Zarbu, the Saker falcon

[Saker-Clive]

Well this is the start of my programme with my newly aquired 14 week old parent reared Saker falcon; if it is boring, don't blame me, I'm new to training a long wing so both of us have a very large learning curve to overcome. "I honestly hope I don't 'spoil' her too much."
Day 1. Sept. 11th. Went to Huxley's Experience to pick up my new baby; she had already been equipped that morning by Julian (the owner and Luke-lloydparabuteo). When she was brought out to me she was screaming, bating , trying to bite. You name it PSYCHO SAKER was launched.
On arrival home she done the same thing getting out of the car, neightbours kept a good distance and watched in awe. She refused to stand up for the first hour or so but soon calmed down a little. I was able to get her on the fist, hood her and so our partnership began. I spent most of the day, hooding her and walking around the house and garden with her. That evening I tried her with a rat on the glove; supprisingly she tore it apart but only ate a little. She wighed 2lb.2oz.
The following 2 weeks was basically the same, getting her to step up and feeding from the fist. I want her to come because SHE wants to, not because of the food!
23/08/'04. I decided to introduce her to the swing lure. I pegged it down about leash length in front of her with a chick attached and left the enclosure; within a couple of minutes she jumped down to feed from it. This went on for the next few days having most of her food on the lure and some on the fist.
27/08/'04. Today I made in while she was feeding on the lure pad and covered the food with my hand to see if she would carry on feeding from the glove. This task was completed without a hitch, so I managed this several times before leaving her to put over her crop. In between the 'main' learning sessions I man her and hood her several times daily.
I am able to approach her now without her bating or trying to run away.
31/08/'04. Took her up this morning for a little manning and to weigh her, 2lb. 1/4oz. I offered her a rabbit leg which she jumped for eagerly several times. We went for a manning walk to one of the local parks that ask me to take Kier the Harris hawk over to scare off the gulls. She behaved impecably, no bating even when approached by several people who came over to see her.
01/09/'04. We put her on the lawn in the garden for some longer jumps/flights to the fist. This was completed very well again. Tried her on the creance at training ground in the afternoon but her eyes were everywhere. 1lb.15 1/2oz. Although her keel is pretty sharp further reduction may be required. This is where I start to get a little jittery, as I don't want her going too low.
05/09/04. Took her to clubs training ground; The creance was fully unwound and I called her to the lure. This she completed 3 times without trying to go in any other direction. As she will not yet come for small offerings she had consumed 3 chick bodies plus pick up peices. Went home rather chuffed as I did not expect her to come that distance first time out.
06/09/'04. No flying today as I thought I would reward her with a quail. Probably wont be taking her out now for a few days to allowq her weight to come back down.
09/09/'04. 2lb 0oz. went to training ground and dispite her weight she flew well again. We only done 4 flights but the third onwe was spectacular. As she came to the lure, she checked just before it then started to carry on over it; I called her and she checked again, turned upward as if about to stoop, turned back but carried on until being brought up by the creance.
11/09/'04 + 12/09/'04. I free lofted her in the aviery to feed her on the glove. She flew to me eagerly and she hits the glove with a lot of force. We have been doing this everytime she feeds now. She has also flown to me a few times for no food, maybe to see if there was anything on the glove but this has made me happier than anything.[/color][/color][/color]************************************************** **********

13/09/'04
Rain has now stopped for a while so got Zarbu out and put her on the scales. 1lb. 14 1/2oz. Sorted out the food, 2 docs, legs, wings and heads removed for pick ups. Bodies cut into 2 and yolk sacks removed.
On getting to the training ground, the wind had got up again; 15-20mph.
Set up the creance on the spike and attached Zarbu.

Danni took her full length and I sorted out the lure. Off with the hood and she was off before I even blew her whistle; bang....... she hit the lure with considerable force. Showed her the pick up peice and straight up to the glove. Hood on and back they went. I moved back a few yards, and called her in. This time she came over much higher, about 12 feet and as she went down to the lure, I tweaked it out of her way. She climbed and started to turn but then carried on. She decided to fly around on the end of the line but got tangled with Danni before I could get the lure going again. I offered her the luer again whilst she was on the ground and she came over. Back on the fist and re-hooded.
I moved back again so this time she had to come almost half the length again 40 yards. She tried to hit the lure and carry it but fluffed it up. Again, once on the ground, I threw out the lure and she went staight to it.
A little further back again and I called her in. A few head bobs and here she comes. Hit the lure hard again and ate her reward. She wasn't too keen to come up for the pick up peice but eventually she did.
We mamaged 6 flights to the lure and I was very pleased with her performance.
I got some funny looks from a couple of dog walkers when I shouted 'Ho' but such is life :D
On getting home, I put her on her block and gave her the last few bits of pick ups.
A very enjoyable session, I only hope that this keeps up but being a female it wont last.

[Saker-Clive]

HELP I hit the red font tag but it isn't showing up. ADMIN please do something!!!

[Hawkmaster]

SS, write your story then press CTRL + A to select all and then choose the red colour and you should then be done.

Good, she sounds like she is going to be fine. Does she jump to the fist if you just put it out or do you call her?

[Saker-Clive]

HM, if I've been feeding her, she comes without being called.

[Steve L]

interesting read ss sounds like everything is going better than expected m8, im looking forward to reading more

steve

[Saker-Clive]

It still wont change colour!!!!!!! must be doing something wrong!
also everytime I hit 'post reply' I get an error message and Explorer shuts down!

[Darren]

Good one.....Sounds like everything is going to plan.

[Saker-Clive]

14/09/'04

No flying today; the weather here is diabolical, high winds, rain and thunder!!!! god I hate this weather.

I thought I would try and see if she would fly to my daughter Danni, so I free lofted her and gave Danni some food. Zarbu was a little unsure at first but soon she flew to both of us fist to fist.
She has also now associated the tupperware pot the food is kept in as a food source. She kept trying to get it out of my shirt pocket, which I think is a good sign. 'WHY,' I hear you ask; well if this pot with a red lid means to her that it chow time, then as and when she decides to play up and not come to the lure or sits up on a high branch, I can get the old faithful food pot out and hopefully she'll think 'grubs up, time to go.'
I know this works with my Harris but with him, all I need do is scrape the lid if he's close enough or I hold it up and in he comes. It has not failed yet. :!: :!: :D Oh, i nearly forgot, she weighed 1lb.14 1/2oz.

[Saker-Clive]

15/09/'04.

Opened up the averies at 07:30, 15 minute manning and a cuddle. She has already cast so I weighed her, 1lb. 14 1/4oz. It looks like the next few days are going to be glorious which means I will be taking both birds out. The wind is still hanging about but has dropped to about 12-15mph.

************************************************** *********

13:15.
Took her up and weighed her again, no change since this morning. Sorted out the food and set off.
First pass was excellent; full double length of the creance. She tried again to pick up the lure but fluffed it; she climbed, turned to the left and hit the lure again and sat on it. :D
second pass, she came in fast and hard, hitting the lure and staying with it.
Third pass I tried to see if she could catch it in the air but I think this confused her a bit :!: she 'hovered' for a second until the lure hit the ground and went straight to it. She did not want to come for the pick up until I put my hand underneath her.
The last three passes went as smoothly as the others; I must start to try something different to stop her getting bored.
Another excellent and enjoyable session; can't wait for wifey to come and video it :!: :!: :D

[Saker-Clive]

16/09/'04

We took Snudz along with us to give him a taste of training a longwing! She flew positively superbly again and Snudz can bare witness to it. We also got him to video it.............won't go into too much detail eh Snudz :twisted:

I weighed her prior to going out and she weighesd the same as yesterday, 1lb.14 1/4oz.
I prepared the food, 2 chicks bodies cut into 4 and the legs cut into 3. I thought that I would try and put the smaller bits of leg on the lure first. We set up the creance and we were rolling. Off with her hood and she came in immediately.
2nd pass was the same, she hit the lure hard. On the third pass, I let Snudz swing and drop the lure out, to see if she would come for him. Off with the hood and she came straight in.
This time I tried the lure in the air to see if she could hit it mid flight. Snudz decided to watch this time and put the camcorder down!!!!!!!!!
Off the fist and in she came fast; I swung and threw the lure upward....
bang.....she hit it superbly and followed it down to the ground. I could have cried :mrgreen:

We carried this on for a few more times but she seemd to hold up in anticipation just before getting to the lure but did follow through back down to the ground. I also tried calling her to the fist but I left the food pot on the ground which she hit on the way over.
By the time we finished, she was just about 'fed up'. The last pass took about 20 seconds before comming.

I was so pleased with her performance today and she only once went off towards a pigeon once. :D :D :D :D :mrgreen:

[Snudz]

16/09/'04

We also got him to video it.............won't go into too much detail eh Snudz :twisted:


I don't suppose I'll be "thanking the Academy" anytime soon........

Zarbu's just camera shy at the moment.........likes to perform for live audiences only :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Cappsy]

ha,sounds great cant wait to get my baby n get out there with it.

[Saker-Clive]

17/09/'04

No flying today as the weather was pretty dismal. She weighed 1lb. 14 14oz. again and was fed 3 chicks to the fist in the aviery.
She even flew to Debbie who came over today. Which I was pleased about as it gave Debbie the chance to feel the difference between a Harris and the Saker in the way they hit the glove.

[Saker-Clive]

18/09/'04

Took her up around 09:00, after a short manning I weighed her, would you beleive it, 1lb.14 1/4oz. I gave her a chick as the weather wasn't looking too good again.

14:00, there's a break in the weather, so I weighed her again and low and behold.....still no change :!: got her food ready and back to the training ground.

Still got the stiff south-westerly but it didn't make any difference to her flying. First pass went as expected; hood of and before I called, she was off.
2nd pass went the same. I thought I would try and go a lot closer, just 1 length of the creance and hide the lure to see if she would fly pass. If she did I was going to call her back but instead she landed at my feet.....bless her. Tried again but no difference.
Went back to double length to see if she would hit the lure mid air again.
She came in beautifully, I threw the lure up towards her and bang, she not only hit it, she caught it :D
Next pass she hit the lure but didn't bind. Following pass............she caught it again and flew a few yards before being brought up by the line.

On getting ready to go home, I was winding in the creance whilst Danni took her for a walk; they got about 20 yards away when Zarbu started calling to me. I told Danni to come towards me and within a few steps, she stopped calling :D .

Got home and blocked her out to put over her crop. She had 2 chicks in all whilst training but her crop wasn't too big.
I gave her another chick at 17:00.
Another good session chalked up. If she is like this when free I will be very happy.

[Snudz]

18/09/'04
I threw the lure up towards her and bang, she not only hit it, she caught it :D

Another great flight from our camera shy Zarbu!! :lol: :lol:

We'll have to get her a little mac if this lousy weather continues though....

[Saker-Clive]

Either that or I'm getting a DUCK :!: :D :D

[Snudz]

Quack!! :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

THIS TIME ITS ON FILM :mrgreen:

[Snudz]

Well get her a passport photo done and we'll take her on holiday........


http://www.habtoor.com/shindagah/may/nature.htm

[Saker-Clive]

Sounds like her......... :mrgreen:

[Saker-Clive]

21/09/'04.

Took her up and weighed her early this morning, 1lb.14 1/2oz. Good, her weight is creeping up a bit. I gave her a chick body and put her back on the block.
After taking Kier out, I re-weighed her but she went back to her usual weight of 1lb. 14 1/4oz. Sorted out 3 chicks for flying and off we went.
The wind was very stiff this afternoon and I thought that she might have a few problems..........she cut through it like a knife in butter. We opened up the creance as usual and got set up. As soon as the hood came off she was on the wing; I put the lure high in the air and she hit it first time.
Next pass she waited for it to land before going down to it.

I thought I'd try to get her to pass me, by removing the lure after she took off but she hung on the wind looking at me! As soon as I got it out she came after it. I decided to start running and she followed me. She got the wind underneath her and went up quite high and flew around (as if wiating on) so I legged it back so she had to come into the wind and threw the lure out; straight down like a bullet.
I did confuse her several times and she sat on the ground but as soon as the lure was shown she was there.
At this rate I reckon she'll be free very soon, in fact I reckon she would have completed today free without a hitch. She hasn't once tried to vere off and stays near me all the time.

GOD I LOVE THIS BIRD!!!!!!!

[Hawkmaster]

Clive how far is she coming to the lure?

[Saker-Clive]

Hi Paul, double legth of the creance, I spike the handle into the ground and stand full length into the wind, my helper takes her full length the other side.

I want to try and get her to pass me so I can call her back properly but at the moment she will not pass me; I know it will happen but I want to get this part of her training completed B4 setting her free if poss.

[Hawkmaster]

Don't waste your time and possibly waste what sounds like a natural waiting on bird! Do the double creance, which should be 100 metres and call her if she comes first time she is ready! Release her on the next flight. Job Done.

She does not want to leave you so passing will be done with free flight.

[Saker-Clive]

I guess my creance is about 30 yards, so she is comming 60ish. I have got to get her fully equipped then I might give it a go. Just got to sort out her bells and fit the tailmount.

[Hawkmaster]

Remember to weigh everything first as it will pump up her weight. You can also tie a, something to the end you usually stake down and call her further to see if she comes?

[Saker-Clive]

22/09/'04

She weighed in at 2lb.0 1/4oz., good, can't wait to see how she flies at a higher weight.
Snudz arrived around 11:15 but the rain started; decided to give her a chick as it looked like there was going to be no flying. After eating the chick it brightened up a little, so I decided we'll go any way!!!!
Only took 2 chicks in bits today.
After setting up we started. Off with the hood and without the need to call her she came in and climbed to a good height and I put the lure up towards her. She caught it and started to carry it for a few yards. Next pass, she caught it and let it go then followed it down.
The next few passes I tried to get her to pass me but she didn't want to play. I ran with the lure and she chased after me like a 'road-runner'.

The strong wind didn't bother her at all and she carried on extremely well until the last pass. By this time she was either getting rather full or tired but I think it was being full. It took her about 20 seconds to come off the glove and get her rewards.
We took her back home and luckily missed the wet stuff.

Another good session considering she eaten prior to going out. 3 chicks today. Depending how hard she works, 3 chicks maintains her weight, 4 adds weight and 2 lowers it.
As the colder weather creeps in the intake and weight fluctuation will obviously vary.

[Johnny]

Im in the same boat as you m8 ,ill be letting mine free the end of the week if me rt keeps up the good work you seem to be doing good .
All the best
Johnny
Do you know anything about dummy bunnies and how to introduce me rt to it ,im thinking of leaving it in his mew 2moro ?

[Saker-Clive]

Hi Johnny,
when i first introduced my HH to it, he crapped himself! so the easiest way is to attach a whole food peice to it and leave him to go down on it in his own time. you will have to do this for a few days to make him fully aware that this means chow time.
Once accustomed to it, tie the lure line to it and gently tweak it with the food on it. (still do it in the mews/enclosure). At first he will not land on it but once he gets used to it you can have someone run it along for you.

Make sure you are both ready and don't do too much at first when he is free. a few passes to the glove then call it a day. Gradually lengthening the duration and getting him to come to the fist with no reward every now and again. This will also give you more miles to the chick, and he will get fitter.

[Hawkmaster]

I would not leave it with the RT they tend to destroy bunny lures and do not have that initial scared fit of it like HHs. Do not worry about that now anyway just get him flying for now.

