un-hooded Cisco and gave him a little encouragement to leave the fist.

The crows were now gaining height and speed, they turned down wind and I thought it was all over, Cisco fancied his chances and was now powering after the crows…….within seconds they were over the valley and a good 200feet up.

Cisco picked his crow and put in a cracking shallow stoop pumping all the way, how he missed to crow I’ll never know….
They were now jockeying for position and getting higher and higher and further and further away…….they were so close you would have thought they were joined together with a bit of string.
The crow made a break for the ground in what you could only call a vertical spiralling stoop with Cisco inches behind……about 100feet off the ground Cisco bound to the crow and the came spiralling down to earth….Cisco had his 4th kill and 1st crow of the season.

The flight lasted a good 10 minutes and covered about 1 mile.

……………………………………….

That was one of best flights I have seen for a long time, in fact it could be one of the best flights I have seen.
It was really unexpected, I thought that if Cisco was going to catch one of the crows were Bradley slipped from that it would be all over in seconds and in the same field…..just goes to show how a near mess up of a slip can turn into something special.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00105.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00110.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00106.sized.jpg

Elly

04-08-2007, 09:28 PM

Hes getting a taste for it now. :supz:

Eznugud

04-08-2007, 09:29 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00100.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00101.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00117.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00118.sized.jpg

Martin Whitley

04-08-2007, 09:53 PM

Good stuff Brad, keep up with it and your fathers going to have his work cut out to keep up.
I'm pleased to see the vest has finaly reapeared:lol:

Matthew Patching

04-08-2007, 09:56 PM

Nice photos shaun, hey thanks for the fone call tonight, realy made my day:roll: , almost as much as the fox did about 2 hours later.:twisted:

Pendleside

04-08-2007, 10:03 PM

so where's the story in brads own words ?:supz:

Ned

04-08-2007, 10:07 PM

well done brads,cisco+shaun:supz:

Eznugud

04-08-2007, 10:10 PM

Good stuff Brad, keep up with it and your fathers going to have his work cut out to keep up.
I'm pleased to see the vest has finaly reapeared:lol:

Martin tell me about it, the pressure is really on.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but Brads swapped hoods, apparently Cisco must wear the hood with the green panels because I cant call my falcon a rook hawk because its not caught anything.

Nice photos shaun, hey thanks for the fone call tonight, realy made my day:roll: , almost as much as the fox did about 2 hours later.:twisted:

Matt, it was Bradley’s idea with the phone call…..honest.:wink:

Rex06

04-08-2007, 10:10 PM

Eznugud

04-08-2007, 10:15 PM

:o :rolleyes:

do i see a hawking vest around bradleys body ? lol
is it another one or the dirty (now cleaned out) one ?
and congrats on the first crow, only now its a real crow falcon.
thats 4 in 4 days hunting isn't it ? really top m8 i can't whait till nr 5 tomorow :wink: kee up the good work

greetzz

No its the old vest and guess who ended up cleaning it.....:-x

No hunting tomorrow i have to go into work, so in Bradleys words "Cisco was left to pig out on the crow"

Eznugud

04-08-2007, 10:22 PM

so where's the story in brads own words ?:supz:

Pete, hes a lazy little sod.....

hes says hes going to put todays events into his diary tomorrow.

I have to pm admin about his acount, because hes under 13 i have to fill in a form and post {no address on the form} before he can post.
Hes on my lap top so i suppose it the same ip so was going to ask for them to just activate his acount for posting then i think he would update this himself now......you may have the live with being a few days behind though..;)

Freddie1

05-08-2007, 09:32 AM

Young man you are a true young falconer and I think alot of people on here could learn an awfull lot from you, you have shown commitment from day one and are now reaping the fruits of your labours I for one take my hat off to you BRAD. I have two daughters that are working hard at bringing on birds and you have been of great help in there quest.

Dad you are a very lucky man to have a son like this I hope my son will one day follow in the same way.

Well done to you both and I think this should be the thread of the year 2007!
Kind Regards
Steve & Family:supz: :supz:

Eznugud

06-08-2007, 07:48 PM

Number 5 for Cisco

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00125.sized.jpg

Monday 6th August 2007

{in Bradleys words}

Today we saw some crows in a field, about 5 of them; I got Cisco out of the back of the car, striked his braces and walked towards the field where the crows were sat.
Then when I reached the wall I took off Cisco’s hood and held him up in the air, the crows started flying and Cisco took off instantly.
Cisco was behind the crows in a matter of seconds and choosing his target, he picked a crow and chased it to the ground the crow dodged Cisco and was flying back up into the sky with Cisco still chasing it.
The crow then started heading to the farm in the valley, me and my Dad lost sight of Cisco and the crow near the farm.
We got back in the car and headed down to the farm, we parked the car and got the telemetry out and picked up a strong signal from Ciscos transmitter, 20 meters from where we parked we found Cisco on the crow, he had caught it before it had got to the trees near the farm.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00121.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00122.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00131.sized.jpg

Martin Whitley

06-08-2007, 07:49 PM

well done yet again Brad, good to here it in your own words

Eznugud

06-08-2007, 07:50 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00132.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00135.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00139.sized.jpg

Pendleside

06-08-2007, 07:51 PM

you need mr. massey with you for some action shots .:yawinkle:
well done again brad . :supz:

FredrickFogg

07-08-2007, 03:00 PM

Good job Brad, you and Cisco are kicking butt! :supz: :supz:

Fred

Sandeep

07-08-2007, 03:42 PM

Awesome Brad... This is got to be one of the best threads... Keep posting pictures... All the very best to you....:supz:

Miliscer

07-08-2007, 07:09 PM

Working the black stuff like a pro now!

Well done - looking forward to meeting you and your bird in a couple of weeks hopefully (or sooner?)

Mike

Eznugud

07-08-2007, 08:59 PM

Number 6 for Cisco

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00153.sized.jpg

Tuesday 7th August 2007
{In Brad’s words}

When we got up to the tops my Dad saw 3 crows in a field, Dad stopped the car and I got Cisco out of the back.
My Dad told me to hold Cisco low and to keep behind him until we got close enough to the crows.
Then I took his hood off and held him up so that he could see the crows, he then dropped his wings, started bobbing his head, had a poo and set off in the direction of the crows.
When the crows started flying we had a shock because in the field just behind the one the 3 crows where in about 50 crows lifted and Cisco went straight in to the flock choosing a target.
Cisco found the one that he wanted and forced it to set out of the flock, the crow dropped by a wall and as Cisco was about to grab it the crow went through the barded wire on top of the wall and Cisco hit the wall.
The crow was getting away and catching up with the rest of the flock; Cisco had been a bit put off with hitting the wall but was now flying up into the flock again after his crow.
He flew really fast and caught the same crow in the air about 100 foot up just above the small valley and it looked like they were just floating down to the ground in slow motion.
I ran as fast I could because all the crows were diving at him on the floor, when I got there I found out it was a really big crow and Cisco was still fighting with it on the floor, the crow had hold of Cisco leg with its foot, Cisco was trying to kill the crow but the crow was very big and was fighting back very hard so I killed the crow because I didn’t want it to hurt Cisco anymore.
I have given him a full crop because he had a really hard time with this crow so I will not be able to fly him tomorrow.

…………………………………………….

What a flight, it was a cracker to watch……not a classic high ringing flight but it covered some ground and by God this little falcon is bloody fast and his footing is stop on…..
It was a bit of a shock when the 50 plus corvids got up from behind the wall, they were only 20yds from the 3 that Bradley slipped at but we couldn’t see them because of the wall.
Brads was pretty upset when it got to them, it was a bloody big upland crow and was still putting up a good fight, its always a bit of a lottery when the bind to the in the air……..sometimes they get their feet in the right place sometimes the don’t….

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00142.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00143.sized.jpg
Can you spot Bradley and Cisco?....I cant keep up with him.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00146.sized.jpg

Matthew Patching

07-08-2007, 09:06 PM

Nice, nothing doing tonight, so I just let him play about in the wind for an hour and a half, course he would be fitter if he was an imprint:wink:

Is bradley gonna take his shoes off to when he runs out of fingers????

Eznugud

07-08-2007, 09:09 PM

A few More.....

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00147.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00151.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00154.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00156.sized.jpg

Eznugud

07-08-2007, 09:11 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00157.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00161.sized.jpg

Martin Whitley

07-08-2007, 09:17 PM

well done yet again, that is a cracking falcon you're flying

Ares

07-08-2007, 10:12 PM

jup thats a big one , a shame of the fence, always shocking when something like that happends. happely no serious injuries
i ,wish u lot of black feathers in the futur m8

greetzz

Rico1

08-08-2007, 10:33 AM

Congratulations. Very nice to read every day a new hunting story.
I'm looking forward for number 7
Paolo

Dude

08-08-2007, 04:51 PM

awesome Brad! Keep them comin' ! :supz:

MarkieBoi

08-08-2007, 05:44 PM

very nice bird best of luck

JupeSingh

08-08-2007, 11:57 PM

Shaun, Bradley

Thanks for posting so often - i know it must take time and effort. Please do continue.

i look forward to reading this thread every evening. i re-read the whole thread just now to digest the learning points, hints and tips it contains - lots of useful stuff for aspiring would-be's like me :D

Atma Singh

Mark Collins

09-08-2007, 07:26 PM

Way to go bradley, good luck to you mate.

Eznugud

09-08-2007, 09:53 PM

Number 7 for Cisco

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00182.sized.jpg

Thursday 9th August 2007

We spotted about 3 or 4 crows in a pretty good position, maybe closer to the farm building than you would like but Cisco’s already had 2 kills in this field so Bradley wanted to slip him.
Cisco was a little slow off the fist but he had been in the hood for a good 4 hours, when he eventually left the fist he picked his crow and we had a bloody good tail chase, Cisco was trying but could not get a foot to the crow, eventually the crow buckled under the pressure from Cisco and dropped behind the wall, Cisco dropped straight in behind him……….Both me and Bradley thought that was it but the next second the crow came up from behind the wall with Cisco not far behind him, again Cisco put in a couple attacks but just could not get onto terms with it, this was a very good and clever crow, Cisco had finally met his match……..
Cisco then changed tactics, turned to get some distance between him and the crow, he then turned again and started powering after the crow who was now heading for the farm and it was touch and go whether or not Cisco would catch up……but he was pumping hard and giving it his all.
The crow beat him to a silo in the farm yard, we are talking feet…Cisco had missed judged it.

When we got to the farm yard Cisco was sat on a fence under the Silo, Brad was just about to call him in when the set off behind the farm house like a bat out of hell…..
We ran to the top of the drive to watch were he was going but not a sign, I got the telemetry out and got a very faint signal, telling me that he was at the other side of the valley…I then lost the signal.