[Saker-Clive]

24/09/'04

She weighed 2lb. 01/4oz. So I thought we'd try her at the heavier weight to see how she is.
We got her to pass me and I didn't call her back until she was almost at full length of the creance and she turned in and waited for me to produce the lure for her. :D :D :D
We completed this for about 5 passes, then went back to the full length and let her practice her catching. She wasn't even perturbed by a kestrel that came over for a look; it hovered above us about 60 feet up but she took no notice.

I reckon she'll be free with in a week or two...................if I can take the pressure :shock:

[Snudz]

and I can't wait to see it!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

26/09/'04

2lb.0oz. The weather is sunny with a nice breeze, nothing like it has been recently.

Today she surpassed herself; I got her to get height and she flew around the length of the creance a couple of times before I 'Ho'd' her in. She turned and came down hard to hit the lure mid air. She done this a couple of times but then got a little 'excited' and started to try and go a little further but got pulled up by the line. I walked away from her and called her over to the lure from sitting on the ground. After a few seconds, she came and I gave her the lure.

A few more straight forward flights, catching the lure mid flight and getting her pick up peices. The last two passes were a little slow as her crop was getting a bit full. She had the usual 2 chicks and looked as impressive as usual.
Hoping to get her tailmount fitted tomorrow, then I can start to consider her going free.

[Spurtle]

Clive,
Sounds like she's definitely ready to go free. Good luck!

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks Spurtle,

When I do let her go, it will only be for a few passes at a time. Hopefully it wont give her too much confidence to go too far.

This will only be done for a short period to get her muscled up without her going on her jollies too soon. It will hopefully give us both time to get used to it as well; we have to trust each other, and learn together!

[Saker-Clive]

27/09/'04

Today was the best ever :mrgreen: she weighed 2lb 0 1/4oz., took her up to fit her tailmount (that's another story) and let her settle for an hour or so.
We took her to the usual place and there was hardly any wind. On the first pass, I got her to come to my left about 20 yards off straight line; she started off low, then climbed to the length of the creance. I ran to the right and she turned and followed me over. As I started to go back to the left again my excitement got the better of me and I tripped and tangled in the creance...........................followed by a hungry Saker after her lure pad :!: :shock:
After untangling myself, we set off again; she did exactly the same, back and forth a few times then I let her have the lure.
The next 2 passes were straight normal ones, just to make sure she doesn't get too confused.

This time I loaded up the lure with a juicy bit of chick body, I could hear her calling as she came over to the lure; I dropped it on the ground but pulled it away as she got near. She lost a little momentum as I expected but flew up and I called her in, she turned and came straight back. The next pass she wasn't having any of it. When i pulled the lure away this time she pitched and landed on the ground; I ran away from her dragging the lure and she came straight after it.
She had 2 whole chicks in total for the flying as we usually do, which gives her crop a slight bulge. On getting home, I gave her another 2 chicks as I am resting her tomorrow as on Wednesday, I'm hoping to be going out with Julian and Steph from Huxley's Bird of Prey centre. They will give me some pointers after seeing me fly her and hopefully set her free.
I do appologise if this thread sounds the same, all marvellous and light but at the moment she has been totally fantastic. Even Snudz is smitten by her. After Wednesday though, things will most probably change.

[Johnny]

All the best m8 i hope it all gaes to plan .
Good work m8
Johnny

[Hawkmaster]

Let her Go! lol

[Kornie]

I think it comes to a stage for a longwing that when they are flying well, a creance can only get in the way and kind of put back training, I found that with a kestral i was keeping. Sounds to me mate the creance is getting in the way. :D Let her taste free Air!

[Johnny]

and a cold chill enter the room ,lol
Only joking
If the pros are saying it let her go let her go
All the best
johnny

[Snudz]

I do appologise if this thread sounds the same, all marvellous and light but at the moment she has been totally fantastic. Even Snudz is smitten by her. After Wednesday though, things will most probably change.

Keep it coming mate. It's the nearest I'll get to see her this week. :cry: And yeah, damn right I am!! :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

29/09/'04

BLOODY RAIN STOPPED PLAY!!!!!

It's supposed to be better tomorrow so we have re-scheduled for 17:00. If it rains then, I will be really miffed!!! sorry guys, if you were waiting for the post this evening.

[Saker-Clive]

30/09/'04

MY LITTLE GIRL DID IT & DID IT IN STYLE! :mrgreen:

We all met at the training ground, Julian, Steph, and Luke from Huxley's and Melinda a club member; and I got Zarbu on the creance. We done 2 passes on the line then with shaking hands I took off the creance and Danni took her back to her mark.

I gave her the nod and off came the hood, before I hada chance to call her, she was off; my heart was going ten to the dozen and I sent her away. I let her carry on for about another 40 yards and shouted ..."HO,"
she turned and came straight back to her lure. I could have cried!!! Every one clapped and cheered and I offered her the pick up peice and she jumped up to the glove.
I re-hooded her and Danni took her back; I gave her the nod again and off she came again without the need to call her. I let her go again and she kept on turning her head to see where I was and if I had the lure ready for her. I wanted her to have a little fly about to see what she would do or where she would go but she stayed quite close to me waiting on, so I threw the lure up for her and she came straight in.
One more pass and I thought that it would be enough for today. Danni took her back and when I had the lure all loaded, we were off again. I called her and she flew straight to me, I told her to 'get up' and she did. I let her play in the breeze for what seemed quite a while but was probably only a few seconds. She went out about 50 yards past me, turned and came back round, looking for the lure; I waved her on and she went. She flew towards the others then turned and headed towards the trees 60 yards to my left. When she got to the edge of the trees my nerve gave out and I shouted out "HO", she turned and caught the lure. I gave her a big pick up peice, then took her back to her block and gave her the rest of her rations for today.
She weighed 1lb. 15 1/2oz, and consumed 3 whole chicks.

Julian and Steph were really impressed and pleased at the way both Zarbu and I worked together, and thought that we have got a good bond.
All that we need to do is get her really fit and then the crows and gulls better watch out.

I think I will sleep much better tonight and hopefully the weather will be kind again tomorrow. A little but often I think is going to be the order of the day.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Hawkmaster]

WELL DONE!!!! Don't you wish you had done that 3 days ago?

What is your plan of action for fitness?

[Johnny]

Congratulations m8
All that hard work seems to of paid off .
So do you think she is ready to hunt now ?
All the best m8
Johnny

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks guys,
I knew she was ready earlier this week but I just wanted the Huxley gang there when I let her go. They like to see how their birds turn out and I wanted them to be a part of our big day!

I guess that we will be flying her to the lure and gradually make our sessions longer, keeping her in the air and IF she goes after anything all good and well.
Don't forget, this is my first longwing so I have a great deal to learn. I also know that she will go 'walk-about' and as long as I can get her fit enough before it happens, I wont feel so bad.

I am going to have a few lessons on lure swinging; I was told that I looked comfortable with the lure I still need to be able to complete good manners whilst swinging and offering the lure so as not to injure the bird and to get the co-ordination right.

Johnny, she wont be ready to hunt for some time as she needs to get properly fit; she may go after something as a 'taster' but I wont be pushing her just yet. Flying to the lure and hunting are two entirely different styles of flying. She needs to get used to be in the wind and learn to control her flying before we can think of hunting.

[Wightwings]

well done clive the only way is up!! now. as a matter of interest are you using a fethered lure? is so what are you training her to?

[Saker-Clive]

I am still on a high; Chris at the moment I'm using a blank lure with just her rewards on it. As the fitness increases, I will be using pheasant (which by the way, is in season tomorrow) partridge, crow and maybe duck. I still have a pair of pheasant and partridge wings in mothballs, so I might give them a try later.
I will let her go after what ever she wants, anyway once in the air, I wont be able to stop her if she has made up her mind!!!

[Hawkmaster]

Clive I don't bother with a feathered lure as most bird will pluck it and it gets really poo in the wet.

I would just spend the next week working long distance luring with her if you want her as a pursuit hawk.

Just increase the distance by 50 metres each time and work into wind further and further. When she gets there do say 3 passes to start and increase them each time by one or two, BUT most important is to watch her beak and she if she is pooped or not and that way just to either give it to her or not.

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks Paul, my main concern is at present when I show her the lure, she gets it but if she is comming in to it and I pull it away, will she carry on and then turn back again or will she pitch, or keep going?
I don't think that she will keep going but I guess this is her learning period!

[Snudz]

Well done to you both, this will give the maggies something to think about!!!

Luv it!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

Got some of it on video, Denise wasn't too clever with it tonight!!!!! quite a bit of the floor.

[Hawkmaster]

Use an open field with no perches, if poss?
Use a, say left hand through pass and swing it around to your left and around your body, and see? If she turns give it to her, do not call HO till you are going to offer it though.

So call as per normal, do not call and call, if a falconm is on its way there is no need AND after she mounts, turns or whatever, then HO and give it as per normal. Good Luck! Easy once you have done it! lol

[Snudz]

Got some of it on video, Denise wasn't too clever with it tonight!!!!! quite a bit of the floor.

I'll have to break my meeting with Martin Scorcese (he's always after new talent 8) ) and see if I can help out next week........

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks Paul, hopefully if the weather is good tomorrow we will be out again.

If she carries on flying the way she has been, and keeping an eye on me then hopefully things will go smoothly but being a female Saker I know that she can turn off just as easily.
I only use the HO when I am going to give her the lure, otherwise I talk to her as she is flying around. Telling her to 'get up' or just shout her name to get her attention; I also have been using the whistle. A long blast to let her know that it is her time for the lure, and a short blast to get her attention.

You bet Andy, look forward to it.

[Wightwings]

Strange, my post disappeared? try again.
My apologies clive regarding the feathered lure it was just an enquiry as i'm not expert enough on longwings to offer any advise you are not already getting. I am really chuffed for you for today i know that first flight feeling and its a big mixture of fear and thrill. again well done

HM just asked about the lure as always presummed introducing feathers during training might spook bird as the lure suddenly "sprouts" wings!! can say i always used a fethered one and it seemd to have the desired effect but will have to bow to your experience on that . Cheers

Chris

[Hawkmaster]

Feathered lures are not wrong and can be used I just prefer padded only for the two reasons:

They become wet and tatty and some birds pluck them and do not want to leave the lure.

[Saker-Clive]

01/10/'04

My little girl flew a dream again this lunchtime. We went over one of the farms which is quite open and has loads of crows and pigeons. We went to the middle of the field and I tried to fly her from my glove but no joy there. Danni took her about 70 yards downwind of me and I called her over; she came beautifully and I kept her in the air a good 3 minutes before calling her in to the lure. This was her first time on a stubble feild and she wasn't too keen sitting on the floor.
The next flight was a little longer and I kept trying to get her to stoop at the lure but with my in-experience of the lure swinging and her in-experience of flight and earo-dynamics, she wouldn't do it!! She either circled above me until I told her to go and play or done 'semi-stoops' knowing I had the lure in my hand. She flew a good 80 yards away from me and back and off again out and round but always watching me. I called her down and gave her the lure and her pick up peice. We done this for about an hour in total but the last flight was by far the most exciting.
After getting her to fly about for a good 5 minutes without her 'pitching' (sitting down somewhere), I could see she was getting maybe a little bored, I told her that this is the last one and she flew low and went out about 150 yards and I thought 'OOOOOOOps,' then all of a sudden she put up about 50 woodies and flew through them; I thought that she might have had a go but just stayed with them. By this time she was getting further and further away, so now the pannick had set in and I Ho'd, it hurt as well but she just looked back and came straight in. I gave her a head for her pick up peice, then a whole chick on the glove.
I got her dressed, and we came home.
Considering that this is the furthest she has ever flown and the duration of the session, she is turning into my SUPER-SAKER :mrgreen: :D :D :D

ps. she weighed 1lb.15 3/4oz, I also was on such a high last night I was on here til about 04:30

[Wightwings]

fantastic would really love to see her some time she sounds a dream.

all the best

Chris

[Saker-Clive]

Chris, let me know when you're having another skive and we will sort something out.

Clive

[Wightwings]

Cheers Clive, will do

[Saker-Clive]

04/10/'04.

Totally hacked off today; last nights forcast said it was going to be worse today, with gale force winds and rain; I decided to give both birds a well earned quail as there was no chance of flying......................................
come 14:00hrs. the bloody sun is shining and perfect for the pair of them. Zarbu is on her block with a crop the size of a tennis ball and Kier is not as bad but still with a bulge in his neck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I only hope they will be ready to fly tomorrow.......if the weather is OK! :evil: :evil: :evil:

[Want-a-Saker.]

Sounds fantastic...... I wish I was closer to you!
I hope I have half your luck when I get mine.

[Saker-Clive]

I think that in one respect I've been luck that I am not working; it gives me the time to spend with the birds, manning, flying them and just being there. Sometimes, I'll go down to the averies with a cuppa and just sit in there with one of them talking to them!! I can now tell if Zarbu doesn't want me around, when she is like that , I just leave her for an hour or so then try again.

[Saker-Clive]

05/10/'04.

After her glut on the quail yesterday, she weighed 2lb.3oz. I felt that we had to fly her as she hadn't flown since Friday.
I decided to put her back on the creance as I didn't want her going off because of the weight but I think it was probably a wrong move. It definately confused her being back on the line and she was pulled up a couple of times but she was also not very responsive; she was very slow to leave the fist and she was just too heavy for now.
At least I know that her 'responsive weight' is between, 1lb.15oz. and
2lb. 1 1/2oz. As she gets stronger and fitter her weight will slowly creep up.
She's had about 2 chicks in all, so she should drop a little by tomorrow . On the plus side, she did stoop much better today!!

[Saker-Clive]

06/10/'04.

She weighed in at 2lb.2 3/4oz this morning and I though that flying was out the window for today but when I weighed her at lunchtime she was down to 2lb.1oz. She must have cast in the meantime.
On getting to the field, the wind was gusting about 20mph +. The crows and pigeons were having trouble flying and I was getting very anxious. I need to fly her as much as pos. but I was chancing it in this wind.
On setting up, Danni took off the hood and I called her after she roused. Her head bobbed and she started off. She had only come about 25 yards when she turned with the wind and zoomed off 150 yards away from me heading for the brow of the hill. I had visions of her sailing over the top and carrying on with the wind. I was really 'cacking' myself and hollared 'HO'......................she turned and stayed low, close to the ground and headed straight for me; I offered her the lure and she caught it. She took a while to come up to the glove but seemed settled once she was there. My heart flutter also dwindled..................... slightly.

Just as we were about to start her off on the second pass, we heard a kestrel calling and looked up to see a dozen or so crows chasing it. I called Zarbu and she did exactly the same as before; whilst going around by the hill all the crows split up and left :mrgreen:
As she came in towards me I tried the 'through pass' which for the first time she went for, after moving it out of her way, she climbed almost vertically and turned tightly to the left. She went around again but waited on above me; I turned my back on her and she went off 150 yards again. I called out her name and she came back in; I could see her beak was open so after she passes me I Ho'd and brought her down. I let her rest for a little then decided on one more flight.
She was a little hesitant in comming off the glove but seemed to enjoy herself more once she got going. The wind got a bit stronger and I could see she was working really hard so I called her in and let her have the rest of her food. 2 whole chicks in total. This should also drop her weight a touch and make her a little more keen for tomorrow.