I cut this bit short because…..what happens in the field stays in the field.

We picked him up about 45mins later behind the farm house with a crow that had been plucked so much it was oven ready……….Basically it was 20yds from the silo, he had left the fence and caught the crow instantly…..we had run up the drive to watch for him instead of running round the back of the farm house……..the reason I got a weak signal was because the coax cable to the yagi had broke……..and because it was such a weak signal I assumed he was at the other side of the valley but thinking about it later it was impossible for him to have covered that ground without us seeing him, lucky Matt was with us with his telemetry or he could have been out all night …

Lesson learned check coax more often.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00188.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00185.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00190.sized.jpg

Martin Whitley

09-08-2007, 09:57 PM

Well done yet again Brad

CloudBase1664

09-08-2007, 10:27 PM

[QUOTE=Eznugud;638774]Number 7 for Cisco

[Shaun
A friend of mine Henri swears by gyr/peri tiercels for this sort of hawking .Having helped Brad get this fellow going well how would you say they compare to peri/saker tiercels?

Dave

Matthew Patching

10-08-2007, 10:01 AM

I was reliving that flight over as I was reading it, I realy thought he had it behind those sillos, and it wasnt until he hopped up on the fence that I realised he didnt.

Good flight, I got to watch it through the scope, and he wasnt going to give up!

Well done bradley, roll on number 8!

Big JoeJoe

10-08-2007, 11:29 AM

This is fantastic. Seeing a youngster, man, train and hunt a superb falcon and do it with such enthusiasm and success. I am really made up for you Brad, your Brill. :supz: :supz: :supz: :supz:

Cheers Joe

Eznugud

10-08-2007, 08:57 PM

Number 8 for Cisco

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00197.sized.jpg

10th August 2007

IN BRADS WORDS

My Dad wanted us to see how good Cisco really is and how much further away he would take slips today.
When we had driven on to the tops I spotted about 20 crows in a field that had just been ploughed, my Dad said it was 300 to 400yds but it looked a long way.
When we stopped the car I got Cisco out of the back and climbed onto a wall and un-hooded Cisco he bobbed his head about 5 times and then set off towards to crows really fast and going high.
When the crows took off the field Cisco was already very high up in the sky and after a bit longer he was right above the crows and he stooped into the crows but was pumping his wings at the same time and he came from all the crows chasing one of them to the ground.
The crow landed on the floor and then it squeezed through the sheep fence to the other field but Cisco did not see the fence and he flew into it and the crow flew off.
I thought that Cisco could have hurt himself by flying in to the sheep fence and was very worried but he started flying again and flew right round in a big circle and started flying after the crow again the crow was getting high and Cisco was flying nearly straight up to get him, when Cisco got to the same height of the crow the crow started flying to the ground again but Cisco followed him and grabbed the crow in he air and they landed in the middle of the field and all the other crows started to come back so I ran right up the hill to help him
When I got to the field that I saw Cisco and the crow fall into I could not see him but I could see my dad right down at the car waving to the right so I started walking to the right of the field and could not find Cisco, I could see my Dad at the car waving to the left so I started going back when I heard Cisco’s bell he was in the middle of a lot of young bulls with the crow.
I walked over very slow and careful because I did not want the young bulls to get excited and could stand on Cisco.
When my Dad came over to me he said the young bulls were getting a bit giddy and that they are daft so we should pick Cisco and crow up and move to the edge of the field out of the young bulls way because if they did get excited they could stand on Cisco even if the wouldn’t mean to.
My Dad checked Cisco that he was all right with flying into the fence and my Dad says he looks ok and it will not be the last time Cisco bangs in to something.

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00196.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00201.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00203.sized.jpg

A friend of mine Henri swears by gyr/peri tiercels for this sort of hawking .Having helped Brad get this fellow going well how would you say they compare to peri/saker tiercels?

Dave…….hard one to answer mate, I will be able to give a better comparison in about 6 months when I’ve had more time with them

To be honest I don’t think there’s a lot in it between the male gyr x pere and male pere x saker with regards to actually catching crows.
Given to choice I would now always go for the male gyr x pere……you have a little bit extra weight that gives them a better chance on the floor with the crow, they seem to prefer to take the crow in the air, they can definitely cut through the wind better and seem to be quite a bit faster….and they have bottle, very brave little falcons.

Eznugud

10-08-2007, 09:00 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00211.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00214.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00216.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00220.sized.jpg

Mark Collins

10-08-2007, 09:08 PM

Well done mate.

Pendleside

10-08-2007, 09:13 PM

well done again brad .:supz:

Pendleside

10-08-2007, 09:15 PM

Number 8 for Cisco

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00197.sized.jpg

.

how many fingers dad ?:D :D :D

Eznugud

10-08-2007, 09:20 PM

This is "Take Two".......but i liked the first one best..:lol:

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00198.sized.jpg

Matthew Patching

10-08-2007, 09:21 PM

how many fingers dad ?:D :D :D

Lol.

Nice work brad. he'll be into double figers before you know it!

Pendleside

10-08-2007, 09:25 PM

Lol.

Nice work brad. he'll be into double figers before you know it!

toes next .8-)
when he gets past 21 he's knackered though .:lol: :lol: :lol:

Ned

10-08-2007, 09:35 PM

top notch falconry brad,atb ned.:supz:

Eznugud

11-08-2007, 08:07 PM

Number 9 for Cisco

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00233.sized.jpg

Saturday 11th August 2007

Short and sweet today
Brad spotted 2 crows in the same field again and again he insisted on taking the slip.
Cisco had learned his lesson and instead of getting himself into a dog fight he immediately started to climb when he left Brads fist.
The crows were about 10 feet above the ground and heading for a small wood, they had completely ignored a small bush that I had expected them to head for; Cisco got in front and turned the back towards us.
Both crows were now going hell for leather for a small cattle shed in the corner of the field, Cisco was still climbing…….I though he had left it to long
He got himself directly above the crows put in a banger of a stoop and hit the crow about 2 feet in front of a wall and not many yards from the sanctuary of the cattle shed……

Brad fed him up until he stepped off the crow himself, I have to go into work tomorrow so its Cisco’s day off…

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00228.sized.jpg the slip

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00229.sized.jpg and hes off like a whippet to help cisco

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00230.sized.jpg

Eznugud

11-08-2007, 08:10 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00235.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00238.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00240.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00242.sized.jpg

Matthew Patching

11-08-2007, 08:12 PM

nice one he is learning all the time, and if he carries on you will have no crows for nobby! lol.

Well done brad, still want a gos?

Martin Whitley

11-08-2007, 09:18 PM

Brad, with a falcon like this why do you want a Gos?:lol:

Pendleside

11-08-2007, 10:22 PM

Brad, with a falcon like this why do you want a Gos?:lol:

look at him go across that field in pursuit .
the lad is made for the job .:supz:
and he will get to share the spoils with a gos .:D
i dont think mum will be happy making crow pie .:vom:

Eznugud

13-08-2007, 09:22 PM

NUMBER 10 FOR CISCO

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00249.sized.jpg

Monday 13th August 2007

After having the day off yesterday Bradley was chomping at the bit to get Cisco out.
Brads picked a half decent slip for Cisco tonight, a mixed flock of crows, gulls and rooks.
We were in an elevated position giving Cisco a pretty good advantage if he used his head and use his head he did, after leaving the fist he started to climb, by the time the flock lifted Cisco was directly above then, he flipped over and put in a really impressive vertical stoop……the only thing that let it down was him missing the crow…….
The crow turned and was now coming directly towards us and down wind, I can only imagine that Cisco must have lost sight of the crow and his bearings because he did a circuit if the field before he started coming after the crow….
The crow came directly over me and Bradley and was heading for a small bush about 40yds down the lane, Cisco had now hit the afterburners and was closing the gap quickly………
Without any prompting Bradley read was happening and set off running up the lane towards the bush……
Cisco caught up with the crow before it got to the bush and put in a cracking short little stoop that the crow evaded but made it drop into the long grass by the side of the wall, Cisco followed it in……The crow dodged Cisco and lifted, it was now heading for the bush but Bradley was jumping up and down and screaming like a mad man, the crow flew past and was now heading for the small wood………..
Cisco had been struggling to get airborne out of the long grass but was now in the air and again closing the gap on the crow.
He put in a few attacks that the crow cleverly dodged……the crow was now heading back to the bush and Bradley with Cisco in hot pursuit.
The crow landed in the top of the bush and Cisco threw up, Bradley got the crow to flush, Cisco put in a stoop and the crow crashed back into the bush……Cisco threw up and was waiting, we flushed the crow again, Cisco stooped again, the crow crashed back into the bush again………Cisco threw up and must have thought “sod it”, the got himself above the bush, turned over and slammed straight into the bush and grabbed the crow…..they had a bit of rough and tumble in the top of the bush then came crashing to the ground right at Brads feet…….

And it all happened in no more that a few minutes....

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00243.sized.jpg
The slip, Cisco is there somewhere...

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00244.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00245.sized.jpg

Eznugud

13-08-2007, 09:25 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00246.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00251.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00252.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00254.sized.jpg

Eznugud

13-08-2007, 09:27 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00255.sized.jpg

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00258.sized.jpg
It was a pretty big Crow....

Eznugud

13-08-2007, 09:40 PM

Brad, with a falcon like this why do you want a Gos?:lol:

Quote of the day from Bradley......I asked him the above question when he was feeding Cisco up.....

" I like Goshawks, but i love Falcons and this is proper falconry isnt it Dad?...."

Matthew Patching

13-08-2007, 09:41 PM

It was a pretty big crow, brads gonna have arms like popeye by the end of the season, if cisco keeps that up.

Well done brads, and cisco, here's to the next one!:)

1ABHawker

13-08-2007, 10:02 PM

Top stuff, top thread.

Pendleside

13-08-2007, 10:36 PM

cracking thread .
well done again brad .8-)

only one thing wrong though :cry: ........................................

" I like Goshawks, but i love Falcons and this is proper falconry isnt it Dad?...."

dont believe his answer brad .:yawinkle:

FredrickFogg

13-08-2007, 11:01 PM

http://www.eznugud.ascuk.net/albums/album30/DSC00258.sized.jpg
It was a pretty big Crow....

Question for you Brad, is Cisco dispatching the crows or are you having to help? I have never flown a falcon and I understand that if they can, they will break the neck. I always have to help my coopers hawk dispatch crows.

Great job, both of you!

Fred

TimDog80

14-08-2007, 12:19 AM

falconry in the highest order!!!!
well done to you brad:goodman:

regards
tim:D

Martin Whitley

14-08-2007, 07:11 AM

" I like Goshawks, but i love Falcons and this is proper falconry isnt it Dad?...."
:supz: :supz:
returning to the light already:lol:
I hope his feet are clean for the next one.
Well done Brad

GriffMJ

14-08-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote of the day from Bradley......I asked him the above question when he was feeding Cisco up.....

" I like Goshawks, but i love Falcons and this is proper falconry isnt it Dad?...."

:lol: :lol: .......Longwing convert for life there Shaun :supz:

Mark Collins

14-08-2007, 06:44 PM

First class brad, keep it going, brilliant, mark.

Sparverius

15-08-2007, 09:55 AM

Eznugud

15-08-2007, 10:02 AM

Help...........:confused:
Why do I not see any photo's anymore ( since a few days )in this thread, am I to only one hving this problem??
I just see the small box with red x

Photo's in other threads I have no problem.
This is on my company PC, my home PC and my aprentices PC.

No mate its not your PC, unfortunately the server that I upload the photos to was hacked and its looks like we have lost them……..
I do have copies on my hard drive, but I can only edit a post for a limited time so cant replace them…

Sparverius

15-08-2007, 11:17 AM

Damn hackers, sorry to hear that.

One extra question for you now.......
Since you are just there for brad's transportation, mental support, taking pictures and writing storys, don't you have time to put it on video and post these besides the always very nice photo's.

This is one of the best threads ( if not THE best ) on this forum.
Don't want to miss anything.

Turumti

15-08-2007, 11:38 AM

Yes, I second that. A video would be very nice!!

Eznugud

15-08-2007, 04:33 PM

Wednesday 15th August 2007

Better be open and not just tell you about the good days…..
We didn’t fly Cisco yesterday due to my Gyr x Pere {Nobby} hitting a barbed fire fence.

We got to the tops this morning and spotted a decent slip at a good half dozen crows; Bradley took Cisco from the back of the Land Rover and set off walking towards the crows…….
Cisco is usually away the second the crows lift, today he was very slow and gave the crows one hell on an advantage……..
When he eventually went the crows were well up in the air and Cisco was climbing up to them, I was watching through the binoculars and could see that Cisco was not putting in half the effort we have come to expect of him, he went up to about 200feet with the crows then spread his wings and broke off…
Brad brought him in to the lure and off we went looking for another slip.
After about half hour we for a very good slip at about a dozen crows from an elevated position giving Cisco a massive advantage.
Again he was very slow off the fist and after 30yds gave up on the crows, turned and landed on a wall…….I told Bradley to bring him in and feed him up.

It was my fault, 30 years and I can still drop a bollock with the best of them…..
Long story short I told Brad not to feed Cisco yesterday because I wanted to get out early today because I had things to do in the afternoon……I misjudged it and he went to low, not overly low in weight but he went way to long without food, you know how you feel if you go a day without food, your not going to starve but you wouldn’t fancy running the 800meters.

Bradley is not talking to me at the moment, up until today he had 10 kills in ten hunting days and its my fault he’s not got 11 in 11……..Bloody kids, I wish I hadn’t told him what was wrong now.

Miliscer

15-08-2007, 05:40 PM

Ah but Shaun, it was a valuable lesson to him and one he will now never be likely to forget 8)

So even though he might be in a sulk now, he will in times to come, remember this and know better in future.

See you in a few hours.

Mike

Martin Whitley

15-08-2007, 06:31 PM

Ah but Shaun, it was a valuable lesson to him and one he will now never be likely to forget 8)

Mike
I bet he has, I think it's called never take advise from your father:lol:

FredrickFogg

16-08-2007, 12:23 AM

A great lesson for you both! :supz: :supz:

Fred

Eznugud

16-08-2007, 05:05 PM

NUMBER 11 FOR CISCO

39547

Thursday 16th August 2007

{IN BRADS WORDS}

I was worried about Cisco today because of yesterday and was worried that he had not been put of crows for some reason.
When we got to the tops it was really windy and very heavy rain showers.
Me and my Dad saw 4 crows in a field, we drove up the lane so that I could slip Cisco in to the wind but this also made it that the crows were longer away from us.
We drove further up the lane then turned round and came back down so that the car was covering me when I got Cisco out.
I un-hooded Cisco and started walking towards to wall with him, at first I didn’t think that Cisco was going to got but the moment the crows lifted Cisco dropped his wings and left the fist after them but I was still worried that Cisco would give them in like he did yesterday.
Then Cisco started pumping away as hard as he could and I knew than that he wasn’t going to give in, he climbed above the crows and picked out one, Cisco dived down towards his crow got behind it and caught it up like the crow was not moving.
When Cisco got close I saw his foot come out and he grabbed hold of the crow and the dropped in to the field.
Crows came out of nowhere and were swarming all over Cisco, when I was running over the field I was yelling and waving my arms to try and get them away from Cisco but they carried on attacking him.
When I got into the field I saw that one crow was on Cisco’s back and one was on the floor running at him, when I got a bit closer to him they flew off but Cisco was still fighting with the crow he had caught.
When I got to Cisco I saw that the crow had hold of Cisco by his leg and chest and was trying to bite him, I knelt down and grabbed the crow’s beak, the crow let go of Cisco’s leg and got hold of my hand, I then got my knife out and killed the crow for Cisco.

This was another very big crow and Cisco had a hard fight with it so I gave him a good feed.

39548

39549

39550

Eznugud

16-08-2007, 05:07 PM

39551

39552

39553

39554

Eznugud

16-08-2007, 05:08 PM

39557

39558

Pendleside

16-08-2007, 05:10 PM

good account brad but where's the pictures gone :(

Mark Collins

16-08-2007, 06:20 PM

Good on you brad , well done again mate, it certainly keeps you fit chasing the other crows off your falcon, keep it up , mark.

JupeSingh

16-08-2007, 09:24 PM

Hi Brad,

Well done mate!

I wanted to ask you: when you kill the big crows for Cisco with your knife, how do you do it without worrying about Cisco maybe accidentally hurting his leg or wing on the knife? Is there a special way of doing it?
Thanks and good luck. This is my favourite thead by the way :supz:

Ares

16-08-2007, 09:43 PM

Eznugud

16-08-2007, 09:45 PM

GriffMJ

16-08-2007, 09:59 PM

What no hood protectors :shock: :lol:

Sparverius

17-08-2007, 09:10 AM

It is time to rename the thread, how about :

CISCO, the proven crowfalcon of Masterfalconer Brad.:supz:

Martin Whitley

17-08-2007, 11:35 AM

well done Brad is getting a bit repetative, but well done yet again, I thought the toes were coming out this time to show the tally.
This is without a doubt the best thread on the forum,so keep it up Brad the reports are great reading

Eznugud

17-08-2007, 12:12 PM

nice again m8, keep up to good work. when u gonne start the multiple kills ?
or arent you going to do multipels

i have no idee what a crow in engalnd weighs (not even a belgian crow)
do u guys have any idee ? (in grams plz)

greetzz

I’ve just weighed the one he caught yesterday, but bare in mind it was a big ****** and it’s got all the meat off its breast and guts removed…….

486 grams, that’s about 1lb 1oz in real money, so you have got to be looking somewhere around 1lb 4oz {570grams ish}.

Cisco is going at around 1lb 9oz {710grams} give or take.

Eznugud

17-08-2007, 09:49 PM

NUMBER 12 FOR CISCO

39648

Friday 17th August 2007

The crows were very thin on the ground this evening but after a lot of searching we found them “ALL”, seriously it must have been a flock of over 400 corvids.
I looked at Brads and he had the biggest smile on his face, I then explained that we could loose sight of him very quickly but he still wanted to take the slip…
Cisco was just under ½ ounce over weight and it showed, he was quite slow leaving the fist, when he eventually went the flock were already well on their way,it looked like a bloody tornado…….Cisco powered right into the middle of them and we lost sight of him…..
After what seemed like ages Brad spotted a crow come out of the bottom of the flock heading out across the fields, Brads then screamed “Cisco’s seen him”, and there he was breaking out of the flock about 100feet above the crow and a good 200yds behind, his little wings were going so fast he looked like a big humming bird….
The crow turned down wind and towards me and Bradley and the cattle shed that we had used to hide us from the flock for the slip.
Again it was going to be touch and if Cisco could catch up in time, but he was giving it his all, he kept his height, got above the crow and tried a stoop just before the wall but missed, he threw up, turned over and hit it on the second stoop in the court yard of the cattle shed yards……..very close, another few seconds and it would have made it into the cattle shed and sanctuary.

And the crow turned out to be a rook……..

39649

39650

39651

Eznugud

17-08-2007, 09:51 PM

39652

39653

39654

Martin Whitley

17-08-2007, 09:52 PM

And the crow turned out to be a rook……..

Does that count as check:lol: ?
well done brad and cisco

Pendleside

17-08-2007, 09:55 PM

im'e sure its the same kill over and over .:yawinkle:
lets have some video .:D

TimDog80

17-08-2007, 09:55 PM

love the way you describe the flights!!!!........makes you feel like your there:-P

top thread:supz:

regards
tim:D

Matthew Patching

18-08-2007, 07:55 AM

Very nice brad, congratulations on numbers 11 & 12, you will have enough for a pie soon!

Shaun sorry missed your call last night, phone was on silent!

Mark Collins

18-08-2007, 08:47 PM

Well done mate, mark.

Ares

18-08-2007, 09:19 PM

nice nice , congratz brad (do u give cisco some kind of special drugs ?) joking

and what have the 3 bandits bin upto today ?
hunted , not hunted ? got something or not ?

keep on counting on the thread
and like pendleside says, film a piece of crow killing !
pleaaaaassssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeee :confused: :?: :wink:

greetzz

Eznugud

19-08-2007, 03:32 PM

NUMBER 13 FOR CISCO

39758

Sunday 19th August 2007

Bradley & Cisco had the day off yesterday.

Today’s flight was very short and sweet………………..
Again the Crows were very thin on the ground, but after a lot of searching we found a mixed flock {including gulls}in a recently ploughed field.
I was going to have to be a cross wind slip but Cisco hada pretty good height advantage…….Bradley un-hooded Cisco and he powered out over the small valley, the flock had lifted and were swirling and gaining height, Cisco was maybe 50 feet above the flock and dead centre when he flipped over into an almost vertical stoop pumping hard all the way down into the flock……
We lost sight of him for a split second, and then he came tumbling out of the bottom of the flock with what turned out to be a Rook.
I was really disappointed that I lost sight of him amongst the flock when he “hit” the Rook, his stoop was almost vertical and he wasn’t half motoring……

39759

39760

39761

Eznugud

19-08-2007, 03:34 PM

39762

39763

39764

Turumti

19-08-2007, 04:14 PM

This is great stuff!!! Keep it coming.

Richard

19-08-2007, 05:51 PM

Great thread

Mark Collins

19-08-2007, 08:44 PM

Done it again bradley, good on you mate, mark.