Considering my anxiety in the begining, she showed great spirit in the wind and she kept looking for me all the time :D :D :D Just hope tomorrows weather is better, so we can have a good session.

[Saker-Clive]

07/10/'04

She weighed 2lb. 0oz. when Itook her up the afternoon, we fitted the tranny and set off to the farm.
We drove to the field today so we had a little off-roading aswell!!

Danni took Zarbu about 50 yards away and I loaded up the lure. She had a rouse and off she came. I let her 'stooge' about for a good 5 minutes, flying to the lure and going away and then called her in. She had ben flying out to about 200 yards and came straight in. :mrgreen: (Snudzy was well impressed).

The second flight was a bit more stressful................... she came as usual and went around getting further away each time, she now decided to go 300 yards away into another field and then sit on the floor. I was too sure if she went down on something or was just tired; I called her name a couple of times but ****** all was happening. My 'pooper' was begining to twitch and I yelled 'HOooooooooooooo'. with that , she took off and came straight back :D :D :D 8) and took the lure. After a short deliberance of whether to do another flight or not, I loaded up the lure again and off we went.
Hood off, pause.....rouse and off she came; this time she stayed fairly close to start with but I tangled myself up in the lure (doh) and she went for a fly. She went back over to where she was earlier and I shouted her name ansd asked her to come back; she turned in and over she came. I took the lure away and made her pass a few more times before giving her the reward.
Snudz now knows the difference between flying a longwing and a broadwing. :shock: :shock: :P
We completed about 5 flights in all and she seemed to be getting more confidence in her self and flying. She seemed to enjoy herself, calling at me once she had eaten her reward off the lure. I gave her a good feed on the glove and we all came home.

Yet another exciting and enthralling session. I am getting very jittery now that she is getting her confidence and flying further out.

[Wightwings]

well done clive she sounds like shes having fun.
shes got Telem on so dont worry too much. it will be a natural thing for hr to venture further and you have to be brave sometimes and let her without caling her in or the danger is she will become a little lurebound.
cheers bud
chris

[Saker-Clive]

Hi Chris,
where we've been flying her is in a sort of a valley; my worry is if she goes over the hill she will see a great distance of about 10 miles of open space and sea.
My ol' ticker wouldn't cope nor me skids!

[Wightwings]

I know what you mean its a visual thing, any chance you can get out and onto the hill top to allow her to have a bit more free reign without you having a hearty??
I know excactly how you feel clive, been there, they range out fifty yrds it looks 500!! and you think on ****, oh ****, OOOHH ****!!!!! so you swing away.
keep up the diaries C i'm really enjoying them. Funnily enough had to drop the missus over at Shoreham yesterday and looking at the sky( about 1pm) thought to myself wonder if c is flying Zarbu today!!
:D

[Snudz]

[color=red]07/10/'04
Snudz now knows the difference between flying a longwing and a broadwing. :shock: :shock: :P
color]

I thought that Clive was as awed as I was by her amazing flights........I now realise he was quietly sh%^&ing himself. She didn't put a foot wrong though ( apart from one small breather) truly jaw dropping...... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Darren]

sounds like Snudz is enjoying himself with u & Zarbu

[Saker-Clive]

I hope so; although he is only observing, it helps to give him a better idea than if he went to a centre and watched a 'staged display'. He is a part of whats going on.
This is what hopefully will help him decide later whether to get his own bird and/or what bird(s) to get in the future.

He has now seen that one day my Harris flies superbly then others he doesn't want to know. If I knew then what I know now, I may not have ever got a bird; in the begining we are all in awe of the birds and the excitement of getting one etc. but we honestly haven't got a clue the true involvement and commitment needed to keep the birds. unless you have worked in a centre.

[Wightwings]

wise words Clive

[Saker-Clive]

08/10/'04.

She weighed in at 2lb.0 1/4oz. The sun was shining and there was a good breeze. We went to a different place today; a 600 acre farm where I shoot. It is fairly open but slightly hilly.
I parked up at the top of the field on the brow of the hill. Loaded up the lure and tried her off my fist. She was very reluctant to go but did eventually and sat on the ground 30 yards away. As soon as I showed her the lure she was up and off. she flew out and around for a couple of minues then all of a sudden she decided to go and sit on a fence post. I called to her numerous times but nothing; I shouted 'Ho' but nothing, so I left her on the post for a few minutes to take in the view and have a rest. I shouted 'Ho' again and offered her the lure and she came over for her reward.
She wouldn't go from my glove on the second pass, so Danni took her and she came as usual. I was able to get her to stoop about 4 times before I gave her the lure.
The next pass was like the first, she was having a good fly about working with the wind and comming into me very fast, then after a couple of passes, I shouted 'Ho' but she went over to the fence post again. She stayed there for a good 5 minutes before eventually comming back. (there was a very large flock of pigeons over on the other field and I think she was watching them, she was bobbing a great deal looking in that direction).
We completed a couple more passes but the last one, she had the lure then instead of jumping up to my glove she ******ed off for another fly about :shock: :shock: :shock: :evil: You guessed it...............back to the post, 150 yards away.
I was getting the jitters again as she had eaten nearly 2 chicks and her crop was starting to bulge. I loaded up the lure again pretty damm quick, and let her sit for a bit then called her in.......................nothing, I called her again..................................still nothing, she wasn't even looking my way :? I had to result in geting the whole chick out and showed her it. I shouted 'Ho' and she came in. As soon as she was on the lure, I put the chick on the glove for her to have after the session; she came immediately and ate it. I jessed her up and we came home.

I think that I will rest her all weekend as she has flown really well and hard over the last 4 days. Don't want to push her too far too soon!!!![/

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks Andy; I am getting really concerned about her pitching (sitting), maybe HM might have an answer?????
It says in my 'bible' that if the bird starts to pitch then it is very hard to break the habbit but it doesn't tell how to!!!

Hopefully it is just her being tired or 'over-worked' this week but that is my other thread!

[Darren]

SS...when do you think she will be ready to hunt, it's a good diary ur doing mate

[Wightwings]

Clive it may work for you it may not, but i stopped mine pitching by cutting out the feeds on the lure, i.e. i flew her once! the point being we would go out perhaps do two passes then in for the feed, home. next day thre or four passes and let her range a bit in for the feed, home. I did this until she was passing 30 to forty times or until her beaked looked cracked enough to stop before the pitch.
It is a bad habit and very difficult to get rid off once they do start.
one other thing, i would never use the "ho" to call her in! i would use the whistle and only "ho" at the last minute as she came into the lure, this way she never knew until it was almost TOO lte and it honed her catching skills. when she pitches and you shout "ho" at her sat she just knows you are going to feed her!!
Hope this helps, perhaps someone else can offer advise as its only the way i used to do it.
Great diary Clive. :D

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks again; as for the hunting I don't know. She shows a lot of interest in the pigeons, crows and gulls etc. but as yet she hasn't gone after anything. She may know in herself that she isn't fit enough but I guess it will come.
I have a couple of pairs of wings in mothballs, (pheasant and partridge) so I might try them on the lure next week.
I'm not going to push her at anything in particular but once she has tasted the warm fresh kill, then she will hopefully carry on. I have got to get her to fly from the glove comfortably first.

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks Chris, apparently the main reason I have now found out is that they do it in the early stages because they are both lacking in experience in stooping and co-ordination and confusion.
I will next week not get her to pass at the lure but just let her fly about, then call her in.

[Wightwings]

i agree with that Clive, but i have only ever had one do it and i'v had several longwings. I also do know of some birds that have developed the habit later in life, but mainly centre birds in a routine! Still think your doing the right thng to nip it in the bud though young or not.
all the best
Chris
P.s personally i would still get her to pass so she's interested and getting fitter :)

(i hate offering advise sometimes there are so many different views on things i always feel i'm stepping on someones toes :? )

[Saker-Clive]

That's what this forum is all about mate; Ikeep forgetting that this is her first week of flying free; last Thusday she did it for the first time, then we had a good hour long session on Friday. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the weather was ****, and the rest of all this week, she's flown superbly. I'm still hoping it is just tiredness and a good rest this weekend might help her to forget!!!

[Saker-Clive]

11/10/'04

After her good rest over the weekend and feed she weighed 1lb.15 3/4oz.
I was a little dubious about flying her as it was very windy again. I put her on the creance and we done 2 passes straight to the lure. I thought about it and dropped the creance and we set off again. As soon as the hood was off she was on her way. I put the lure behind me and let her have a fly about; she stayed within 150 yard radius and played with the wind. Her wings were being really buffeted especially when she turned and came back in the wind. I thought that she was about to pitch in some trees a way off, so I called her in.
On the next pass, I only put a tiny peice of food on the lure (chick foot), and we set off again. She had another good fly about and I could see she was getting tired as she circled above me; I gave her the lure again and we then waited a few minutes before going again. 8)
I moved further back so she was comming 175 yards just to me. She made several passes to the lure and behaved impecably. Considering the wind she seemed to cut through it with out any difficulties.
6th and final flight, she worked hard again but something distracted her and she flew straight for the hill which was 200 yards behind me and into the wind. As she went over the fence and trees I called her several times and whistled but she just carried on going..............................my @rse started up again and I could see her going over the top and straight lining!!!!! All of a sudden she dropped and sat on the floor. I couldn't see her properly as the grass was quite long; she seemed to jump up a couple of times and I headed in her direction. I called her and showed her the lure again, she roused and took off again.......................in the wrong direction :evil: :evil: :evil: :shock: then she turned and came straight at me. I gave her the lure and then a juicy chunk of quail on the fist. I got her dressed then gave her a little more food on the fist. After getting home, I let her finish off the rest of the quail as the weather over the next few days is supposed to be very wet and windy. She can have another good rest and hopefully on Thursday get out again.

[Saker-Clive]

14/10/'04.

Zarbu weighed 2lb.1 3/4oz. although her weight has gone up her keel was quite sharp. Wightwings and Carol came over and we took her out for a 'short' session, as Carol had to be at work an hour later!!!

Carol un hooded her and she came with out being called. I let her fly around and take in the scenery before making her pas at the lure. This I done several times whilst she played on the wind just flew about. I called her in and she took the lure. :D
Carol and Danni set off again and un hooded her, she waited a bit and roused, then she came in. Again I let her 'stooge' about and she seemed to be enjoying her flights turning and twisting in the wind. I made her pass the lure a few times then called her in. As the time was getting on I decided one last 'quick' flight before the off home. 8)
All was going well, flying further out and getting some good height; then it happened.......................................... .............................a female Kestrel decded to have ago at Zarbu and chased her. :shock: Zarbu quickly climbed and doubled back and now she was chasing the now distraught Kestrel. The Kestrel was squawking and low and behold headed over the hill closely followed be my little girl. The 'dog-fight' continued!!! I didn't panick as much as I thought I might and I called her, whistled to her and whistled to her again...............................******-all!

A couple of minutes later....the Kestrel came back over the hill and carried on her buisness as usual but no sign of Zarbu. :cry: WW and Carol had to go and felt really guilty leaving us there to look for my 'lost' bird.
I got out my trusty Bio-track receiver and started to scan for her; the signal was getting feint so I guessed she was heading away. Gathered everything up and headed for the hill top. After going 175 yards, I checked the signal..................it was a lot louder and it seemed immobile. :o As we neared the top of the hill I checked again and the needle was hitting the end of the scale; :D I knew she had to be within 50 - 100yards away. I whistled and called her but nothing. As I reached the brow of the hill, she obviously saw me and I saw this sillouhette comming towards me with dangly things hanging down from beneath it. :!: :!: My little girl came home.........................not yet, I got the lure out with a chicks head on it and offered it to her. She came down on it then flew off again. She circled me a couple of times then I gave her it again. Whilst she was sitting on it she kept looking at me and calling. I got out a whole chick and put it on the glove. She didn't know what to do.........leave the lure and get the chick or eat the head first???? She came to the fist with the lure tightly clutched in her feet.

Whilst she was feeding, I jessed her back up and we came home. I got the impression that she was a little upset it took me 10 minutes to get up the hill to find her. I wasn't annoyed at her as she was only having a good time and getting fitter. I was glad that she didn't take out the Kestrel as that would have spoilt the day. I don't think the Kestrel will be so quick in having ago next time.
I phoned WW to let him know that we'd got her back and headed home.
All this seemed to take forever but it was only 20 minutes in total; on getting home I had a stiff shot or two of my Sloe-gin. :? :? 8)

[Wightwings]

had to take my missus, Carol, over to Brighton today as she was doing a first aid assessment on someone on a course so took the oppertunity to call in and finally meet up with SS and the birds.
I have to say it was a great day all round with birds, arial dogfights, coffee, sloe gin and DONUTS :D
got to SS's about 11 am, saw the birds had a coffee and also met his daughter Danni. after coffee and before Carol had to be at her appointment it was decided there was enough time to get Zarbu out for some flying and she was blumin great, she used the wind well and was having a thouroughly great time until the "dogfight" with the kessy and she disappeared over the hill. After several minutes swinging, whisteling and shouting, back came the kessy but not Zarbu :shock: . Strange thing was no one panicked because it was as if we all knew from the way she had flow she had not gone far, this and the signal from her transmitter was good. :)
although at this stage Carol and i had to leave for a while, and believe me there is nothing worse than leaving a fellow falconer with a stray bird, we just knew SS and Danni would have her back in no time. sure enough SS phoned as we got down the road saying she was back :D.
After the course and back at SS's a while later we all took out Kier and he was just superb, and what a character, flying to all of us at will, into and outof trees, on the lure, souring on the wind brilliant. I have to say tho he has a definate soft spot for SS's daughter Danni and you could tell.

After we had finished back to SS place for a quick coffee, And a taste of his Sloe Gin and sadly home. :(
thanks for the day SS both Carol and i enjoyed EVERY minute of it and cannot wait until our new birds come so we can all get out togethor.

by the way after seeing your housing for the birds i'v now had my "instructions" of Carol of how she wants our new ones building :roll:

Thanks Again and look forward to next time.

Chris & Carol:D
PS snudz seen you on the video so now know what another member looks like :D

[Saker-Clive]

You are both welcome anytime you fancy a skive :D Both Danni and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as well.

Any other members who ever meet up with WW and Carol will not be disappointed, they are a great pair, and good to have as freinds :mrgreen:
If you need a helping hand later with the design etc. give us a shout!
See you soon, SS

[Snudz]

PS snudz seen you on the video so now know what another member looks like :D

Aw shucks!! :oops: Sorry I missed you yesterday but I was away filming. Tom won't have anyone else stand in for his action shots!!!!!! 8) 8) Glad you had a good time though.

[Wightwings]

yes we did Snudz, looking forward to some more! see you soon :D

[Saker-Clive]

Hi WW,

we will have to meet up again even for training yours; maybe with Kier flying to all of us, it might help to 'make-hawk' of yours!!

[Wightwings]

obsolutely SS its nice to have someone close enough. Makin a start on the housing this weekend, got a plan in mind it will just be a case of geting on with it.
looks like you had another good day with Kier, i presume Zarbu has had a rest today ( or should i say given that Kessy a rest!!!!)

[Saker-Clive]

Spot on!!

I was gonna take her out but ran out of time. Hopefully tomorrow, weather permitting.

Don't forget, paint up your bords and timbers first!!

[Saker-Clive]

16/10/'04

At 2lb.1 3/4oz. I was a little unsure whether to fly her or not today but the sun was shining her keel was sharp and there was a nice breeze in the garden.
I got her ready and me and the kids went over the farm. When I pulled up on the top of the hill and opened the door, the breeze that we had in the garden was a 20mph wind. Again I pondered whether to chance it or not. Stiff breeze and warm sun; definately climbing weather.
We let her off and she flew about ranging out to about 450 yards now but she didn't seem to want to fly. She came in and I let her go off again but she decided to pitch about 400 yards away in the next field. She stayed there for a good 10 minutes before working herself back and I let her have her reward.
She wasn't panting or anything and seemed to want to go off again, so I loaded up the lure and let her go. She rode the wind superbly and swept her wings back almost like in a stoop and zoomed off 400 yards with the wind; as she turned to come back into the wind she just seemed to lose it and went over to the field again but was only 200 yards away and we could see her. She looked like she was mantling but after looking with the bino's she just had her wings dropped :!: :!: :!: :!: was she slightly too heavy and not bothered? or too light and weak? I don't know. We watched her for a few minutes and as soon as she roused, I called her in and she came.

I decided enough was enough, and gave her a whole chick whilst re-dressing her. We sat for a while taking in the glorious veiws over the sea and countryside then went home.

[Wightwings]

she a big powerful lady SS, and when we flew her the other day she did feel shar, but there was some keel under there. I would honestly say she could easily stand another half ounze off no problem and this may make her a little keener?? has Julian had a feel of her i would hte to give you bum info :shock: :D
Speak to you soon
Chris

[Saker-Clive]

Hi mate,
Julian had a feel on the first maiden flight but it was extremely sharp, almost bone protruding @ 1lb. 15 3/4oz. I know that Sakers have to be flown tight so, I will bring her down to between 2lb. and 2lb.1oz. max. I will not keep her there though, I don't beleive it will do her any good. If I know that we are not flying for a few days, then I will give her extra.

[North East Harris Hawker]

looks like them birds are keeping you busy mate, it makes for interesting reading, but crikey there are so many threads now!

[Saker-Clive]

I don't know where I find the time to fly 2 birds, watch the telly and post threads; thats before I read the ones thats in my inbox!!!!!

[North East Harris Hawker]

i know what your talking about, and they expect me to actually do something when i get to work! too many threads to view for that!

[Saker-Clive]

I know the feeling; although I don't work, her indoors expects ME to do things around the house!!!! the nerve of the women.

[North East Harris Hawker]

have you been out today with the bird?

[Saker-Clive]

Unfortunately no, both were a little lardy this morning. I really didn't want to walk around Asda for an hour either!!

The weather is supposed to be preety good again tomorrow, so they'll both get a fly. Hopefully, Zarbu's weight will be more the 2lb. mark.

[North East Harris Hawker]

good, i hope you do well, oh by the way i posted your leash today :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

Thank you; a review will be posted as soon as it arrives. I can feel the positive vibes already :D

Hope your package is what you want!

[North East Harris Hawker]

im supposed to be in london until 8 but i can see me going up the A1 well before then! hope the weather is gonna be ok tomorrow, i wanna get my girl out too

[Kornie]

Stuff weather North! My birds an all weather bird. Toughens them up :evil:

[Saker-Clive]

I like the A1 route, usually takes me 5 hours with one stop, (women, weak bladders or what!!!). Brighton - Darlo.

[North East Harris Hawker]

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO IN DARLO? OOoops!¬

[Saker-Clive]

Visit my mum, sister and neices, nephews etc. They moved up there in '87; I'd love to move up there as well.

[North East Harris Hawker]

theres better places in teh uk to live, kornie there has the best back garden i'll bet, shame theres not a lot of work up the north though. thats why im up and down the A1 like a yo-yo. the only good thing is that shift work means days off. that suits me fine in the winter! :twisted:

[Saker-Clive]

When you down this way next; maybe meet up or go flying.

[Saker-Clive]

17/10/'04

No flying today as she was a trifle heavy this morning. 2lb. 3oz. May have had something to do with the heater being on all night; the cold couldn't get to her.

[Kornie]

We live 30 mins from edinburgh. You can't complain about lack of work there!

[North East Harris Hawker]

im on nights next time i come down , but i'll let you know next time im on days, have you got anyground between london and brighton?

[Saker-Clive]

Only training ground but that is only 10 minutes outside of Brighton.

[North East Harris Hawker]

we will sort something out, occasionally when i change from days to nights i get a middle day off, could be an excuse for a days flying and the opportunity to tastes your wifes cooking after a couple of cold ones!

[Saker-Clive]

You bet.

An afternoon chasing rabbits and pheasants would be good me thinks.

[North East Harris Hawker]

i'll be in touch!

[Saker-Clive]

18/10/'04

The sun was shining, the sky was blue and my little Saker weighed 2lb. 0 3/4oz.
We took her over to the 'corral' where we usually go and I tried to get her to go from my glove. She wasn't having any of it again :cry: Danny took her and set off 75 yards away, off came the hood and she sat there. After a short while she did come and she flew around, back and forth ranging out about 300 yards and got the highest she'd ever been. She made a few passes at the lure but I wanted her to just play. I called her in and she had a chick leg off the lure. We got ready again and Danny set off. Again, Zarbu took her time in leaving the fist but once she had she soared and glided about for a good ten minutes before I called her back in. She played with a few sparrows that flew past her but showed no interest in killing them; she just twisted and turned and 'enjoyed' herself.
As we were having a very enjoyable and stress free time, I said that we would do just one more flight.
She hadn't moved from the glove for nearly five minutes so I said that we'd go home; I started to wind the lure up and then she decided to take flight. She carried on in the same way as earlier but after 5-6 minutesshe decided to pitch and sit on the floor, luckily she was still in the corral and only 50 yards away. I just sat on the floor watching her. After my bum went numb, I got up and showed her the lure; she didn't show much interest until I got out the rabbit leg and she was up and on her way. She tried 3 times to hit the glove and take off with the leg but I wasn't letting go. On the fourth go she stayed on the fist and I jessed her up while she was eating. We came home and I gave her a chick later in the day.
I must get her down to nearer that 2lb. mark.

[Spurtle]

Clive, be very, very careful. :!:

[Saker-Clive]

Spurtle, careful of what? she is far more responsive at the lighter weight, her keel is not as sharp as it has been.

[Spurtle]

Clive, I'll send you a quick PM soon.

[Wightwings]

you can stick it on here Spurtle if you have some advise, we are all interested mate. :D (unless its a private thing in which case ignore me) :oops:

looks like she a bit fitter again there SS you certainly had the weather today for her. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[Hawkmaster]

I also want to learn! lol

[North East Harris Hawker]

yeah! get it posted!

[Saker-Clive]

Spurtle asked me to keep what he said private, so I will respect his wishes. Sorry guys.

[Hawkmaster]

Clive, be very, very careful. :!:

Mmmm, maybe that should have been sent in a PM then? lol

[Wightwings]

ye nothing worse than smelling the bacon without eating it :shock: :roll: :cry:

[North East Harris Hawker]

ye nothing worse than smelling the bacon without eating it :shock: :roll: :cry:
great analogy! ill have to remember this next time i see the mrs getting dressed :twisted:

[Hawkmaster]

You little piggy!

[North East Harris Hawker]

heheh your dead on there HM :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

30/10/'04

got her home yesterday and had a good manning session; this morning she weighted 1lb.15 3/4oz. After being out all morning, I decided to weigh her again and take her out.

I took her over the farm I shoot at; the weather was glorious, sunny with a light breeze and SHE was definately up for a bit of flying. :D She wouldn't go from my glove, so I placed her on the wheel cover of my car. I showed her the lure and she took flight.
She flapped her wings enough to get going and basically soared about; she then ranged out over the copse in the corner of the field and carried on for a good 500 yards. :shock: She put up loads of pigeons and half a dozen crows. She didn't take much notice of them, just enjoyed her gliding about finding the thermals. The crows started to 'chase' her but she just carried on playing the updrafts. By this time she was a good 500 feet up, and I was getting nervous again. :shock: :?
I called her but she just carried on 'soaring'; she did fly past me a few times and totally ignored the lure. :( I 'Ho'd' her and she came towards the lure. I offered it to her but she just circled around, I threw it up for her to catch but again she glided past. She went off again about half a mile away and I was getting a tad upset deep down. :cry: Brian (my shooting partner) went up over the brow and said that she was still just playing. I hollared to her again and she turned back. When she came over, she was still at a great height; I could see her looking at me and threw the lure up again............................................. ....................she closed her wings and dropped like a stone down to it; she tried to lift it but mis-calculated it and went up again. I swung it up for her and this time she caught it and came down with it. :D Happy............I nearly wet myself!! :shock: :D I was so pleased she stayed by. I was expecting her to go off again when she had finished her reward but she looked at me and called. I got a nice sized peice of chick on the glove and she came straight up. 8) I decided that she'd flown enough for 1 day and asked Brian to take off one of the rabbits leg we shot earlier and I gave her that. She was very contented with her 'prize' and we let her eat it before putting her away.
In total, she was up in the air for about 40 minutes and didn't pitch once. :D A little scary but most enjoyable to see. This was Brians first time out with her and he was well impressed, he is now talking about looking into getting a bird but it will never happen.

I LOVE MY BIRDS!! :mrgreen:

[Wightwings]

great day SS, you need to go on holiday more often :D :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

I do after this afternoon 8)

[Saker-Clive]

04/11/'04

She weighed 2lb.0 3/4oz. A chilly but sunny afternoon and I was on my own. :( We went to the usual training ground but this afternoon there were lots of bunnies; I counted about a dozen out in the late afternoon sun. :P

I got her to fly over to where they were but see just seemed to want to watch. :? All the time on the fist, she watched bobbing her head but didn't make the connection. She flew really well considering I had to keep putting her on a post or the ground before she went airbourne. She didn't want to range out and stayed within 150 yards of me; she was more like a display bird but it was very enjoyable. :D

The last few days have been the same but I wish she'd fly from my fist. :?: :?:

[Saker-Clive]

06/11/'04

Snudz was getting withdrawal symptoms as he hadn't been out for a couple of weeks so we took Zarbu out for a little session. :roll:
2lb.1oz. we got to our training ground and 'undressed her'. I tried her straight from the fist but as usual she sat tight. :lol: I decided to try GMF's idea and started to walk fast; hadn't got far and she went. :D She had a little fly about then sat down on the ground. She stayed there for a couple of minutes and I thought that she didn't want to play. :x Got my son to slowly walk towards her as this usually gets her to fly off....he got to within 15 feet and she went. :wink: I let her go around a few times then let her take the lure.
Got loaded up again and I started my brisk walk....of she went again 8) .........and did she go off???????? She found the breeze and went up a couple of hundred foot and ranged out a good 600 yards or so; she seemed to be watching something but we couldn't work out what. We saw a few bunnies near to us but she just played and enjoyed herself. I called to her and she came in low and 'fast'. :P we weren't too sure if she went over the fence or through it but she looked bloody good!! :shock: :shock: she stooped to the lure a couple of times then went off again. One minute up high then down low skimming the grass and bank. This was Snudz's first time at seeing her fly like this. He's definately getting the bug now. :wink: :wink: :wink:
She was up for a good 15 minutes and when she came in I decided to call it a day. :( I gave her a good feed on the fist then we came home. She seemed a little dispondant as if she wanted to fly some more but we had Kier to take out. :D
A good session again with my super-Saker. :lol: :lol:

[Snudz]

06/11/'04

Snudz was getting withdrawal symptoms as he hadn't been out for a couple of weeks so we took Zarbu out for a little session. :roll:

Still coming down from the high......... :lol: :lol: What a fix, she gets more amazing every time I see her. Like watching a mini jet fighter!!! 8)

[Saker-Clive]

:D :D :D :D :D :mrgreen:

[Saker-Clive]

07/11/'04

She weighed in at 2lb.01/4oz. and my shooting partner had his dad come down for the weekend and he wanted to see the birds fly. AND FLY SHE DID :twisted:
She flew to the lure like a pro, ranging out a few hundred yards ducking and diving and basically just having a whale of a time. Then for some reason she went out and sat on a post 800 yards away by the golfcoarse. I guess some of the golfers started to walk over to get a better look and she went off over the top of the coarse and headed East. We waited for a about 10 minutes before deciding to climb the hill and see where she was. It took us anothe 10 minutes to get to the top of the golf coarse and I got my Bio-track out and scanned the area. We got a signal but not a strong one. We could see the sort of area she was in but it was around 2 miles away (straight lining). We carried on across and downthe hill on the coarse and back up the other hill of the farm; tried the signal again and she seemed to be getting further away :( We carried on up and down over the feilds before getting to the next village of Rottingdean. As we were down in a valley we didn't get a very good signal so decided to trudge all the way back to the car a good 3 miles away. I decided to head for the farm I shoot at in Saltdean incase she carried on in that direction but when we got there the signal was back in the direction we'd come from :roll: We drove back to Rottingdean and parked up at a playing field. Got out the receiver and scanned the area again. The signal was feint but it seemd to be in the same direction as earlier. Back on foot both Jake my 8 year old son, and I headed off in the direction I estimated she was in. After we hit the brow of the 'summit' I said to Jake that I thought she was in the area of the covered resovoir. I checked the signal again and she seemed to be in the area :) Another hike over feilds and hills and I re-checked the area; still no movement so we carried on. By this time Jake bless him was struggling to keep up but he didn't complain. We got up onto the brow of this hill and I scanned again, the signal was quite strong but only with the yagi held vertical; the volume was on 5 and the gain was on 1, the swing needle was registering aroung about the no.6-7 mark. I guessed that she was within half a mile of where we were :D I got the lure out and started to swing it and blew my whistle..............****** all; I called her name, then Ho'd her.............still ****** all :? I was thinking that she might be on her first kill or something. I scanned the area with my bino's but couldn't see squat, she could be anywhere in the vicinity. I called again and Jake said he could see a bird take off from a bush or post a good 900 yards away. Then I saw a silouhette of a bird heading towards us, (it was about 3mm in the distance) as I was getting my bino's up and focussed I all of a sudden heard the 'tink-tink' of her bells :mrgreen: 'HAZZARR' she was on her way back :D I offered her the lure but she just looked at it and went off again, I called her and she came in but took no notice of the lure; she kept going around in a 150 yard radius so I got my secret weapon out :shock: .................................................. ......a freshly shot pheasant leg and put it on the lure. She decided to try and carry it off but let go, she did this for another 10 minutes and I was getting a tad peeved :evil: She then went and sat down 50 yards from us. As I approached, she took off again and circled us, I tried the lure again and this time she came down with it :D :D :D I took up her flying jesses and got her on the fist with the lure and leg. She seemed a little indignant to my actions but she weren't going nowhere. I fully jessed and leashed her up and let her have a bloody good feed. Jake forgot to bring the hood so it was left in the car, (I know, I should have attached it on my jacket but I had other things on my mind!). We then had another hike up and down, up and down for 40 minutes to get back to the car. To say we were knackered would be a slight understatement, we got home, had a cup of tea then I started on the beer. I gave her a couple of chicks and she will be rested up for a short while at least til my legs and back stops aching :roll: :roll:
I GUESS I AM NOW A TRUE MEMBER OF THE 'LONGWINGERS SOCIETY' :mrgreen:
She took off on her flight of fancy at around 10:35, and was back on the fist at 14:10; I know this wasn't a too longer time but it was long enough. Without the bells and the telemetry, I would not have had a chance of finding her, also I think the bond we have helped in her not going too far.