Matthew Patching

20-08-2007, 06:55 PM

Very nice, keep it up, and you will be finding crows thin on the ground by xmas, lol.:supz:

Eznugud

20-08-2007, 08:34 PM

NUMBER 14 FOR CISCO

39852

Monday 20th August 2007

You will be able to see from the above photo that Bradley wasn’t to happy today because Cisco caught a Jackdaw.
I personally thought it was a cracking flight, but Brads is the boss when it comes to Cisco.

Again the Crows were very thin on the ground and we were struggling to find a “testing” slip, we spotted 2 crows and decided to take the slip.
Brads un-hooded Cisco, the crows lifted and Cisco was away but half a dozen Jackdaws that we hadn’t seen got up and guess what?.....yep, Cisco fancied his chances with one.
The flight wasn’t that long but by God it was bloody hectic, twist, turn, stoop, twist, stoop….Cisco was matching every turn the Jackdaw made and putting in the odd stoop in between, it was really exciting to watch, not your classic rook hawking flight but bloody good fun.
Cisco eventually bound to the Jackdaw yards before it reached some bushes, he was knackered when I got over to him, he had put a lot of effort and energy in to it.

Bradley went stomping over to Cisco with a face that would have sunk a battleship, he took the Jackdaw off him, hooded him up, walked back to the car and fed him the days ration of rabbit on the fist.
I kept my mouth shut and my nose out.

39853

39854

Martin Whitley

20-08-2007, 08:43 PM

Eznugud

20-08-2007, 09:06 PM

Cheer up Brad if he could out manouver a Jackdaw he can out manover most things, I would be pleased as punch if one of my crow falcons caught a Jackdaw fair and square, take it as a real compliment on his abilities

Said more or less the same to him Martin, I think he got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning………….
Its takes a good fit falcon to be able to out fly and catch a jackdaw in fair flight….after watching the flight it got me thinking about a Male Pere x Prairie or something similar for jackdaws next season.

GriffMJ

20-08-2007, 09:30 PM

I see hood pouches :supz: Well done Brad & Cisco.... looks like a great season already :D

Ares

20-08-2007, 09:32 PM

i was thinking lanner x prairie for the black litle ones.
does anyone have a good hybrid or purebred for hunting jackdaws in open wooded area or just open fields ?

greetzz

Eznugud

20-08-2007, 09:35 PM

i was thinking lanner x prairie for the black litle ones.
does anyone have a good hybrid or purebred for hunting jackdaws in open wooded area or just open fields ?

greetzz

Going on the flight i witnessed today a small male Gyr x Pere will take some beating….

Eznugud

21-08-2007, 07:48 PM

NUMBER 15 FOR CISCO

39934

Tuesday 21st August 2007

It was very windy when we arrived on the tops today, I decided to drop down in to the valley a little thinking we could get out of the wind, it was not a lot better.
Bradley spotted a small group of 3 crows and decided to take the slip, we stopped the car and walked back to where the crows were…….the crows lifted before we got into position, Brads quickly un-hooded Cisco and he was away.
The crows were struggling getting anywhere flying into the wind, Cisco was gaining fast and from his shape you could see he meant business.
Cisco eventually got above the crows, but he was about 100yds to their left, once Cisco was above them they immediately turned down wind, Cisco turned and was powering after them but keeping his height…..The crows then broke formation and went their separate ways, Cisco picked his target and put in a shallow stoop pumping all the way and bound to the crow first time…….

.................................................. ...............

I’ve suggested to Brad that we give the hunting a rest and do a bit of lure work with Cisco for a few days……He’s now had 15 kills in 16 hunting days and I think all of them on the first slip, basically he’s not seen a lure in a while……..wonder if Brads takes any notice of me.

39935
The slip

39936

39937

Eznugud

21-08-2007, 07:51 PM

39938

39939

Stuart

21-08-2007, 08:02 PM

FredrickFogg

21-08-2007, 08:08 PM

Shaun, I think Brad takes more notice of you than you think! He wouldn't be the falconer he is today if he didn't! :supz: :supz:

Fred

Laggan

21-08-2007, 08:18 PM

I’ve suggested to Brad that we give the hunting a rest and do a bit of lure work with Cisco for a few days……He’s now had 15 kills in 16 hunting days and I think all of them on the first slip, basically he’s not seen a lure in a while……..wonder if Brads takes any notice of me.

.......or maybe he just thinks his old man is getting, well, .......old :grin:

Fantastic performance Bradley. What you have achieved heartens the soul.

Iain

Mark Collins

21-08-2007, 08:40 PM

Way to go Bradley, well done mate, when your on a roll its difficult to [break away] and do some lure work to refresh there memory, i once went 21 days with a crow/gull hawk without getting the lure out , he killed first slip , [dont often do twos] my advice would be days you dont fly him, feed him on the lure at home, bad weather , the same, if he tries real hard but misses bring him in and feed him, a good all round crow/gull hawk is one that will come back and not ignore you and go off self hunting, anyway enjoy, cheers, mark.

Laggan

21-08-2007, 09:14 PM

.......or maybe he just thinks his old man is getting, well, .......old :grin:

Fantastic performance Bradley. What you have achieved heartens the soul.

Iain

PS Bradley, tell your Dad I'm not going to give him any more tips or guidance on how to train crow falcons until he replies to his PMs ;)

Eznugud

22-08-2007, 05:29 PM

NUMBER 16 FOR CISCO

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0017.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0017.flv)

Wednesday 22nd August 2007

Well so much for a few days off and doing to lure work with him.
Blowing a gale today, we spotted a small group of about 8 crows in the same field Bradley slipped in yesterday.
Bradley took the slip and the flight went immediately down wind {cross wind slip}, Cisco picked his target early and powered off after it.
Cisco again climbed above his crow, I only saw half of the stoop because they went over the hill, and from the way he went we knew he had it.
The flight must have covered nearly a mile, we didn’t have to use the telemetry to find him he was right where we thought he would be right where the stoop had ended with his crow…

.................................................. ...............

Tried do get a bit of video but i failed, my eyes are not what they used to be, for me to get him in the air I would need a 42inch plasma fitted to the camera.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0007.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0007.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0010.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0010.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0012.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0012.flv)

Pendleside

22-08-2007, 06:50 PM

Eznugud

22-08-2007, 08:11 PM

quality .

"i thought we were resting him today and flying him t' lure " ? :yawinkle:

"WHAT" .......:shock:

dream on shaun . :D
get brad to show you the zoom button on the camcorder .
when is he going to let you have a slip ? :lol:

nice one again brad .

Pete…..

He only hears what he wants to hear……….
I tried to put him on the spot there, when I asked him the same question just before we went out he said “ yeah, right Dad”……..Cant blame him I suppose, I’m looking forward to the first time Cisco’s misses and completely ignores the lure looking for another target then I can say “told you so”..

He’s really enjoying himself at the minute, once he’s back at school and I’m doing more with the falcon I can do the lure refresher days with it…

Martin Whitley

22-08-2007, 08:30 PM

Pete…..

He’s really enjoying himself at the minute, once he’s back at school and I’m doing more with the falcon I can do the lure refresher days with it…
Then every miss after that will be your fault:lol:

Alf

22-08-2007, 08:41 PM

Top job! Your lad is a true falconer. Wipes the blood off on his trousers!:yawinkle: Alf.

FredrickFogg

23-08-2007, 03:17 AM

Totally Awesome Brad! It is about time your old man got out the video equipment! LOL Really nice to see you working with Cisco when he is eating up on the kill! Top job! :supz: :supz:

Fred

JupeSingh

23-08-2007, 02:13 PM

Hi Shaun / Brads,

Good to see vids (as well as cor-vids...couldn't resist :lol:). Nice to hear your voices too - gave me more of a picture. Can't wait to go out and see a falcon flown at corvids...should be doing so in the next few weeks or so thanks to some very kind forum-members.

Cisco looks like he likes the taste of crows. I imagine with Cisco's success you must have plenty of crow in the freezer...

How do you go about incorporating it into daily rations or do you not really use it much?

What bits would you not let a bird feed-up on (noticed that Brads lobbed the guts etc.)?

What's crow like nutrition-wise?

Do you mix-it in with docs or other stuff when you give it as part of daily rations or do you give him full meals on it?

Do you chop it up before you freeze it or freeze, and then chop before you defrost it?

ps - i like the way you don't talk down to Brads and let him see his decisions through; this has come across through all your posts. I work with young adults and you wouldn't believe how many parents talk down to their kids and never let them make their own choices..then wonder why their by now 'not so little kids' can't cope with life's obstacles or go on to make all the wrong choices...

Matthew Patching

23-08-2007, 06:59 PM

Well done brads. He's coming on a corker.

Eznugud

23-08-2007, 07:08 PM

NUMBER 17 FOR CISCO

Thursday 23rd August 2007

Again we struggled finding a decent slip; eventually we spotted a large flock of gulls in a ploughed field with a sprinkling of crows.
At first Bradley didn’t want to take the slip in case Cisco went after a gull and in his words “spoil him”{made me giggle that one}, I assured Brads that Cisco would not check at the gulls and would pick out one of the crows {I had my fingers crossed all the time}.
After what seemed like a life time Bradley finally decided to take the slip.

Cisco left the fist instantly, so fast he caught me off guard with the camera, he veered off to the right and Bradley then spotted some crows over to the right that we hadn’t seen before the slip….
Cisco was climbing and turning back towards the plough, the gulls and crows had lifted and were also gaining height…..
I have never seen him climb so fast, he was really giving it his all today, I tried keeping the camera on him but in the end I thought sod it and got the binoculars on him.
I could only see him through the binoculars so put them down, he was a good 200feet above the gulls {I couldn’t see the crows} he flipped over and put in a classic “tear drop” stoop, the type that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up……..
We lost the end of the stoop behind the hill, we waited and watched the sky above the hill for a minute or so, and then we saw the tell tail tornado of crows……. “He’s got it Brads”.

Bradley was off running in the general direction like a little whippet, I got the telemetry out because I knew the end of the stoop must have been at least 1/2 mile off……..
I remember following on with the telemetry thinking “please God don’t let it be a gull, please God don’t let it be a gull”, when I finally arrived at the scene Bradley was helping Cisco break into his Crow……..

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0002.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0002.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0003.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0003.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0004.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0004.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0005.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0005.flv)

Mark Collins

23-08-2007, 07:20 PM

Only a matter of time, most of my crowhawks in the early days switched naturally to gulls , its an exciting flight and it opens the options up if corvids are scarce, although now i hunt mostly gulls , starting them off on crows, it can have its downsides though, the falcon once trully wedded can go a long way after a gull, they dont put into anything except water, i have killed them a long way from were they were slipped, its one of the reasons why ideal conditions are so important, more than once i have arrived as the falcon is getting off its gull , eaten all its fill, then its a early start in the morning, but a good aerial flight at an adult gull on passage is a sight to see, good luck, cheers, mark.