[Grand Master Falconer]

Glad to hear your making headway SS theres always room for more Saker Flyers.

[Saker-Clive]

:mrgreen: Thanks Rick.

I bet today wont be the last time she goes off but I have come to expect it.
Must admit her tail feathers were pretty naff when she came back. :?

I would also like to thank Julian Ford for his assistance on the phone, if we hadn't got her back by early evening, he was ready to come down to help locate her with his roof mounted yagi and his equipment. Thanks again Huxley's, I know they probably don't get time to come on here but it shows their comitment to our way of life.

[Bash]

Longwings will always keep you fit. :mrgreen:

[Grand Master Falconer]

Moral of this story: don't take your shooting partner with you!! lol
just out of interest how far was she from where you first let her go?

[Saker-Clive]

I guess 2-3 miles straight line; about 7 up and down dale!!!!

Next time I'm taking the .243, if I can see her :shock:

[Grand Master Falconer]

I'm sure you don't mean that. I flew gps free today could have got her back with blow pipe!!!

[Saker-Clive]

Love her to bits.

[Wightwings]

glad you got her back SS. I noticed you've got her up slightly from the weight she flew so well at a while back. could that have anything to do with it ?Also was this her first lure call or did you give her a call in earlier?
just thinking she may be getting bit bored with it? dont know perhaps Rick could give some insight.

[Saker-Clive]

Don't think so mate, that first time after the hols. was a warm sunny day, a good 4 degrees warmer than today. I usually fly her between 2lb.- 2lb.1oz.

She has been enjoying her lure stooping this week; her feet have been comming forward to take the lure on her passes. I think she just wanted to to 'stretch her wings' and play. Once she got so far, she probably got a little scared and went down. The signal gave me the direction and she was still there when I eventually got there.
She's having her wings clipped this week and a good feed up.

[Wightwings]

the good thing is you found her.

[Bash]

SS, she may have raked off to chase something that she saw off in the distance. Upon not catching it and seeing where it seeked cover, she may of been seeking help flushing it which is why she may of been slow to come back to the lure?

She's having her wings clipped this week and a good feed up

Do you mean literally?

[Bash]

the good thing is you found her.

Always a relief when you see them return to the lure. :D

Thanks god for the man that invented telemetry! :)

[Snudz]

Bloody Hell!!!!! :shock: :shock:


Moral of this story: don't take your shooting partner with you!! lol

Exactly. Much safer with me...... 8) 8)

BTW I said that Jake was a good kid................ :lol: :lol:

[Wightwings]

lmao

[Saker-Clive]

I've just been going over my personal flying log and I've flown her everyday except Tuesday over the past 8 days; to be honest, looking back at yesterday morning, she wasn't as enthusiastic to start with and took a while to take the chick leg off the lure prior to her little jaunt. I don't think weight was the issue.
She can have a good rest this week with quality feed and manning. We shot 8 pheasant early yesterday morning so the head/neck, legs and wings can be fed. I'm having the rest. :mrgreen:

[Saker-Clive]

16/11/'04

She weighed in at 2lb.0 1/4oz., I then weighed her hoodless to see what she is exactly and she came in half ounce lighter at 1lb.15 3/4oz. Decided to take her out as it was going to be her first time out since her 'jolly' Sunday week ago! :roll:
She's eaten really well over the past 9 days mainly on pheasant so she should have built up a nice little muscle through her rest. We got over to the ground and Danni took off the hood; Zarbu wasn't very quick off the glove but she flew well. She glided about for a couple of minutes and stooped the lure several times. When I gave her the lure she just sat on it and didn't take the food for a couple of minutes; not a good sign me thinks. :? After she had her reward I loaded up the lure again and we set off; again the hood came off, she had a look around and roused; she looked some more and I had to call her before she came. She had a good fly about and stayed close by, she ranged out about 300 yards only. Again she stooped the lure really well and seemed to be enjoying herself and I then let her have the lure without calling her in, giving her the impression of outwitting me! 8) She ate the food and came up to the fist for her pick up piece. She was taking great interest on the bank, 200 yards behind us but we couldn't see anything; maybe the kessy was down and watching!! :twisted:
I decided to give her one more flight as there was a number of people stopping to watch. She took what seemed an age to leave the fist but flew superbly ducking and diving about, stooping the lure and just having fun. She flew for about ten minutes and I called her in. Feed her up on the fist and made our way home.
I don't know why but when she was on the creance in the begining, she leave the fist almost immediately, every time but now she has a good look around before comming off. I really don't want to drop her down to that sort of weight but perhaps I should. I'm only talking about half an ounce from todays weight but I feel that we will be going backwards!!!! perhaps some of the experienced longwingers might have an idea!!!

[Saker-Clive]

19/11/'04

I had a fairly long chat with Varmint last night and asked him about her weight situation; he suggested that I up her weight so today I flew her at 2lb.0 3/4oz.
She flew really well and enjoyed herself in the autumnal sunshine; he also suggested I cut down the amount of flights which again I did. I only gave her 2 flights but pushed her harder and made her stoop the lure a fair bit more. The corrall got a good dozen people around it watching; this gave me an idea on the 'Hunt ban' side. After we finished we went over a chatted to several of the onlookers as they were as usual in awe of the bird. They all said the same thing; 'it's really nice to see the birds flying and to see them up close.' I told them to make the most of it as it may all stop now the bill has gone through. They seemed quite shocked that falconry could be on the list but I told them that falconry is still a 'blood-sport'. They all went away discussing how the bill could affect them and their dog walking. (I did tell them that all dogs could be made to wear muzzles out in public...........................)
Tomorrow, both Luke (lloydparabuteo) and myself are taking out Zarbu and her brother Bailey for a session; may even try both up together!!!!!!
She should be about 2lb.1oz, in the morning so I will give her a go at that. She was heavier when Wightwings came out at 2lb.1 3/4oz. I think.
Thanks again Varmint, I'll keep you posted.

[Wightwings]

well done Clive. must admit i only ever flew my longwings once and just increased the timescales every day and then in to feed on one lure catch.

the pere/saker used to do up to 40 passes once fit but at the time he was being flown daily by Carol and super fit.

hope to see you sunday have fun tomorrow mate.
PS i liked the muzzles touch, its a line im going to use with all dog owners i come across :roll: :lol: :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

23/11/'04

She weighed in at 2lb.0 1/4oz. which was a suprise as it weather was very mild and she'd eaten 4 chicks the day before. I decided to give her a head and both legs to boost her up a touch half an hour before we went out this morning.

We had a few dog walkers come over and chatted for a while before I put her up and so we had an audience; she stayed very close today and only ranged out probably no more that 150 yards. She did stoop the lure superbly.
90% of the stoops, she had her feet out ready to take the lure; I thought on a couple of occaisions that she might outwit me!

I only gave her 2 flights and by the end of the second, her beak was open and she sat on the lure panting for a very short time before eating her reward. I then gave her 2 whole chicks in the field and another one an hour later in the enclosure; I topped her off with a pheasant wing, not much meat but a good tiring.

[Shaun Byrne]

Nice SS, sounds like she's there mate, what are you intending to hunt with her?

[Varmint]

Nice on mate, Glad to here that your getting there!

One Little point! try to feed her up her enture ration of food immediatley after the flight, rather than some there and some more later at home.

If she's getting the big reward on the spot, your telling her and re inforcing to her that she has really done a good job!

If she doesn't fly well, hood her and then feed her ration's later , away from the place and the memory of how she performed.

Keep us posted mate!

[Varmint]

Sorry Clive, another point..


Reading your thread, i can't quite tell how much reward you r attaching to your lure, how much do u put on?

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks guys, Varmint, I normally only put a full leg or a head on the lure.

Good point about the feeding if she doesn't perform well; she has to date not flown badly. Admittedly she's pitched on a few occaisions in the past but that is probably my fault.
I'have always maintained that I give her a good feed immediatly after the session for the reason you said but also, to make her know where her food is and that it is good for her to come back!

H4wka. I will be hunting with her but and I know some will be shouting at me for doing it; for this year,, I am going to keep her lure bound. My reasons are, firstly to get her fit and totally used to comming to both the lure and myself; secondly, I've got to build my fitness up, you all know about the cancer and that I'm getting back to 'normal' but legging it around the country side can take it's toll on me. If she decides that she wants to take or chase something, all good and well but next year, all being well I will start on the wings and heads of the quarry we're going to persue. As I live on the coast, I don't think putting her up at the gulls will be a too good idea, she might take a good liking to it and I'll never see her again but crows, pigeons (woodies), rabbits and obviously pheasant, partridge etc..

[Shaun Byrne]

Know what you mean mate, its nice to be totally confident that they will respond to the lure once entered.
Just one thing, I think you would be better to put most of her daily ration on the lure. If a bird is on say 3 DOC a day, I will normally attatch 2 to the lure, work her real hard for it then use the other full chick for a pick up and let her finish it on the glove, before hooding. If you give her daily ration like this it will strengthen her bond with the lure until you want to enter her.

[Saker-Clive]

My reasoning for the lure loading is, if I put a whole chick on the lure and she eats it but decides to take another unplanned flight from the lure, she might not be as keen to return having a good feed!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shaun Byrne]

She shouldn't do mate, I've always done it like that and have yet to have a falcon take flight when there is a nice full chick on the glove. If she is a bit flighty when on the lure you may find its because there is little there to keep her occupied ie too small an offering. I will sometimes give a FULL ration on the lure and just use a leg as a pick up piece. If I want multiple flights I just split the ration ie 2 flights, 1 chick per flight etc....

Anyone else have any other methods?

[Wightwings]

I personnaly find this multiple flights thing "interesting" i'v seen Zarbu do several flight to the lure in the flesh so i know you can. Its just i never have?? i have only ever flown my longwings to one "catch" and just extended the flying time and number of passes as the fitness grows. this way i have found i can get a falcon fitter sooner as the incentive is there.
even to the extent if the birds was passing and tagged the lure half way through a session i would drop it and let them have "the kill". the lure would have most of the feed on it and the rest as pick up.
just my personnal views on it tho not faulting any one elses style :D

[Shaun Byrne]

I agree with you there WW, 99% of the time I only fly once and reward well but when a bird gets real fit and there is a chance she will clip the lure, before doing enough exercise, I try to give myself another chance to work her on a second flight.

[Varmint]

Well folks i think it really depends on what you ultimatley want to do with the bird?

I asked about lure loading because, with a display falcon, i always like to feed a big reward on the lure to wed the bird to the lure and amke him/her fly really hard at it.
for a hunting falcon, i wouild litely reward, implying that it's worth her while coming back, but it's better reward time when you catch something!

I noticed that Clive hadn't decidedw hat he was going to do with her, but thought he might like to hunt, i was a little worried that she might already be alittle lure bound, after the multi, multi daily flying.

As for multiple flights WW, i have found that tireness, can also be used motivationally.

A two flight system per day can and will get a bird mounting a pitching to over 200ft in a matter of a fortnight if acrried out correctly, from there, wild game and wild flushing can really push the pitch up.

The principle is to only present your bird with the lure when it's upwind, if it's mounted well straight awy and is in position, serve it and allow it to catch.

If it doesn't mount, stoop it hard to the lure, only allowing it to take you when in an upwind position.
Then small reward , rest for 10 minutes and re fly...bet it goes straight off up wind of you the second time!
By combination of tactic, and increased daily pitch you can improve both fitness and motivation, also another thing that i like to use is a natural lure (Just wings, reward and swivel) something that is both light, exciting and easy to impact at speed.

Works for me. You'd be very welcome to come and see some of my longwings in training, just come to The GAme Fair, first weekend in July, Scone Palace Perth, P.S its £10 to get in :P

So Hows the Saker doing with the eating on the lure after flying thing clive?

[Saker-Clive]

Hi guys,

didn't get out today as the weather couldn't make it's mind up what is was going to do. Tomorrow is supposed to be better.

She still was a little slow to eat but it was quicker than before.

To tell you guys the truth, I was not told by anyone before about flying once or multiple flights. On her maiden free flight in front of the Huxley's gang, no one said that I should have only put her up once; in fact on that day, she made 2 passes on the creance and 3 free; albeit short flights. So this routine is something I took for granted.
It seems to have worked and I do keep and eye on how she reacts and behaves after her small rewards.

I know we all train our birds differently; do you Varmint think that I am doing anything wrong or should I be doing things differently?
(did you get my pm details yesterday?)

[Shaun Byrne]

As varmint says, until you know what you're going to hunt there's no point trying to train Zarbu any particular style of flight. If your flying off the fist there's no point trying to gain pitch etc. The main thing is to do what you're already doing, enjoy flying her.

[Saker-Clive]

And ENJOY it I do; we all get the buzz when they fly, especially when it all comes together and they fly superbly.

[Wightwings]

at the end of the day thats what it is all about :D :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

23/11/'04

2lb. 1oz. I thought I'd try her heavier today as I'm only doing 2 flights; her first flight was really good, stooping a good 15 - 20 times before she sat on the ground. :( This is the first time for a few weeks that this has happened but she was only down for a very short time. I laid out the lure for her but I good spirit, she flew over and went around again. I was about to offer her the lure but she wanted to carry on a bit longer; she went around a couple of times before turning in sharply. I knew she wanted to get back stooping again. I stooped her a few more times then gave it to her with a full chicks leg.
While she was on the fist eating another leg, we heard the distress call of a rabbit. :shock: We all looked in the direction and thought someones dog had got it but no, a few seconds later a fox trundled out of the brambles and went 20 yards picked up the rabbit and strolled back under cover. :o Zarbu was bobbing like an 'epileptic having a fit'!!! I let go of the jesses but she just sat there. :wink:
I hooded her back up and Danni took her back 100 yards. This time as it was going to be her last flight, I attached a chicks body minus the head and legs. Danni took off the hood and she sat there for a good minute and a half before comming. :roll: This time she climbed a good 50 foot higher and went around; I let her 'play' for a couple of minutes before starting her passes. She was comming in fast and eager to take the lure; on a few occaisions again she very nearly hit it. I can now tell if she is going to come in to the lure or if she is just going to pass and play. She worked really hard for a good 15 minutes and I could see she was either getting tired or bored, so I called her in and let her have her reward. I gave her another 2 chicks on the fist before hooding her and comming home.
My next thing I want her to do is a vertical stoop; I've only seen her do it the once and that was after my holiday when she dropped like a stone, almost vertically from about 500 feet. THAT was impressive.MY DAD LOVES ME!!!!

[Shaun Byrne]

Nice one Clive. How did you get her to go up 500ft, has she been on the kite?

[Saker-Clive]

Take a look at page 9, 31/10/'04.

it was a warm sunny day, typical longwing flying.

[Shaun Byrne]

Sorry mate, must be blind, cant find the bit about stooping?

[Saker-Clive]

I hollared to her again and she turned back. When she came over, she was still at a great height; I could see her looking at me and threw the lure up again............................................. ....................she closed her wings and dropped like a stone down to it; she tried to lift it but mis-calculated it and went up again. I swung it up for her and this time she caught it and came down with it. Happy............I nearly wet myself!!

this was the bit :)

[Shaun Byrne]

Cheers mate!