Mark Collins

23-08-2007, 07:22 PM

Just watched the videos, you must be very proud Shaun, good hawking to you both , cheers, mark.

Eznugud

23-08-2007, 07:41 PM

Just watched the videos, you must be very proud Shaun, good hawking to you both , cheers, mark.

Thankyou Mark.....

I think he will eventually hit a gull, all my young falcons have caught the odd one or two in the early days……..
I love to watch the high flight you get with the gulls but I cant be bothered with the tracking after…
If my land was less hilly {tracking is a nightmare} I would probably encourage Brads to try for gulls.

Shaun

Eznugud

23-08-2007, 10:01 PM

Cisco looks like he likes the taste of crows. I imagine with Cisco's success you must have plenty of crow in the freezer?

No crows in the freezer yet, what’s left of them goes to the moulting falcon

How do you go about incorporating it into daily rations or do you not really use it much?

He basically eats what he catches, his entire daily ration is crow

What bits would you not let a bird feed-up on (noticed that Brads lobbed the guts etc.)?

I don’t let them eat the stomach, guts etc. you do have to keep a careful look out for worms

What's crow like nutrition-wise?

No idea, but its got to be better than chicks…..

Do you mix-it in with docs or other stuff when you give it as part of daily rations or do you give him full meals on it?

Never mix n match, if they kill a crow they get fed on crow, unless I notice worms or the crow looks a bit dodgy then they get either rabbit or chicks.

Do you chop it up before you freeze it or freeze, and then chop before you defrost it?

No, they just get chucked in……

Hope that helps…..

Shaun

Eznugud

25-08-2007, 07:10 PM

NUMBER 18 & 19 FOR CISCO

40135

Saturday 25th August 2007

Cisco had the day off yesterday because we went to Alton Towers for the day {Oblivion, never again, Air was fun though}

It was a little gusty today when we got to the tops, but we don’t mind a bit of wind, strong wind and rain is a pain but one at a time isn’t too bad.
We spotted a single crow within minutes; it was in a pretty good position so Bradley decided to take the slip.
Cisco was a little slow off the fist, we have noticed at singles he takes a bit of time and sort of weights the situation up before leaving the fist.
He got onto terms with the crow immediately and put it under serious pressure, this crow was not going to get out of the field.
The crow was doing well, it avoided the first few attacks / stoops then it panicked, started calling and headed for the ground and landed under a sheep, Cisco stooped and hit the bloody sheep {made Brad laugh}.
The Crow took to the air again and started climbing, Cisco flew straight up under the crow {it was very reminiscent of the classic goshawk coming under a pheasant in the air shot}, the crow again avoided him and again dropped to the ground…….The crow new he was in trouble, he turned around to face the falcon spread his wings and started screaming …..Cisco didn’t even slow down and ploughed into the crow head on……
I have seen crows do this before, it’s like the know they a beat and it’s a last ditch effort in trying to intimidate the falcon, it didn’t work this time.

It was a good flight but both me and Bradley were not happy, we expected more form a slip at a single, we wanted Cisco to be really tested, in fairness Cisco was **** hot and didn’t give the crow any breathing space, but it was not the flight we had expected and wanted so we made an executive decision to go for a second kill.
This really went against the grain with me because I can count on one had who many times I have gone for more than one kill with a crow hawk, I really don’t like doing it.

Cisco got bit of a rest and off we went looking for slip number 2.

We spotted 3 crows in not the best of position regarding wind direction but the area made for possibly a good flight.
Cisco left the fist instantly, caught me off guard with the video, but he went in the opposite direction and gained a bit of height, both me and Bradley couldn’t understand what he was playing at…..
He turned and headed towards the crows that were still on the ground; Cisco was gliding towards their general direction wings spread……. “What’s he playing at?”
The crows the lifted and Cisco turned on the power; he picked out a crow and put in a cracking stoop that the crow dodged……this looked like it was going to be a good flight.
They were now over the valley maybe ½ mile away and 200feet up, the were having one hell of a dog fight, both jockeying for position…..you couldn’t call it a classic ringing flight be they were really locked in a battle of tight turns.
Cisco broke off the attack to get some distance between him and the crow, the crow was now heading back towards me and Bradley, Cisco was going in the opposite direction.
What’s he doing dad? Wait and see, just hope he doesn’t leave it to long.
Cisco turned and was now pumping hard and closing the gap, he turned over put in a short shallow stoop and bound to the crow. Brilliant flight.
The flight ended about 200yds down the road from where Brad had slipped him.

.................................................. ........................

This falcons got a head on his shoulders, he’s happy to get close and personal with the crow but once he realises that the crow is a match for him close up he breaks off his attack to put some distance between them and slots them with a single stoop……..I’ve flown quite a few crows falcons over the years but this little gyr x pere is special.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0003-1.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0003-1.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0004-1.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0004-1.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0007-1.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0007-1.flv)

JupeSingh

25-08-2007, 11:03 PM

Hi Shaun,

Why don't u like going for more than one kill?

Ps - thanks for answering all my q's - very much appreciated :yawinkle:

Laggan

25-08-2007, 11:22 PM

The second flight sounded a real cracker and, notwithstanding all the training and development that you have put into the falcon, I think you have a 'special' falcon on your hands.

Eznugud

26-08-2007, 11:04 AM

Hi Shaun,

Why don't u like going for more than one kill?

Ps - thanks for answering all my q's - very much appreciated :yawinkle:

I am a firm believer in success breeds success, falconry is very un-predictable and you are never guaranteed to get one kill never mind two.
So if I have a successful flight I feed the bird up on the kill, just in case I don’t get another that way the falcon finishes the day feeding off something that it’s just worked hard to get.
Does it make a difference? I like to think so

Freddie1

26-08-2007, 11:15 AM

Great stuff BRAD keep it coming mate
Steve:supz: :supz: :supz:

Eznugud

26-08-2007, 08:20 PM

NUMBER 20 FOR CISCO

40265

Sunday 26th August 2007

Cisco was quite a bit over weight this evening after the huge crop full Bradley gave him yesterday, but he deserved it.
We have been trying to get some video footage of Cisco chasing a crow but I’m bloody **** with the camera, once he’s left the fist I can’t see a thing through the view finder.
So the plan today was to get a close slip so I could get some footage of him chasing a crow, its not exactly the type of crow hawking we are aiming for but because Cisco was a little high we decide it was the ideal opportunity.

We spotted quite a few gulls in the plough with the odd crow; at the bottom edge of the plough we noticed a few crows.
Usually if we take a slip at crows in this field Bradley slips from about 200yds away to make a flight of it, but today we were on a video footage mission.
We parked the landy and set off down the lane, when we got level with the crows Bradley un-hooded Cisco and walked to the wall, the crows lifted and Cisco stayed put……….
After the Crows were well on their way Cisco set off, he climbed above the crow and put in a little stoop, the crow hit the ground and Cisco hit behind it………The crow lifted, Cisco lifted and bound to it a few feet of the ground……

Not the best bit of crow hawking in the world but Bradley enjoyed it and if I’m honest I quite enjoy it, made a nice change seeing it all close on.

The footage turned out **** again, the background was all wrong….I need grass next time

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0008-1.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0008-1.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0009.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0009.flv)

FredrickFogg

26-08-2007, 10:58 PM

AWESOME VIDEO'S! Brad, some folks talk the talk, but you walk the walk and you got the video to prove it. Can't tell you how much I am enjoying your season!

In admiration,
Fred

Pendleside

27-08-2007, 01:00 AM

brads off like a whippet as soon as cisco binds :D
top crow bashing young fella .:supz:

The footage turned out **** again, the background was all wrong….I need grass next time

shaun .....dont do it .
drugs wont improve your camera skills .:twisted:

Eznugud

27-08-2007, 09:59 AM

shaun .....dont do it .
drugs wont improve your camera skills .:twisted:

lol......Your right but it may improve my language:oops: , I’ve just watched the clip on photobucket and didn’t realise I was F` ing and blinding when I got over the wall, I thought I was saying it quietly to myself………for some reason the footage when played on my computer does not have sound, I can only hear the sound once its uploaded….strange..

Anyway apologies to any of the younger falconers who may watch the clip for my language…..

Matthew Patching

27-08-2007, 10:06 AM

lol......Your right but it my improve my language:oops: , I’ve just watched the clip on photobucket and didn’t realise I was F` ing and blinding when I got over the wall, I thought I was saying it quietly to myself………for some reason the footage when played on my computer does not have sound, I can only hear the sound once its uploaded….strange..

Anyway apologies to any of the younger falconers who may watch the clip for my language…..

Well done on number 20, well pleased for you!

Bradley

27-08-2007, 10:52 AM

MattSpar

27-08-2007, 11:56 AM

Very well done Bradley.

You're lucky indeed to have such an encouraging father.

Quiver

27-08-2007, 03:23 PM

good job bradley, what weight is he flying at now if you don't mind me asking?

chris.:yawinkle:

Bry Glass

27-08-2007, 08:20 PM

Thank you for all the nice comments I enjoy reading them all.
Now that I have my own account set up I will try and do updates myself but sometimes when I get home from crow hawking I like to play out with my friends and things so sometime my dad will do it

I am happy that your are enjoying my crow hawking thread I am really enjoying hunting crows:)

Bradley

nothing wrong with enjoying being young. must admit this thread is keeping everyone captivated. your a top class falconer, and that just shows how good your dad is as a mentor. watching the videos helps me as im just starting out with falcons and its good to see the lure work in practise. keep up the good work and keep up the good thread. respect:supz:

Bradley

27-08-2007, 08:52 PM

NUMBER 21 FOR CISCO

40321

Monday 26th August 2007

Cisco got his 21st kill today and it was another rook so he’s caught 5 rooks and 2 jackdaws and 14 crows.
Cisco was a little bit to heavy in weight again today because he is killing something everyday and I am feeding him it makes his weight go up slowly because I don’t like giving him only a bit when he catches something and if you do only give him a bit he does not like it and bites the glove and the cadge in the car and wont sit still so I always like to give him a good crop.

We found some crows in the same field that cisco caught the crow in yesterday and I got cisco ready the crows in the field lifted and cisco started to fly after them but he was climbing and going fast I could see the rook under him and knew that he was after that one but my dad could not see and was asking me all the time what was happening and could I see what he was going for and it really gets on my nerves sometimes because I am trying to watch cisco.
Cisco was high up and the rook was right under him and he stopped dead in the sky and turned over and stooped and caught the rook first time.
Me and my dad ran back to the car because we had to be quick because it look like they had come down onto the lane so it was a dangerous place for him to be but my dad could not find the car keys so I had to run all the way because of where cisco was when I got to cisco I was tired out but was happy because he was on the side of the road and not on it and it was a rook that he had caught
My dad found the keys that he had dropped on the floor and then came over to us.