[Saker-Clive]

28/11/'04

2lb.0 1/2oz. I took her up to Huxley's today to fly her free up there for the first time. The centre is quite enclosed by trees so this was going to be a test for her. My boy Jake wanted to let her fly from his glove so I put her on him and got the lure out. Only being 8, his patience isn't that good and after about 30 seconds he decided to 'cast' her like a harris...... :shock: :shock: :twisted:
she took flight and about 200 yards away and turned in, things were looking good then she checked and carried on heading in a south-easterly direction. :? I whistled and called her but no response. We waited a few minutes then got out the receivers. Julian had his new Marshalls and I had my Bio Track; we got a good signal which seemed to be stationary. :) We headed for the fields opposite the centre and I called her again. The signal was moving so we went back and got all the necessary equipment ready for our 'Hunt for Zarbu'. Julian got his roof mount attached and we headed off. We drove for a couple of miles parked up; we scanned the area and got a close signal. We walked a good mile and a half tracking her and calling her. Every time we seemed to get close she went off again! :evil: We doubled back and got the car and carried on for a couple more miles before scanning the area again. We got to Mannings Heath Golf Club and found a good open high point. On the Marshalls receiver Julian got a static,steady signal on the medium band, I got a strong signal which I guess was about 1 mile away. We called her and swung the lure but to no evail. We carried on in the car until we found a open field with sheep in, and scanned again. She was on the move again; Julian said that she seemed to be heading back towards the centre. We got back to the car and tried to anticipate her next move; 8) this we did and was infront of her. :wink: We parked up at a gate next to an open field and we both got a very strong signal. I hopped over the gate and made my way into the middle of the field; Julian followed and I said that I thought I could hear her bells about 500 yards away; :o Julian checked the receiver and he agreed with me. I whistled, called and swung the lure. I could hear a few crows squawking way off in the distance and then heard her bells again. :D By the time I looked up in the direction of the sound, there she was, about 300 yards away comming straight towards us. :D :D :D Julian said get her on the lure then on the glove; she came in without a hitch and feed on a whole chick on the fist. I didn't bother jessing her up just put the leash through the anklets and got her in the car. :lol:
We were about half a mile from the centre when we got her back so she had flown an almost full circle.

At the centre before her little day trip was Wightwings and his wife Carol and Matt his son, Bash, Steelrose, lloydparabuteo and the other staff from Huxley's. Steelrose now understands the commitment and comradery of the Southern Counties Raptor Club, and Huxley's.

I can't thank Julian enough for his help, as I didn't know the area and between us we didn't disagree on any of our tracking proposals. 'The Bitch' was away for around 2 hours in total and seemed to be enjoying her little jaunt. Who knows, she might have made her way back to Huxley's but we got to her first. The proper end to the day. As Julian said whilst on our walk around West Sussex country side, this is what Sakers' tend to do, and there is ******-all we can do to stop it if it is what they want to do![scroll:09f7af0287]THANKS AGAIN HUXLEY'S.[/scroll:09f7af0287]

[Shaun Byrne]

What do you think made her do a runner? Do you think it could be weight related? I'm not to well up on pure Sakers but I know 3 or 4 lads that fly nothing but Sakers all day on bird clearance, the birds seem to be really reliable, going flyabout maybe once a month, are Sakers generally unreliable? I'm genuinely interested, Like I say I have only flown Hybrids, G/S, P/S etc.

[Saker-Clive]

I don't think she did a runner as she was quite happy coming back once we got to her; I personally think it was because my boy cast her; she hadn't roused or muted and although he's been told never cast a falcon, he is only 8. This is only the second time that she has gone 'awol' but at least she didn't go far. If it was the summer months, it might have been a different story. We tracked her through quite a lot of woodland area which as you know is not falcon territory. We were suprised not to see her above the trees but she probably just flew a short distance then sat for a while then carried on again.
I wouldn't say they were unreliable more tempermental and possibly menstrual being a female. I'm new to longwings so it's a learning curve for the both of us.

[Saker-Clive]

Forgot to thank Bash, ...........................................he got the flight on video for me. :D :shock: 8)

[Saker-Clive]

02/12/'04

As a few people recently felt that I've been flying her on the heavy side, I dropped her weight to 1lb.15 3/4oz. :shock:
Luke brought Bailey, Zarbu's clutch brother, and we all went over to our training ground. I put Zarbu up first and she started off well but after a few minutes she got slower and pitched. :x Due to her being a little low. :cry: I gave her a couple of chick legs and a head, and watched Luke fly Bailey. There was a 10mph breeze but Bailey was having a little trouble flying in it comfortably. After Luke got him down, I put Zarbu up again but this time with a little food in her she flew much better and stronger. :D
She stooged about for a while then I stooped her to the lure. She was really enjoying herself and stayed within a 200 yard radius. Luke saw a difference in her after her food boost and was pleasantly suprised at her strong flying and speed. :lol:
After I got her down, I gave her a mouse and a chick, then watched Luke and Bailey again. Zarbu stayed on my fist but watched intently as Bailey flew. She started to call and wanted to fly again. I did consider it but as she'd had a feed up I decided not to. Although I felt confident she would be Ok, I didn't want to push my luck.

[Snudz]

Another masterclass from the magnificent Zarbu.............. 8) 8) 8)

[Shaun Byrne]

Or did she pitch because she was still a little heavy and fly better the second time because she had burned a little off? Only a thought!

[Saker-Clive]

Definately light, I usually fly her at around 2lb. 03/4oz. she has flown heavier but is more responsive at this weight. Basically anything between 2lb and 2lb. 1oz. max for now.

[Saker-Clive]

03/12/'04

I weighed her as usual and she was 1lb. 15 3/4oz. so I gave her a chick there and then just to give her a boost. We didn't take her out for about 4 hours afterwards; it was a beautiful sunny afternoon with very little if no wind. I checked her weight to see what she was and she came in at 2lb.0 3/4oz. I know that the weight was only the chick earlier but we went anyway. 8)
She left the glove almost immediately and stooged about in the sunshine; :D she was then followed very closely by 4 sparrow/lark type things and she decided to turn the tables on them. :shock: She started to zig-zag with them and I thought that she was about to take one but she turned and came over to play with the lure. :lol: She stooped a few times but seemed to want to just glide about at 150 odd feet up. I let her carry on then called her and she started to stoop again. :P She was in the air for about 15 minutes then she pitched about 75 yards away. :( She then stared watching something in a different direction for a couple of minutes. (There was a Kestral in the area when we first got there but thought it went away) :evil: . She roused and I called her to the lure and she came over; I made her stoop a few times then gave her the lure. :D
I decided that I didn't want to chance my luck so I gave her a mouse and a chick and came home. It was really good just watching her flying about and playing; we both enjoyed our half hour session but at least I got her out to fly. :wink:

[Wightwings]

glad you had fun Clive, i have just gotta ask tho why feed her before a flight?

I know you are convinced she is light, but even if she is? feeding her wont give any kind of boost until is starts to be absorbed from the crop. until then it will just sit there.

dont want to upset you mate but you really are asking to lose her doing that in my opinion (and it's only that!)

[Saker-Clive]

She had nothing in her crop, that's why I flew her. I gave her the chick around 8 this morning and flew her about 1; if it was in the crop, I wouldn't have bothered to take a chance.
Another reason for only putting her up once; I could see she had eyes in other places and as she had flown well that was good enough.
I know your're concerened that is why I haven't taken it to heart.

[Shaun Byrne]

How many passes is she doing now Clive?

[Saker-Clive]

Anything from 15 - 30, today she seemed to just want to stooge about in the sun so she only made about a dozen or so.

if she wants to play, then I let her but when I fly her to the lure properly, I fly her hard, and she works hard. I wasn't expecting too much today but just wanted to keep her in the air.

[Lloydparabuteo]

Or did she pitch because she was still a little heavy and fly better the second time because she had burned a little off? Only a thought!


She as clive said was definatly light, clive asked me to feel her keel bone and she was too thin.

[Saker-Clive]

06/12/'04

She weighed 2lb. 0 1/4oz. I hadn't flown her since Friday as I wanted to rest her for the weekend.
I was on my own today so it was going to be a bit of a tester for the both of us. I put the receiver on my back, bino's around my neck and bag over my shoulder. I wanted to see if she would wait on, so about 200 yards before the corall, I had her ready and unhooded. I showed her the lure with the head attached and put it back in the bag. She was intent on looking for it as we slowly walked towards the field. I stopped for a few seconds and had a few words with her telling her what I was expecting............ she looked at me roused then saw 3 crows in the corall sitting on the ground. She bobbed a few times and flew off; :D I watched as she headed towards the coast and then turned to come back. All the time I was walking towards our training ground. I called to her and talked to her, telling her that she was being really good and she flew over me a few times looking for the lure. 8) As I got to the corall, I got the lure out and she turned in and dropped low to the ground; :D ( she does this usually when she wants to start on her passes) but she seemed to want to move the crows out of her ground :!: :) . The crows didn't go far, they just went and sat on the posts, calling. She flew towards them and went very close over them making them squawk even more and they took off. :P She flew a little faster and turned tightly and was behind them gaining fast. In the excitement I couldn't tell if she put in on one of them or was just 'playing' tag with it but she definately ruffled its feathers. :wink: The crows then moved further out and sat 150 yards away in the bushes. :?
I called to her and she came around and started to make some passes. There was no wind or breeze this morning so I wasn't expecting her to do too much. She completed about 16 passes and I could see she was about to pitch so as she turned I gave her the lure. She had a quick look around to check that nothing was going to take her reward and tucked into it with relish. I left her sitting on the lure afterwards for a half a minute then put a leg on the glove; she chirped at me and came up immediately. :lol: We had a few minutes just 'chatting' and looking around, then I had to try and load up the lure for her last flight. This was rather difficult with her on the glove and me trying to tie on the food so I unhooded her and placed her on the ground a few feet away. She watched me putting a whole mouse on the lure this time and was quite eager to get at it. She quickly jumped up to the glove and I put the lure in the bag. :roll:
I carried on chatting to her for a few more minutes and got the lure out again to show her; she boobed intently so I held my arm up and put the lure behind my back. She muted, then roused but didn't want to go........
I threw the lure out to my right and she bobbed again and took off. She went around a few times then made half a dozen passes; I thought I'd try again and put the lure away; as I did this I statred to walk back towards the gate to see if she would follow but instead I think it confused her and sat on the ground 150 yards away. :( I wasn't sure whether to cary on walking and go out of the corall as if to go home or go towards her or stay put. :!: :? I stayed put and watched what she was going to do; she decided to watch someone on horse back about 150 yards away on the hill, so I got the lure out and called her. She bobbed, then went back to looking around. I got a chick out of my pocket and showed her that and got a response; she took off and flew over me and went around again so I made her pass a couple of times before letting her have it. She made light work of the mouse then the chick on the fist. I gave her the body of the other chick and we made our way home. :D
I personally think she is still a tad light but she may have been a little confused with the new things that we did. I was pleased with her performance and a couple who watched were in awe of her. We had a fifteen minute discussion about her and raptors in general and looks like the 'club' might have a couple of new members :D

[Lloydparabuteo]

Well done, Be careful though because you tried about four new things with her today which as you said could have confused her, i would suggest having two lures ready if you have two rather than have her on the floor while you prepare one, especially watching you, if she tried to go off then you would have a problem, also she may have been confused by the fact that you were the only one there, which meant that she wouldn't be taking off for the lure at the beginning. And i would probably suggest getting her waiting on while you stand in one spot for a while until she is waiting on really nicely, then work on moving.

I think first though before you try all of this, you need to get the lure pass on the other side working as Julian suggested. Get that one sorted and then move on.

Good Luck

[Saker-Clive]

17/12/'04
2lb.0oz. hooded. As the rain stopped around lunchtime I decided to get her out as it had been a while and I don't think it's fair not to fly her for what ever reason. The wind was very gusty and that was my only concern.
Danni took the hood off and I showed her the lure; she had a quick look around then left the glove, she was calling to me before she came which was a bit of a woory as I thought that she might be a little low. As she came the wind blew and took her a good 100 yards and I shouted to her. She came in low and I gave her the lure. She was still calling to me and jumped up to my glove for a small reward. I gave her one more flight, again straight to the lure as I didn't want her to tire and get blown about. I gave her the lure but she went around again before taking it and feeding. I gave her a total of 2 chicks and came home.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a little kinder weatherwise.

[Saker-Clive]

18/12/'04.
1lb.15 3/4oz. It is bitterly cold, overcast and pretty windy, 20mph. She was fairly slow off the fist taking a good 30-40 seconds and on her first pass she pulled up and sat at my feet. I gave her the lure and again she took a short while before eating. She had a chick head on the lure and a leg on the fist. We waited a few minutes before putting her up again.
She again took a while to leave the glove but was more 'into it' this time. Her first pass went superbly, feet out nearly taking the lure. She climbed steeply and turned to the left and ranged out about 100 yards before turning in and comming to the lure pretty fast and low, (probably to get out of the wind) at took the lure hard. I fed her up on the 2 chicks and came home.
I will keep her at this weight for a week or so to see if things change at all but her taking time off the fist is still a bit of a 'worry'!.

Tommorows weather is supposed to be brighter and better so hopefully another session in the morning before taking Kier out for another session at the golf club.

[Shaun Byrne]

Nice Clive, at least she is leaving the fist now without assistance. Sounds like she did ok considering the conditions.

[Saker-Clive]

If anything, the cold would be governing factor I think, as I've always flown her in wind etc.;( can only help to strengthen her up. ) She has always been a strong flier as Snudz will verify but I'm a little concerned about the time she takes to leave the fist. She used to be immidiate but recently got slower!!!!!!!
I've been feeding her on the lure to make sure that she is totally wedded to it; she often calls to me before leaving the fist but I do not want to chance dropping her too much and causing her to go low!

[Saker-Clive]

27/12/'04

2lb.0 1/4oz. I wasn't too disappointed with her today as this was her first time out for about 5 days and her weight is up a touch but her keel is very prominent. She's got that definate keel shape from the bone back.
In her aviery, she has flown all beit a couple of metres hard to the lures, blank and feathered lures, and the dummy bunny. :D I took both swing lures today as I was on my own but she was content to sit on the post for a while, do a couple of passes then sit back on the post again with both wings dropped!!!!! :( that concerned me but I will have to see how she is over the next few days. :? She is fine in herself, big bright eyes, alert etc.
I think I will try somewhere different so as not to be too familliar with her seating arrangements. :wink:
She wants to fly but doesn't seem to be able to make her mind up whether to fly after something or come to the lure.
I will just percivere and see what happens. :arrow:

[Saker-Clive]

01/01/'05

1lb.14 3/4oz. Today was a testing time for me as this was her first time out since her 'sleepover' the other day!
She has been very eager for the lure at home as I have only fed her on the lure. I was on my own again today as the wife and kids went shopping!!!
We got to the ground and I un-dressed her and got the lure out; took off her hood and showed her the lure. She immediately started calling, and looking for the lure. :D she took off and went about 100 yards before turning in and making her way back but a kestral decided to stoop at her! :evil: she went and sat on a post and the kessie did the same but 50 yards further up. Zarbu started to 'bob' at her so I called to her and she came in for the lure. 8) I waited a good 10 minutes but the kessie was still on the post so I was a little dubious about putting her up again. I got the other lure out and she roused then took off. She managed 2 passes then sat on the post where she was earlier watching some magpies further away. :? I walked away from her then called to her but she carried on watching. I decided to put a chick body on the lure instead of the head and called her again; this time she came. :lol: I got her to do 2 more passes then gave it to her. I jessed her back up and we came home.
2 chicks in total today.