I think that cisco could be too heavy tomorrow and we might not be able to fly him.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0001.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0001.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0003-2.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0003-2.flv)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/th_RMOV0004-2.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/?action=view&current=RMOV0004-2.flv)

Turumti

27-08-2007, 09:02 PM

Hey Bradley,

Well done!!! You are really lucky to have such a fabulous father. What more could you want, than to live with your mentor, and literally breathe falconry!!!

TimDog80

27-08-2007, 09:02 PM

lol......Your right but it may improve my language, I’ve just watched the clip on photobucket and didn’t realise I was F` ing and blinding when I got over the wall, I thought I was saying it quietly to myself………for some reason the footage when played on my computer does not have sound, I can only hear the sound once its uploaded….strange..

Anyway apologies to any of the younger falconers who may watch the clip for my language…..
8n anoungst all the puffing and blowing;)
Thank you for all the nice comments I enjoy reading them all.
Now that I have my own account set up I will try and do updates myself but sometimes when I get home from crow hawking I like to play out with my friends and things so sometime my dad will do it

I am happy that your are enjoying my crow hawking thread I am really enjoying hunting crows:)

Bradley
bradley i take my hat off to you fella:supz:
ive been in the game for roughly 12 years now flying mainly spars but your thread is inspiring even me to go down the longwing route:o

pure quality
tim

Bradley

27-08-2007, 09:05 PM

good job bradley, what weight is he flying at now if you don't mind me asking?

chris.:yawinkle:

hi chris

he is best if he is 1pound 8 and 3quarters but he is alright if he goes a bit lower and he will still hunt crows when he is a 1pound 9 and a quater but he does not try to good when he is that weight

Bradley

Lizi flys Freddie!

27-08-2007, 10:02 PM

Hi Bradley,
Lizi here, Gosh you can get jealous of some people you know. lol!!:yawinkle:
Maybe I shall have to pm u one day just to get some quality tips.
By the way nice looking bird!!
Lizix
:D

Mark Collins

27-08-2007, 10:10 PM

Well done again bradley, top falconer, cheers, mark.

FredrickFogg

27-08-2007, 10:11 PM

TimDog80

27-08-2007, 10:24 PM

brad will you sell him to me for £4000??? .......please:yawinkle:
(your dads being a bit tight with the offer of £2000:lol: )

well done
tim:D

p.s great to see the relationship you have with your dad:goodman:

JupeSingh

28-08-2007, 09:53 AM

Hi Bradley,
Excellent stuff...well done!:supz:

I've always wanted to fly a falcon but after having looked at the most promising potentially available land at the weekend (within 10 miles) there's no way i could do the bird justice so my first bird will have to be a harris or redtail and not a falcon at black stuff :cry:.

That will have to wait until me n the mrs move to somewhere in the countryside...at least another 5-10 years! So please keep the thread going though for those of us who wish to fly a falcon one day...perhaps you could do write-ups for the next 10 years :lol:

ps - me and the mrs are about to have our first child, a boy, within the next 11 weeks. I hope that in a few years he will take-up falconry like you have.

Looking forward to you next post already...

Eznugud

28-08-2007, 03:32 PM

Shaun, Great video's! It is funny how one can describe a flight, but to see it on video, it does it much more justice. If you can think of it, can you video when Bradley picks up Cisco after he finishes eating. Never flown a longwing and I would love to see the trade off/pick up. Thanks for everything!

And as usual, great job Bradley!

Fred

Fred, it not a pretty sight mate………
It may look like everything is spot on a we have the perfect crow hawk but somewhere along the line we made a mistake and Cisco is a royal pain in the arse when it comes to the trade off / pick up.
I have never had a falcon or hawk for that matter that’s such a pain to pick up off a kill even with a full crop……he’s never been robbed and I cant for the life of me work out why he’s like it.
You’ll notice in the photos he’s always got a massive crop, I have told Bradley to leave him until he steps off to see if that will cure the problem…..

Shaun

Quiver

28-08-2007, 03:48 PM

hi chris

he is best if he is 1pound 8 and 3quarters but he is alright if he goes a bit lower and he will still hunt crows when he is a 1pound 9 and a quater but he does not try to good when he is that weight

Bradley

cheers for that bradley.

chris.:yawinkle:

FredrickFogg

28-08-2007, 05:32 PM

Fred, it not a pretty sight mate………
It may look like everything is spot on a we have the perfect crow hawk but somewhere along the line we made a mistake and Cisco is a royal pain in the arse when it comes to the trade off / pick up.
I have never had a falcon or hawk for that matter that’s such a pain to pick up off a kill even with a full crop……he’s never been robbed and I cant for the life of me work out why he’s like it.
You’ll notice in the photos he’s always got a massive crop, I have told Bradley to leave him until he steps off to see if that will cure the problem…..

Shaun

Well, I would say that is great, but I know it is not! But it is great for everyone to see that creating a great falcon isn't a piece of cake. I think everyone knowing this will help when we re-read this thread to learn things when we get our first falcon. It would be interesting to have some of the more experienced falcon flyers to re-read it and see if they can see something. It is amazing no matter how experienced we are and how long we have been doing this, sometimes we can look right over something. I wouldn't have a clue as to what happened, but I sure would like to know the answer as I am sure you and Brad would to! Maybe with more full crops, it will work itself out! I sure hope so, because as far as everything else is concerned, Cisco has turned out beautifully. And I must say, I have had hawks that had bad habits, but caught a lot of game, and I tend to overlook some of the bad habits, because I like to catch stuff! LOL.

Fred

Eznugud

28-08-2007, 08:55 PM

NUMBER 22 FOR CISCO

40417

Tuesday 28th August 2007

I keep away from where I took Bradley today like the plague when its windy, it’s the best ground I have permission on but when you have a strong wind the flight can get blown a right down in to the valley and I hate having to track falcons on kills, today we had next to no wind for the 3rd time this month and wild horses couldn’t keep us away.

We spotted some rooks the second we pulled up just over a wall in front of us, ideal opportunity to get some good close footage, while Brad was getting Cisco from the back of the landy they flew off.
We walked over to the wall so I could have a scan around with the binoculars and 4 of them got up, Bradley un-hooded Cisco and he was away the rooks had a good 150 to 200yd head start on him.
Cisco climbed, Climbed and climbed, got himself above the rook and put him a cracker of a stoop, hit the rook and somehow let go…the rook knew it was in trouble and headed for the wall, Cisco hit the rook again at the foot of the wall and again some how let go again…..the rook tried to make its escape again but this time Cisco hit it and didn’t let go……

Mark Collins

29-08-2007, 09:25 PM

Hi Bradley, well done again mate, its looking like you have a fine crow/rook falcon there , long may it continue, good hawking, cheers, mark.

Eznugud

30-08-2007, 03:29 PM

NUMBER 23 FOR CISCO

40497

Thursday 30th August 2007

We all had the day of yesterday due to “keeping the wife happy”

When we arrived on the tops the weather was terrible, strong wind, low cloud and that really fine rain that soaks you.
Bradley spotted a small group of Rooks with the odd crow about 8 birds in total and decided to take the slip.
If I’m honest I don’t think I would have taken that particular slip, but he’s Brad’s falcon and the final decision is down to him.
Off with the hood and Cisco was away, he picked out a Rook and started climbing towards it, I have no idea what this Rook had for breakfast but it was fancying its chances of taking Cisco on in the air and was climbing out over the valley.
I kept loosing sight of them through the binoculars then getting a quick glimpse when they turned, they were now well over the other side of the valley and on the limits of my binocular range whatever that is……….
About 20 seconds went by without seeing a thing then I spotted them both plummeting towards the ground in a sort of vertical twisting spiralling stoop…..
They came together just above a band of trees but it was a toss up if he had got it before it got into the trees, I was struggling seeing anything clearly at the distance with the binoculars.
We got the telemetry out and listened for 5 minutes, he was stationary so good chance he had is rook.

The closest we could get with the car was about ¾ mile, so off we went.
After a pretty gruelling walk there he was under the trees with his rook, we got there just in time, the rook was plucked to “oven ready” standard and Cisco had quite a large crop.

.................................................. .................................

If it had not been for the **** weather I would probably have been able to say that was the best flight I have ever seen, but I cant because I struggled seeing it.
Bradley was very disappointed because he didn’t see any of it after the slip and had to be content with listening to my terrible commentary and hopes we never have a flight like that again, he had the right hump on when we were walking back to the car……bloody kids.

40498

40499

Slippery Teal

30-08-2007, 04:38 PM

good stuff young man keep up the good work

ATB Ryan

EddieT

30-08-2007, 04:42 PM

I am just loving this thread. Quality writing, quality hawking. I am pleased as punch for both of you and understand the level of skill and determination that getting this bird going so well has taken. Every time I log on I am hoping to see the next update, so thank you for sharing.

Hats off to Cisco, Bradley and Shaun. Keep it up and keep posting!

Eznugud

31-08-2007, 05:34 PM

NUMBER 24 FOR CISCO

40567

Friday 31st August 2007

Blowing a gale when got out today and we both knew we would have to be very careful with the slip.
After a good hour looking we finally found half dozen crows in a pretty good position that gave Cisco at least a 50/50 chance depending on which direction the crows go {it’s not very often the fly directly into wind}.
We parked the landy and walked back towards the crows, before Bradley got to where he wanted to be the crows lifted, he immediately un – hooded Cisco, again he was a little slow off the fist but was now powering and climbing towards the crows.
The crows turned and started heading crosswind, big mistake; Cisco cut the corner and was now above them in less than half the time it would have taken him if the crows had carried on going in their original direction.
Cisco picked his crow turned over and hit it with his first stoop, threw up turned over and bound to it on his second.
That was the first time I have seen him “strike” a crow and not bind to it in the stoop, in fact I can’t remember any falcon that I have flown “strike” and not bind.

40568

40569

40570

Eznugud

31-08-2007, 05:36 PM

40571

40572

Mark Collins

31-08-2007, 07:10 PM

Well done again bradley, brilliant,mark.

Matthew Patching

31-08-2007, 08:00 PM

Well done brads, You can tell its windy when the leash is horizontal!:lol:

Astur

31-08-2007, 08:53 PM

thread of the year this, nice one...:supz:

Eznugud

01-09-2007, 12:27 PM

That’s all folks………..

We have decided that the threads run its course and we achieved what we set out to achieve.