[Wightwings]

getting there by the looks of things Clive :D

[Saker-Clive]

Thinking about taking her down to 1lb. 14oz. just to see if this WILL make a difference.!!!

[Bash]

Nice one Clive. Glad to hear that she's given you a successful flight after the lure. Hope to see you both soon.

[North East Harris Hawker]

glad you got her back clive, i bet you are really seeing a difference now when compared to the start of the season?

[Saker-Clive]

I am, she used to be brilliant...........................now she's playing games. A battle of wills I think over the comming weeks. Gonna keep her weight very tight from here on in.

[Shaun Byrne]

Or did she pitch because she was still a little heavy and fly better the second time because she had burned a little off? Only a thought!


She as clive said was definatly light, clive asked me to feel her keel bone and she was too thin.

So NOW whats your theory? PMSL :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

03/01/'05.

Yesterday and today she weighed 1lb.14 1/2oz.
Took her to Huxley's yesterday to see what she would do on the creance but she did not want to come any more than 10 yards; I tried her a few times but she just called and wasn't interested. I was told that her sister, Petra, is flying at 2lb. 1oz - 2lb. 2 1/4oz. which seems a little strange after being told that Zarbu is too heavy at 1lb. 15 1/2 - 2lb. 0 1/2oz!!!
Anyway, I thought I'd carry on so today, we took her out to see what she would do. Danni stood about 30 yards from me which is well over half the normal distance and she called to me but took over 2 minutes to leave the glove. On leaving Danni's fist she turned at sat on a post for another 5 minutes, calling and bobbing. I moved closer and threw the lure out towards her and she came straight down to it. I gave her a leg as a pick up and starded off again. This time I put a body on the lure and the hood came off; she roused, muted and bobbed. As she took off, she turned again and sat on a post on the other side of the corral. I called to her ansd swung the lure and she kept calling; I threw the lure out again and she came to it. I pulled it out of the way and she went around. I managed to get 2 passes and could see her beak was open so I gave her the lure. I gave her another chick and the few bits left in the pot. We then came home.
Although I feel she is too low, I will keep her around this weight for the rest of this week to see how she copes. If she still is having trouble, I will up her to !lb. 15oz. and see what happens for another week.

[Wightwings]

03/01/'05.

Yesterday and today she weighed 1lb.14 1/2oz.
Took her to Huxley's yesterday to see what she would do on the creance but she did not want to come any more than 10 yards; I tried her a few times but she just called and wasn't interested. I was told that her sister, Petra, is flying at 2lb. 1oz - 2lb. 2 1/4oz. which seems a little strange after being told that Zarbu is too heavy at 1lb. 15 1/2 - 2lb. 0 1/2oz!!!
.


dont fall into that trap Clive. im 5ft 9 inch and i have a brother over six foot and a sister smaller than me!!!!
some brood but diff bird! diff training methods, diff flying tempraments etc.

you seem to have her responding better i would just persevere as you are.

keep it up mate

[Varmint]

Clive, i think that sometimes you can just think about too much?

Appetite initiates response, routine completes it!

Its almost impossible to suggest stuff without actually seeing the bird and its body language, but i am a bit puzzled as to why she is calling?

WW may be right, but it might pay you to take her to someone else locally in the know and see what they say.......

If my falconry were as troublesome as yours, id take up Knitting :goodman:

[Saker-Clive]

KNITTING..... I don't think so; one things for sure.........I'M NO QUITTER!!

If by the time of her moult she hasn't gone for good or is still playing up, then I may consider trading her in for a female harris but a challenge is a challenge. We all know falconry is not easy and at the end of the day, I usually come out on top!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shaun Byrne]

Thats right mate, try everything you can and dont be afraid to admit defeat, like I said before, some birds are not worth the trouble but thats your decision.

Good luck mate

[Saker-Clive]

06/01/'05

1lb. 14 3/4oz. As the weather has been pretty poor over the last couple of days we hadn't got out but today, the weather men got it wrong........... so far.
It is a beautiful sunny morning with a light 10 mph breeze, so we got her ready and off we went. Her first flight was pretty non discript, a couple of passes then sat on the post...............................a couple more passes and back to the post again. I decided to give her the lure and she was looking at me and calling???????? I gave her a pick up piece and got the lure ready again but this time with a body attached. She went through all the usual motions, rouse, bobbed her head then took off.
This time she wanted to play, and play she did; she was in the air a good 20 minutes ringing up and soaring about. She climbed to about 300 feet and ranged out about half a mile over Woodingdean and I started to et pannicky and said that we might as well go and have something to eat and come back later :!: I was swinging the lure and calling her, then as soon as I put the lure away, she came over, still very high and circled around us. I got the lure out and swung it and she ranged out again. She was looking to me and although she was playing she had no intention of flying off; in fact she hardly flapped her wings at all.
I decided to walk away from her and I whistled, as she came over again I carried on talking to her telling her how much of a good girl she was :!: :!: I got the lure out again and called to her to come in and she turned, checked then 'glided' towards me; I knew she had come for the lure this time, so I tried to get her to do a pass but instead, she approached about 100 up and when she was 30 yards away, pulled up and hovered, waiting for me to give her the lure. I gave her another chick on the other lure and came home.

I only hope the weather will be kind, but it is forecast to change for the worse over the next week; I am unable to keep up a routine with her if the weather is **** but hey-ho, these things are sent to try us :wink: She flew beautifully today although I was on the edge a few times. If I wanted it easy, I would have got a budgie :!: :!: :!: :D

[Shaun Byrne]

Sounds nice, some people really struggle to get their birds to sit at 300ft, so you're doing well. Keep at it mate.

[North East Harris Hawker]

sounds like a really pleasant day out, i love watching falcons fly and stoop. great read.

[Wightwings]

good day mate sounds like she needs some game under her :D

[Saker-Clive]

She was looking, and she had the choice of a flock of gulls and crows.

[Peregrynne]

OK don't keep me waiting any longer.... I want more....Zarbu = good, no Zarbu = bad...get the point...lol

I know Loco is taking up your time, but I am still waiting to see how Zarbu does for you next.

[Saker-Clive]

As soon as the weather gets better, not too windy or wet then she will be out and up!!! :rolleyes:

[Saker-Clive]

21/01/'05.

weighed in at 1lb.15 1/4oz. very sharp and as the weather was dry I decided she hadn't been out for long enough, so gave her the option of what she wanted to do!
On arrival to the corral, there were about 20 University bods, playing around doing water testing and soon came over to see and find out about her. After all the niceaties, we carried on to the corral; the wind had got up and it was bitterly cold. 15mph and felt like 3c.
I started off with a chick body on the feathered lure and although hungry and calling she went to her usual post :wink: I called to her and threw the lure out and she came, I pulled the lure and she went around and back to the post. She did this a couple of times, so I gave her the lure and she fed off it.
I loaded up the plain lure this time with a small mouse (don't tell Loco, as they are his :D ) and we set off again. This time she was more eager, she came to the lure and made a few passes all beit a little sluggish and she waited on above me expecting me to just give it to her :!: she soon realised that I wasn't having any of it and she went around a few times half-heartedly stooping to it. Again she waited above me, so I took a stroll and she followed overhead :D I got her to complete a few more passes and called it a day.

She seems to have mellowed over the past week and is really clingy to me. So much so that I can cuddle her and rub my nose on her beak and she snuggles into me 8) love...........it's a funny thing :D
She made no attempt to get any height or use the wind today but I expect it was the cold that dampened her spirit a little. Otherwise I thought she was very good, at least the waiting on is a bonus :D
She also looks very big all of a sudden but that could be having Loco, just makes her look big :!:

[Saker-Clive]

24/01/'05.

She weighed in at 1lb. 15oz., it is a beautiful but very cold and windy day; 20mph. and was a little reluctant to fly her but we went for it anyhow.

The first flight was straight from fist to the lure, for a chick leg; superb. Next was the same again but a little further away about 100 yards; called her and she came but this time flew over to the post. She roused, muted then I walked away and called her...............................she came, again for a leg. She jumped up to my glove without the nedd for a pick up but was looking for my hand going into my pocket!.
The last flight was for a body; so we set off again and of came the hood; a gust of wind took her and she ruffled her feathers and settled down. I whistled and she came but again went to the post. I walked away dragging the lure (it has partridge wings attached) and she was bobbing at it. She took off and made two passes before going off to play. She went with the wind and ranged out a good 600 yards, staying low and skimming the hill. I called to her and she turned into the wind to come back and then got some good height and went above the hill; I whistled to her and she turned in again and powered her way back into the wind and I made her do 1 pass. She turn and made a large circle then came in for her reward. She had the body, then I gave her the rest of her food where we were, 1 more chick and a mouse. I cleaned her beak, hooded her up and came home to get Loco out.
A very pleasing hour considering how cold it was and the strength of the wind, -8c windchill, so she earned her food for today.

[Saker-Clive]

31/01/'05.

1lb. 14 3/4oz. The first 20 minutes of being out was very non-discript. I started by putting a chick leg on a feathered lure and wanted her to come straight from the fist to the outsretched lure on the ground. She flew straight over and sat on the fence for about 8 minutes. I tried walking away dragging the lure but she stayed put. :cry: Eventually, she came to it and fed. The next time, I placed a leg and a head on to see if this would have the desired effect. She was slow leaving the glove but did manage a few passes before sitting back on the fence. She was only there a short while this time and again I laid the lure out for her to take. I then put the body onto the lure and this seemed to get her attention. She left the fist and roused mid flight which is quite funny to see and she seemed to step up a gear. She stayed close only ranging out about 80 yards before I called to her and she turned in and started to make some passes. I managed to get about 8 passes but she caught me out and clipped the lure with her outstrecthed feet. :o I let the lure drop to the ground and she turned in and took her reward. She was still looking for food but I only had a rabbit leg which I was going to let her have afterwards but instead, I put that on the lure and gave her one last flight.
I showed her the lure and she was eager to fly now; she readily stooped and we managed about 18 passes before she caught me out again. (my excitement/joy of her responce obviously got the better of me, or the surprise) She again clipped the lure and fle off and sat on the fence; I called her and threw the lure out on the ground for her to take. While she was feeding from it, I was able to untie it and carfully get it and her up on the fist without too much bother. I jessed her up while she was feeding and we sat whilst she finished her feed.

It looks like she is in need to have bigger rewards to get her back on track, as well as getting out more frequently like in the begining. Once or twice a week is not doing anything for her fitness and I think that this is her major problem.

[Shaun Byrne]

Still a bit hit and miss mate! Just one point, I think your making a big mistake allowing her to have the lure after she has sat up on the fence. She sat up 3 times in that last session and was given a feed off the lure each time. She will soon (if she hasn't already)learn that if she sits up she will get the lure.

[Wightwings]

I managed to get about 8 passes but she caught me out and clipped the lure with her outstrecthed feet. I let the lure drop to the ground and she turned in and took her reward.

great result as far as i am concerned she now knows she can beat you.

I showed her the lure and she was eager to fly now; she readily stooped and we managed about 18 passes before she caught me out again. (my excitement/joy of her responce obviously got the better of me, or the surprise) She again clipped the lure and fle off and sat on the fence

Brilliant, start to intermingle this with letting her have it early........late........catching you out.....and you have the corner turned.

well done Clive :D

[Saker-Clive]

01/02/'05.

She weighed 1lb.14 3/4oz. but hadn't cast; later in the morning, I weighed her again after she'd cast and just before going out. 1lb. 14 1/4oz. She seemed very thin but she was going to get a good feed if she flew really well.
I put a chick body on the lure and she was un hooded; she went through the usual motions, bobbed, roused then without too much of a wait she came but as usual went by and sat on the fence :!: She only sat for no more than 20 seconds and came back to the lure. I pulled it away and she started her workout. I wasn't going to go too mad as I want to get her fitness up and maybe her confidence back but it wasn't the case.
She stooped the lure and stooged for a good 10 minutes but was struggling and seemed to be hindered by the '12mph' wind :!: I could see her beak opening so I let her have her reward.
She ate the body and was looking for more; I hooded her and passed her to Danni. I then put a rabbits thigh on the lure (I'm trying a feathered one for a while to see if it makes any difference. Tomorrow, weather permitting, I will try both, plain and feathered).

We set up again and i showed her the lure; she came over and made half a dozen passes, then sat on the fence. She only sat for a short while and started to work again :) this she kept up for another 10-15 minutes but before I gave her the lure, she sat to catch her breath. Yes it was my fault for pushing her too hard considering her fitness, so I let her sit and we started to walk away and out of the corral. I left her for about 2 minutes in total and we were about 150 yards from her. I then called and whistled to her; she looked up and bobbed and after a short while she came over. I made her do 2 more passes then gave her the lure and another chick, plus the legs and head from the other one.
I praised her, hooded her up and we came home.
I am hoping that we are on a turn around, and she can get some consistant regular outings. Time will tell and hopefully, the pair of us will be confident enough to say that I want to fly her infront of members of the 'Club' without fear of her going walk-about.

[Saker-Clive]

02/02/'05.

1lb.14 3/4oz. Very much the same as yesterday really; I used a plain lure for her first flight with a chick body attached. She left the fist and went to her fence as usual, roused again and went through the usual motions and made a few half hearted passes, then sat back down. Another few passes and I then let her have the lure.

I then used the wing lure with the top part of a rabbit thigh attached. She started off slow again but once in her stride, she picks up and flew well again.
At this stage, I'm not too worried about her 'building up' to finish on a high, just as long as we can get some good flights in and she works eagerly. :roll:

[Shaun Byrne]

I bet that made a change from the Perlin flight mate. As long as she is in good health and you enjoy your time with her, I wouldn't worry about how she's performing. You already know she's not going to be a good display bird so just let her do her thing.

[Saker-Clive]

03/02/'05.

1lb. 14 3/4oz. We took both Zarbu and Loco out together so as not to waste travelling time back and forth. Loco was in the carry box and we headed for the ground.
Snudz came today for his weekly fix and to see Loco free for the first time.
I loaded up the feathered lure with a chick body and as usual, she headed straight for the fence :roll: she wasn't there too long today and then got into her stride. She flew strong and didn't range out too far; only 100 yards max. She stooped really well and fluently and I kept her in the air for about 10 minutes. She was looking all the time and even when the lure was hidden, she just glided over head until I got it out again. I brought her in and let her have her feed.
She was really keen to go again so I put a whole chick on this time and as usual, back to the post. She wasn't there for long and started her last session. She went around very much like before and even scraped the ground with her wings when turning tightly to come in to stoop. She worked really hard and before I had a chance to 'let her catch me out' she did and hit the lure with her feet but carried on and came around. As she won fair and square, I let her have it. I jessed her up and gave her a full rabbit hind leg. She was well cropped up and I put her in the box so we could fly Loco.
I will rest her for th next day or so, then start again, making the sessions longer and hopefully smaller peices on the lure.

[Shaun Byrne]

Have you thought of flying her somewhere different, a bit more open with no fences? Just a thought.