Cisco is no longer a “crow falcon in the making” he is a superb crow falcon in the hands of a superb young falconer. {well at least until he goes back to school}

Both I and Bradley have enjoyed making this thread, we hope you have enjoyed following Bradley’s & Cisco’s progress and seeing Bradley develop into a cracking little falconer and Cisco into a first class crow falcon.
We hope that it’s been a good insight into training a crow falcon for those who are “thinking” about hunting crows with falcons, and we hope that you have seen its not rocket science, its all about commitment and getting the falcon as fit as a butchers dog before it goes in to the field, do that and you will reap the rewards.
You hear falconers come out with the old chestnut “it’s not about the kills, it style & quality of flight”, that one quote makes my blood boil, you can not have style & quality flights without kills.
Cisco’s never chucked or gave up on a crow from being entered, he’s never had to stop because he was knackered……..his success is down to nothing more than getting him as fit as possible before showing him crows and once entered being selective for the first few kills.
After the first kills its time to forget about the books you have read about rook and crow hawking with the into wind slips etc. use August to learn your falcon, its all about variety, give the falcon crosswind slips, downwind slips, slips at flocks, slips at singles…you need to put them in lots of different positions so they learn.
Once August is over you should have a first class crow hawk that can adapt to any situation that gets chucked at it, Cisco will now do whatever needs to be done, he will tail chase, he will rat hunt or he will follow his crow to the clouds.

August is now over Cisco’s had 24 kills in 24 hunting days, we have tested him in gales, rain, gales and rain and he’s always hunted with 100% commitment, but I would expect the same of any crow falcon.
This summer for me was about the person who trained Cisco, Bradley.

Brad’s I’m dead chuffed with you mate………remember “what happens in the field stays in the field”…..well as far as your mother is concerned..
We will update this thread from time to time maybe fortnightly or monthly.

Thank You

Matthew Patching

01-09-2007, 12:43 PM

Kevin Massey

01-09-2007, 01:15 PM

As with lots of threads I read lot an realy enjoy the reading aswell... dont always post on the threads just for the sake of it....But Good stuff keep it coming:supz:

Quiver

01-09-2007, 03:32 PM

good stuff bradley and shaun, happy hunting chris.:yawinkle:

Ned

01-09-2007, 06:23 PM

its been a pleasure reading this thread,all the best bradley,cisco and shaun:supz: :supz:

Laggan

01-09-2007, 09:16 PM

That’s all folks………..

We hope that it’s been a good insight into training a crow falcon for those who are “thinking” about hunting crows with falcons, and we hope that you have seen its not rocket science, its all about commitment and getting the falcon as fit as a butchers dog before it goes in to the field, do that and you will reap the rewards.

Brad’s I’m dead chuffed with you mate………remember “what happens in the field stays in the field”…..well as far as your mother is concerned..
We will update this thread from time to time maybe fortnightly or monthly.[/I][/B]

Thank You

Bradley and Shaun,

you have established a wonderful example here and your achievements are to be very proud of. Whilst I agree with Shaun's comments around fitness etc, the thread also contained a huge amount of subtlety too to ensure the falcon was conditioned to take the field. The purpose of training taking place in a small area surrounded by a line of trees was an insightful gem alone. Having hawked crows myself for a good few years, this thread has epitomised for me what outstanding crow hawking is all about.

......and Bradley, I just wish my dad had been so effusive in his praise for me that Shaun is for you. You have a relationship to cherish.

Thanks for sharing your season thus far with everyone. It has been compulsive following and I wish you both all the very best for the remainder of the season and the future.

Richard

01-09-2007, 09:18 PM

Fantastic thread and I hope its still updated from time to time as its had me riveted!

Keep it up Bradley and Shaun, you set a high standard!

TimDog80

01-09-2007, 09:51 PM

pure quality and a great insight into true crow hawking and a great partnership between father and son doing what they love.........and to a very high standard!!!!!!:supz:
i hope your season carry's on for you as it has started out:D :supz:

well done and good luck
tim:D

Eggy

01-09-2007, 10:25 PM

Thanks for sharing your season thus far with everyone. It has been compulsive following and I wish you both all the very best for the remainder of the season and the future.

could'nt of said it better mate shed a little tear oops. sorry no its a great thing. atb colin

Lizi flys Freddie!

01-09-2007, 11:57 PM

Well done Bradley,
Blimey it is all going well, theres nothing like perserverance, keep up the good work.
all the best,
lizix:supz: :supz: :D

Bry Glass

02-09-2007, 11:41 AM

you've kept us all entertained from the first post to the last, well done both of you:supz:

JupeSingh

02-09-2007, 03:21 PM

Bradley,

Well-done!!! Look forward to you doing a diary by yourself regarding your next bird some time soon...

Shaun,

Just wanted to say thank you for answering the many questions i asked you during the thread as well as on a thread i started elsewhere regarding land, species-suitability etc. Your replies have helped me gain a 'beginner's understanding' regards issues around crow-hawking with longwings.

This has easily been the most enjoyable and informative thread i have read since joining the IFF.:supz:

ATB.

Martin Whitley

02-09-2007, 05:43 PM

Thank you Bradley and shaun for what I think hasd been the best thread I have seen on the Forum, I hope we will get odd updates on other threads about Brad and Ciscos experiences during the rest of te season

Mark Collins

02-09-2007, 09:27 PM

Great thread bradley, enjoyed it , good luck to you and your father, you should both feel very proud and pleased with yourself , good hawking, cheers, mark.

Cyclone

02-09-2007, 10:39 PM

ONe of the best threads on the forum by farr well done Brad:supz: and your Dad tooo:supz:
Cyclone

Pendleside

02-09-2007, 11:34 PM

really enjoyed reading this thread , its been captivating from the first page .
hope your success with cisco continues brad , for many seasons to come .

Eznugud

04-09-2007, 12:24 PM

Bit of an update……….

Feel a bit of a tit updating this already especially with my last post, I didn’t think I would get a chance to do any updates this month due to having a lot of catching up to do at work and lack of time, but due to the wife’s car breaking down and her having to take my car I’m working from home today.
I have loads to do but I find it nearly impossible to get anything work related done at home.
Plus yesterday’s flight was a classic.

Bradley is back at school today, he’s gutted but Cisco will still be flown most evening.
Thanks for all the comments Bradley is dead chuffed you have enjoyed the thread; we will still be doing updates on Cisco throughout the season but because I will be doing the lions share of flying Cisco from October and lack of time they wont be daily…….like I have said in a post a few pages ago this thread was about Bradley training and flying Cisco.

Saturday 1st September 2007

Number 25 for Cisco

40923

Bradley Slipped Cisco at 3 crows, the crows didn’t want to fly and Cisco bound to his crow after a short tail chase.

40924

Sunday 2nd September 2007

Day Off

Monday 3rd September 2007

Number 26 for Cisco

40925

Best flight of the season to date.
Got onto the tops and it was barren, not a crow in sight, we were just about to leave when Bradley spotted about 6 crows maybe 100feet up and approx 500yds to 600yds away heading straight for us, Bradley looked at me and I said “ go for it”.
Cisco left the fist instantly and started climbing hard directly towards the crows, they spotted him straight away and quickly about turned.
The crows were now climbing into wind with Cisco closing the gap, 3 crows broke in different directions and headed for the ground, Cisco ignored them he obviously had spotted the crow he wanted, why he would ignore crows dropping to the ground in favour of one that was climbing and was willing to take him on in the air I have no idea.
They were now possibly ¾ mile away, the crows had to be 600feet up with Cisco directly above them, I was now watching without binoculars so that I could see the crows and Cisco.
Cisco sort of stalled then stooped, missed with the stoop but almost had it on the throw up; Cisco was trying hard but just couldn’t get this crow where he wanted it.
The other 2 crows were now chasing Cisco trying their best to put him off and intimidate him, he was finding it difficult to get in a position to take his crow while also having the evade the constant attacks from the other 2 crows…….
One of the four broke away from the battle and started heading downwind back towards us; I say one of the four because at the time the flight was so high I couldn’t tell who was who.
At first I thought it was Cisco, the flight had been going on for almost 10mins {seriously}, I knew Cisco was fit but this was a long time in the air and he had been working hard, had Cisco finally been beat in the air? I though so
Another bird broke and I instantly recognised it was Cisco once I could see him on his own, he was in a long shallow stoop pumping hard and closing fast on the crow that had broke away.
He was really turning on the speed, got into position and hit the crow was a smashing little stoop, the crow went limp and dropped about 20feet and started flying again, I have never seen anything like it…….Cisco was now directly behind the crow and looked like he was going to bind to it……….the crow dodged another attack from Cisco and they were again jockeying for position……I was starting to get worried now, Cisco had been in the air a bloody long time and it had been not stop action, the last thing I wanted after all this was for him to come away empty handed and coughing a lung up and feeding on bloody chicks.
The flight had been getting closer and closer to the ground and was now no more than 50 feet up and about 200yds away, I was now hoping that the crow would drop to a wall and cisco would nail it on the floor, not something I usually hope for but cisco deserved this crow.
The next second they were falling to the ground, Cisco had got a foot to him.
We jumped in the landy and flew across the field, Cisco was knackered and struggling with the crow…..Bradley dispatched the crow and it was a good few minutes before cisco got his breath back and was able to stand on the crow.
Brad fed him to a stand still.

.................................................. ................
Cisco is pretty **** hot in the air, most of his kills have been taken in the air, and this was a bloody good and clever crow and gave us the best, longest and hardest flight I have witnessed.

40926

Eznugud

04-09-2007, 12:28 PM

40927

40928

40929

40930

Pendleside

04-09-2007, 01:22 PM

thread of the year .....no doubt about it .:supz: :supz:
pity he doesnt fly a 'proper' bird' just to ice the cake .:yawinkle:

PenelopeP

04-09-2007, 01:58 PM

This is one fabulous thread. I just hope Vader and I can do as well as Cisco and Bradley have done. Great reading.

Well Done Bradley :supz:

Martin Whitley

04-09-2007, 02:02 PM

thanks for the continuation, that sounds a classic flight, well done

Eznugud

04-09-2007, 02:14 PM

This is one fabulous thread. I just hope Vader and I can do as well as Cisco and Bradley have done. Great reading.

Well Done Bradley :supz:

No reason at all why Vader shouldnt be as good as Cisco, i`ve been following your thread and i would say its looking very good for Vader.

thanks for the continuation, that sounds a classic flight, well done

Martin, you would have loved it, i`ve just given a quick brief of the flight but watching it made the hairs on the back of your nect stand up.
No idea how long it would take an horse to cover 3/4 mile but you could have got right under the flight and followed it all the way where we flew yesterday.... now considering crow hawking on mountain bike;)........got to say Brads face was a picture when i over took him with the Landy.......hes off like a whippet the second Cisco hit a crow and he did the same yesterday.......is face when i drove past him......i did stop for him

Elly

04-09-2007, 02:18 PM

Its been superb to watch the progression of not only Cisco, but Brads as well, truly a great thread.
ATB for future hawking
Elly
xx

Matthew Patching

04-09-2007, 09:01 PM

Well done, sounds like a lovely flight, I can imagine you doing the hand movments while you were describing it on the fone.:supz: :supz:

Well done brads, schools sucks dont it mate! Spoils a good hawking season!:twisted: :x

Martin Whitley

04-09-2007, 09:07 PM

Martin, you would have loved it, i`ve just given a quick brief of the flight but watching it made the hairs on the back of your nect stand up.
No idea how long it would take an horse to cover 3/4 mile but you could have got right under the flight and followed it all the way where we flew yesterday.... now considering crow hawking on mountain bike;)........got to say Brads face was a picture when i over took him with the Landy.......hes off like a whippet the second Cisco hit a crow and he did the same yesterday.......is face when i drove past him......i did stop for him
That's the great joy of Crowhawking from horses, saves on the legs a lot:D
More to the point it can keep you in a position to keep the flight in the air, which can make for some spectacular flights.
Down side of it is horses go lame and cant' just be chucked at the garage for repairs (He say's sadly crow hawking on foot at the moment)

Corax

04-09-2007, 09:09 PM

The other 2 crows were now chasing Cisco trying their best to put him off and intimidate him, he was finding it difficult to get in a position to take his crow while also having the evade the constant attacks from the other 2 crows

I'm always impressed for the smartness and loyality to each other of the corvids 8-)

Eznugud

05-09-2007, 04:05 PM

I'm always impressed for the smartness and loyality to each other of the corvids 8-)

Dont be to impressed mate, it was`nt that smart.......;)

41019

SSL

05-09-2007, 04:53 PM

Dont be to impressed mate, it was`nt that smart.......;)

Ha-ha! :supz:

Corax

05-09-2007, 05:25 PM

Dont be to impressed mate, it was`nt that smart.......;)

Sorry mate, even kids know falcons are faster, but they do not have a third of corvid's intelligence 8-)
Congratz to your falcon, he is very fast :supz:

Eznugud

06-09-2007, 06:41 PM

Another update…….

Again sooner than I though but I though sod work, I am the boss so I made an executive decision and I’m having another 2 weeks off and delegating my job to someone else.
No Bradley for the last 2 days and it really does feel strange……I have missed him.
Before he left for school this morning i was warned "dont come home without my Lad"

Tuesday 4th September 2007

Day Off

Wednesday 5th September 2007

Number 27 for Cisco

41101

Gale force winds today, Got to the tops and spotted about a dozen crows in a very good position.
I was a little hesitant because the wind was so strong and was tempted to leave it and drop down into the valley…..but the position of the crows got the better of me and I decided to go for it.
I un-hooded Cisco, he spotted the crows and left the fist but the wind was that strong it just blew him down wind the second he left the fist.
He must have been pushed a good 400yds down wind before he managed the turn and start climbing back towards the direction of the crows.
I was just wishing I had not taken the slip when the crows lifted and headed straight down wind towards Cisco who was now on level with me but 200yds to my right and a good 200feet up………..Cisco could see what was happening and was now holding position very kestrel like, pumping like hell but getting nowhere.
He let the crows go under him the stooped and hit the leading crow first time……not a classic flight but a class stoop.

41103

Thursday 6th September 2007

Number 28 for Cisco

41102

From one extreme to the other, got on to the tops and was chuffed to bits that it was almost a dead calm {no wind}.
4 crows in a perfect position, from where I was it was a good 600yd+ slip so I decided to walk 100yds down the lane to get the slip down to about 300yds.
Cisco was very jumpy, bouncing in the hood he knew what was coming, the crows must have spotted a flash of his wings and lifted….I quickly un-hooded Cisco and he was away pumping and climbing hard, he’s very clever now and does not fly directly after the crows he sort of goes to one side then fly’s parallel.
He was now closing the gap, higher than the crows and about 40yds to their left……..the second he got level with the crows broke in all directions.
Cisco turned and really turned on the speed, picked his crow stooped and bound to it first time……..

Is timing in the stoop is getting spot on and he seems to be very good at anticipating what the crows are going to do, I found myself wanting to crow to dodge the stoop today……

41104

Lee Brindley

06-09-2007, 07:00 PM

Can't believe I have not looked at this thread before! I spend too much of my time reading short wing stuff! :roll: . Read the thread for the first time today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep up the good work, and best of luck for the rest of the season. :supz:

John Soulsby

06-09-2007, 07:23 PM

Thank you for this superb thread, well done to the "Three" of you.

John

Eznugud

09-09-2007, 05:18 PM

Another Update.....

Getting them in while i have time........

Friday 7th September 2007

Number 29 for Cisco

41230

Slipped at about 6 crows in the middle of nowhere, the crow’s only chance of escape was to go up and up they went.
Lost sight of the flight and couldn’t get a signal for 4 hours.
I started to think that my receiver was playing up and knew a friend was on the tops with his Merlin so I decided to drive up and test my receiver with one of his transmitters.
On the way I go 1 very faint “bleep”, stopped the car and nothing, reversed back and still nothing……..was I hearing things? Got out of the car and got the yagi out, still not a thing.
So I got back into the car a drove about 3yds when I heard another faint “bleep”, again stopped the car and got the yagi out…..and nothing.
Then I had a brain fart I climbed onto the roof of the landy and got a very faint signal but that was enough to give me a direction so off I went…..

I was in the area and close but could not pin point him, he was moving but staying in a relatively small area.
I was taking to a friend on the phone telling him how ****ed off I was when the signal went off the scale and he flew across the lane right in front of me with a massive crop and landed in a tree about 600yds away…
I turned round and went back the way I had come so that I could get almost to the tree in the car, on may way I thought I saw him drop out of the tree but wasn’t sure……..when I got to the tree the signal told me he had moved on.
About 200yds away the crows were going loopy, I was still on the phone and told my friend that I knew were he was and had to go.
When I saw the crows I thought he was sat on a wall and the crows were mobbing him, he had a massive crop and was probably looking for somewhere to roost, but I still had a good chance of him coming into the lure, fingers crossed that he had not put a lot over yet.
The signal was telling me he was there but I couldn’t see him, the crows had now gone but I was still getting a stationary signal.
I got to the wall and there he was on the floor with an untouched but dead crow, he was just sat there with one foot around its neck.
I think the crows were mobbing him and one got a little to close and he couldn’t resist, so unofficially he had 2 kills but officially I only found him with the last one.

Sorry for the lack of photos I was pretty ****ed off.

Saturday 8th September 2007

Day off due to the silly amount of crow he helped himself to yesterday.

Sunday 9th September 2007

Number 30 for Cisco

41231

Bradley was back in the saddle today after his week at school.

We spotted about 12 crows in a perfect position all that let it down from being a classic slip was the fact that it was going to be a crosswind slip, but Cisco would remedy that once he leaves the fist.
Bradley un-hooded him, quick bob of the head and he dropped off the fist and went down wind hung a right then another right and he had got himself directly downwind of the crows giving them a 100yd head start.
Cisco was now almost on top of them when about 4 Ravens arrived from God knows where and really started having ago at him, you could hear that deep throaty call from the Ravens……
Cisco couldn’t care less about the Ravens, he had picked his crow and thats all he was interested in….
Stoop, throw up, stoop throw up all the way across the field trying to get a foot to his crow with these 4 Ravens really trying to have a go and intimidate him, he looked really small in the air with the Ravens.
Bradley was already running after the flight, just in case.
One final throw up and short stoop from Cisco and he bound to his crow and dropped out of the sky with it.
Well all hell broke lose, I think every crow and Raven for 20 miles arrived on the scene within seconds……but nothing bothers this little falcon, he turns his back to them and gets on with the job at hand.

41232
Off he goes to help Cisco

41233
Not put this one up because I’m bloody thirsty, Cisco tends to grab the crow around the beak to stop it biting him, never does it with rooks.

Eznugud

09-09-2007, 05:22 PM

41234

41235

41236

41237

Eznugud

09-09-2007, 05:24 PM

Just a few i took today that i really like....

41238

41239

41240

ReluctantTwitcher

09-09-2007, 06:55 PM

Great stories & pics Shaun, really enjoyed them. Cisco seems to be a clever lad indeed - great shot of him wrapping up that dagger of a beak. Good to see Brad enjoying himself too, feet up at Cisco's side. (A well deserved rest after sprinting in on the kill, I can imagine!) Once again, thanks a lot for taking the time to share it with the rest of us. The three of you really deserve all the praise you've been given for this thread and for what you've done. Cheers,

/Magnus

Matthew Patching

09-09-2007, 07:09 PM

Bloody hell that ones a bigun. Well done.

Shikra

09-09-2007, 07:26 PM

A pic which says all, excellent effort mate, have learned much from your thread.

Kind regards.

Wooly

09-09-2007, 08:13 PM

Great thread love the photos, Brad is doing a great job.

Foxy1

14-08-2008, 05:32 PM

Realise this is a very old thread but just wondering if there are any updates on this little Falcon? thread had me hooked till i had read the lot!

Billy

Matthew Patching

14-08-2008, 09:06 PM

Hi Billy,

Shaun deosnt come on here very often any more, but the end of this thread appears to be missing, Cisco (peanut) hit a telephone wire shortly after this and nearly severed his wing, he was put down by a vet the same evening.

Bradley was gifted his 1/2 brother, and he is named Pancho, I think he caught about 40ish crows from late november uptil mid march, currently moulting well.

Foxy1

14-08-2008, 09:26 PM

that is bloody tragic, glad all is going well now though.thanks for filling me in mate.

all the best

BIlly

Eznugud

20-08-2008, 10:50 AM

Bloody hell this is a blast from the past…….

Hi Billy

Like Matt pointed out Cisco sadly died the day after my last post on this thread, there is a thread on here somewhere I think it’s called “Cisco died tonight”.

Soon after Mick Kane who bred Cisco gave Bradley his half brother that made a very good crow falcon, he’s moulting out now……

Bradley got a young gyr x pere again this season from Mick that was just starting to come on nicely but unfortunately while chasing a crow on Friday hit a dry stone wall and broke its wing…….talk about lightning not striking in the same place twice……
He had an operation on the wing on Monday and he’s got a 50/50 chance of being able to hunt again……

And again Mick Kane went above and beyond and without hesitation gave Bradley a young female Peregrine to fly…………

Fingers crossed we can get the season back on track….

This years Gyr x Pere - Sancho

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/Sancho/IMG_1493.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/Sancho/IMG_1492.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/IMG_1354vv.jpg

This years Female Peregrine

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/eznugud/Peregrine/IMG_1375.jpg