[Snudz]

She definately flew with a bit more of her previous grace and speed today. A notable improvement on last week. And her response, again, improved as the session went on. T'was cold and overcast today though so maybe she needed to do a warm up before she got really motoring?? As sakers are desert birds is it possible that the cold air slows down her metabolism until she flys and oxygen gets pumped into her muscles??

Good to see her with a renewed enthusiasm though. Long may it continue and improve.

[Saker-Clive]

07/02/'05.

1lb. 15oz. I rested her over the weekend as she had flown for the previous 4 days. I tried her today from my fist before we got to the corral and suprisingly, she roused and took off. I got the lure out and she even made a few passes before we went through the gate. She carried on stooping and stooging for a good 10 minutes before sitting on the fence. She was only there a very short while and was back in the air again. I put the lure away and she just circled around looking all the time. I got the lure out again and she started to make some mor passes. She looked like she was about to sit again so I called to her and encouraged her to come around again and let her think she caught me out. I'd put a chick body on the lure for that flight but the next one, I tried just a leg. She showed no interest what so ever so another body was added and this got her attention back.
She bobbed and came within 15 seconds. She was flying much faster this time and her wings were buffeting as she approached. I decided to head out of the corral to see if she would follow. This she did and carried on stooping until I gave her the lure outside and let her have a good feed. We then came home very pleased with her performance. Getting her back into a regular routine again seems to be the trick. Just hope the weather plays it's part 8)

[Peregrynne]

great to hear that things are turning around again Clive. Hope they continue this way.

[Saker-Clive]

15/02/'05.

Both yesterday and today she weighed 1lb. 14 3/4oz. The weather over the past week has not been very good flying weather; either too windy or wet.
The last 2 days, I got her out even though it has been very cold and still fairly high winds, 20mph. She seems to be getting back into her groove now, and although she still sits she flies very strongly in the wind. I am giving her a chick body on the lure and this seems to be getting her attention and keeping her interested :D I keep her going for as long as I can, and if I think she is about to sit I call to her and make her go around again and then let her have the lure.
I am doing 2 flights and hopefully as the weather gets better, I will have her up and out for much longer. We are out for about an hour at a time.

Unfortunately it has been too windy for taking the Perlin out.

[Wightwings]

Unfortunately it has been too windy for taking the Perlin out.
always the ruddy case innit clive, get a new bird and you can guarantee bad weather for a blummin month. little fella would end up on the isle of wight in the winds we have been having.......enough re-covered the aviaries sunday in the SNOW :shock:

Glad to see Z's back :D

[Peregrynne]

awesome to see that Z is getting back to form. Hope the weather changes for the better so you can get loco out.

[Saker-Clive]

17/02/'05.

She weighed 1lb.14 7/8oz. We took her out after taking Loco out to the same place. Still close to the corral but a few hundred yards away. I tried her with just a chick head for her first flight to see if she woul;d respond to the smaller offering. I showed her the lure and she was interested. I put it in my pocket and let her compose herself before she took flight. Today there was if any no wind which I thought might hamper her performance. For nearly 20 minutes, she just stooged about ranging no more than 300 yards. She stayed about 200 feet up and just glided back and forth. I tried to get her to stoop but she just wanted to play :o After about five minutes, I started to get a feeling of 'de ja vous', and quite expected her to go off somewhere.
I swung the lure and chatted to her but she just stayed up in the air having a good time. Jake and I started to walk in the opposite direction and I called her again. This time she came over but stayed good an high; I through the lure out for her but she just looked and carried on. She went out about 150 yards, turned and started to come in fast. i got the lure ready and she made 5 good passes, then went up again. Whilst she was directly above me, I threw the lure up towards her and pulled it down hard, so it hit the floor with a thud. She closed her wings and dropped down and took her reward. She jumped up to the glove for a chick leg and I praised her for being on her best behaviour.
I loaded up the lure again, this time with a body and let her see it before procceeding for another flight. This time she went almost immediately from the fist but to a post and waited for me to show her the lure. She roused and bobbed and then came after only a few seconds :o This time she wanted to play to the lure :D she stooped for about 10 minutes before I let her catch me out.
IF she keeps up in this way I will be very happy; if she shows no interest in chasing or hunting I will be just as happy to fly her for the fun of it. I will try her on rabbit shortly and maybe even try some shot birds on the lure but as I say, I happy to just fly her and have her being responsive.

Talking about typical with Loco, all the time she was flying, there were wagtails and pipit type things flying all about :twisted:

[Saker-Clive]

19/02/'05.

1lb.14 1/2oz. I decided to take her out after getting home with Loco as the wind is how she likes it, not too hard but strong enough to make her work hard, about 13mph.
We went back to where we usually fly Kier, about 200 yards away from the corral. We saw quite a few baby rabbits, which were only about 4-6". She bobbed at them but didn't chase but I wouldn't expect her to as I haven't really gone down that route yet.
The lure was loaded with a body only and she went from the fist. I got her to do 5 passes then put the lure away and watched as she waited on and looked for it. She passes a few more times then headed northwards into the wind and over the brow a good 400 yards. I called to her but couldn't see her. I whistled and she climbed so I could see her, turned and powered back with the wind :o , she made another 8 or so passes but she was getting tired as her beak was open so I gave her the lure to feed.
As I was on my own, I threw a chick leg a few yards away for her to get. Whilst she went for the leg, I put a head back onto the lure and walked away. She looked at me and tilted her head to one side and called; I got the lure out and dragged it along the ground, walking away from her. I had only got 30 yards away from her and she took off into the wind and came around again. She made a few more passes then sat on a post but only long enough to rouse and come off again :D I managed to get her stooping for a nother 10 minutes and let her catch me out. She worked hard and I was happy with her perfomance so I gave her another 2 chicks and got her jessed up. Once back on the fist, we walked along the bush line and we saw some more rabbits which definately took her interest. I think a few weaner bunnies will be tried very soon on the lure to see if she will be interested in them.
Better go and get Kier ready to go out shortly, hopefully he will get a bunny or two which will help.

[Saker-Clive]

25/02/'05.

1lb. 15oz. she is slightly heavier today but because of the cold I have been keeping her at around 2lb. As the forecast was going to be bright and dry for today I dropped her over the last few days.

We went back to Kiers area and there were a few rabbits out in the open which I was hoping to get a flight at. She saw them whilst on the fist and started to bate towards them so I let her go. She stayed very close to the ground on her approach but they nipped into the brush befroe she got there :( She climbed and went around for a while then I got thge lure out with freshly attached pheasant wings on. She was a little unsure at first, as the last pair of wings were partridge and considerately smaller. I found that swinging the lure was again different in feel with these on.
She made several passes and then headed back over the bushes. She was in the air for a good 10 minutes before comming in on her own as if to say, 'I've had a good flight, where's me grub?' and waited on above me. I let her have the lure, only a chick head this time, and she tucked into it. I gave her a piece of beef on the fist and let her have a few minutes rest.
She was looking to my pocket all the time, as she knows that is where the food is, so I put her up in the air and got her to fly about and stoop to an empty lure this time. While I hid the lure, she went out about 200 yards but carried on circling about; I tried to re-load the lure but she wasn't having any of it :? as soon as I got the food pot out and started to attach the leg to the lure, she was waiting on above again. I was able to get a few more minutes flying out of her then we had a snow flurry and she sat on a post and fluffed herself up :?
I called to her and threw the lure out onto the ground and she came almost instantly. Jessed her up, then gave her 2 chicks before comming home.

[Saker-Clive]

25/03/'05

1lb. 14 3/3oz. A totally glorious day, mainly clear blue sky with the odd low cloud floating by.
It's been a while since I last updated on here but todays session was a test and a half for the both of us. her first flight she stayed fairly close and played for about 10 minutes before deciding to come in and stoop for a while. I placed a small chunk of rabbit on my homemade wing lure and she came down for her reward. She was quite content to stay on the ground and I loaded up the lure again with a chicks head this time. I walked away, dropped the lure out and called her and she came eagerly. Again, she stayed close and stooped for about 10 more minutes then decided to go and play with half a dozen seagulls. They 'stooped' her and she twisted and turned and was having a whale of a time. This went on for a good 20 minutes and they ranged out about 800 yards also ringing up a good 400 feet.
My nerve was begining to get on edge but I let her carry on, and occaisionally called to her or whistled. After she'd had enough, she came back over and waited on 150-200 feet above me. I showed her the lure and got her to make a few passes before letting her 'catch me out'. We both sat together and I chatted to her telling her how much of a good girl she is :? (sad I know but........) I loaded up the lure again but this time with a body and she started to run after me :shock: She got air bourne and then found the thermals. She glided around and around ringing up and up.......................and up...........................................and up.......
I called to her and whistled but she kept on going up and up until she went through the clouds and I lost sight of her :( I whistled and called but I had no response or sight of her. I swung the lure but nothing. I looked and looked but she was last seen about 5 miles away the highest I've ever seen; my heart sank and had feelings of de-ja-vous. :evil:

I knew it was only a matter of time before she started to play on the thermals as it is natural for her and resigned myself for a long day or three! I got my trusty receiver out but was very suprised at the signal. The needle was bouncing off the meter :!: but I couldn't see or hear her; I put it away and lokked around but nothing. Then I thought I could hear her bells and looked again and called to her, but nothing. I then got the lure out and whistled and I heard her bells again. I looked up and she was about 400 feet above me.......... :D 8) I called out to her and she folded her wings and dropped vertically until about 70 feet up, then opened her wings and landed on the lure which was on the ground.
Pleased..........................I could have wet me self :oops: She ate the chick body and I put a nice chunk of rabbit on the bone on my fist and she hopped up nicely. I told her again how much of a good girl she was and gave her a little cuddle then jessed her up and hooded her before comming home. She was up in the air for nearly an hour but I think now things have sorted themselves out.
She has been really well behaved since her night out back at the begining of the year and I am begining to be more at ease when she flies now.

I had too much excitement for one day so I didn't take Loco out but will tomorrow.

[BFC 007]

nice read SS :lol: glad she is going well for you mate

[Peregrynne]

Sounds like over all an awesome days flying. Glad to hear that it all worked out.

[Bash]

It must of been breath taking to see her fly so well SS. Glad she was a good girl and came back after her fun. Can't wait to so you all again soon.

[Saker-Clive]

26/03/'05.

1lb. 15oz. Very slightly heavier than I have been flying her recently but after yesterdays session who knows what was in stall today........ :?

Well I was gutted today, I was expecting much of the same as yesterday, especially as there was a better breeze but it wasn't to be :cry:
Don't get me wrong, she flew well but stayed close today and didn't seem to be enjoying herself!!!!! Maybe she aches after her session, I don't know.

There were a few young bunnies out at first but after she flew over their heads they made their escape and wasn't seen again until I took Loco out afterwards :twisted:
It looks like the weather is on the turn yet again so I gave her a good feed up as she won't be going out for a few days.

Bash, give me a ring when you know you got some time off and we'll take both out; you still haven't seen Loco yet!!!

[Saker-Clive]

10/04/'05.

She weighed 1lb. 15oz, first day I've had a chance to take the birds out for about a week; bad weather and sewing............we went to our usual spot and on arrival, there were about a dozen rabbits 100 yards from us and 15 yards away from the gorse. I stopped for a while and removed her hood. I let her settle down and rouse and have a good look around before telling her where the rabbits were and showing her. Once she saw them, she started bobbing and I slowly walked towards them. Once we got to about 75 yards from them I let her jesses go and stood still to see what was going to happen. A couple of the rabbits started to chase each other and this got her attention 100% and left my fist very low almost skimming the ground but her bells alerted them and they headed for cover. :? Once she was at the edge of the bush line she began to lift and started to climb; then she sort of cartwheeled to the left and dropped to the ground. I thought that she'd got one but within a few seconds she was on her way back towards me. I honestly think it will be very soon before she takes one. She still takes no notice of airbourne quarry but once she's been fed on a few shot crows things will change.
I got her to fly to the lure for her first flight for a good 15 passes before letting her have it. There was only a chicks head on the lure and I threw her a chicks leg to get her off. I left her on the ground and walked away, so i could reload the lure for her last flight.
I placed the body of the chick on the lure and walked away. I let her sit for a few minutes while I got about 100 yards or so away. I threw out the lure and carried on walking; she soon took off and was coming for the lure. I pulled it away and she ringed up and had a play for about 20 minutes. She flew over the houses today and stayed about 200 feet up :shock: . I whistled and called but she was having fun playing tag with a few gulls. She headed back my way still playing tag and once she was within 100 yards I laid the lure out on the ground and watched her fold her wings and stoop for her 'easy' pickings. Wrong.....i made her work the lure for another 5 minutes before letting her take it. I gave her a mouse on the glove and we sat in the sunshine for a while before getting her dressed and hooded.
Tomorrows weather is supposed to be even better about 16c, so we'll be out again providing she is no heavier than today.

[Bubo]

that is truely a great read SS and your bird sounds lovely
bubo

[Saker-Clive]

Many thanks; I think she is coming around nicely now.......................Time will tell.

[Darren]

Clive wil you be putting her down to moult or fly her through it.

Daz

[Saker-Clive]

As she was hatched last May, I've been told that she wont moult out until much later on; so I'll try and keep her going through the summer, then put her down for the winter. That way, I can concentrate on Kier for the winter hunting, then whilst he's moulting, fly her. 12 months continuous flying.
Unless she decides to start throwing her feathers shortly!!!!

[Saker-Clive]

11/04/'05.

Todays weight was 1lb. 15oz. I am going to keep her at this weight for a while, then try her 1/4oz. heavier for a month and so on until she stops responding well.
On arrival to our ground, we saw several rabbits again but they all legged it a long time before we got 250 yards away. I thought that they might have heard the bells but on closer looking with my bino's, there was the resident dog-fox standing 20 yards from the hedge line just looking straight at us. i moved in to about 120 yards and let her go. She went towards the fox but he legged it as well :!: That suprised me as it wouldn't know what she is so it wouldn't have thought her a threat to it.
She had a good stoog about for 10 minutes being chased by a persistant crow. She was twisting and turning as it bombed her but she wouldn't have ago back :? She powered away from it then climbed and circled back for a few passes then I let her have her piece of steak.
We sat in the sunshine again and she was on the ground next to me not making any effort to go off or anything. I got up and moved away so that I could load up the lure again but this time with a chunk of rabbit. She wanted to play 'grab the food pot' but I was too quick for her today and got the lid on before she was able to take anything 8)
I got her up in the air again only for the bloody crow to start harrasing her again but this time she ringed up to about 800 feet and had a good fly about. This time, she headed down towards the coast (it's only 3/4 of a mle away and is seen from where we fly). She was ringing up and up, and getting further south over the coast. I started to get a little concerned with her being out over the sea, then she turned and headed west. Still out over the coast but now flying from left to right of me. I watched her with the bino's and she was having a great time, circling over the Marina then she stooped and I lost sight of her. About 30 gulls all went up and started squawking and I thought I saw her heading back eastwards over the golf course; I whistled and called to her and watched this falcon hurtling over the hill. Just as my posture dropped from excitement to 'hear we go again :( , several crows behind me started making a lot of noise and I caught the sound of bells. I turned around to see her skimming over the hedge line towards me and dropped onto the lure which was on the ground :lol: (the bird I watched go over the hill was a kessie :oops: )
She seemed to be enjoying herself so much, I put her up again for the last time; this time she stayed close and stooped the lure;

'which was nice :D '

[Peregrynne]

Sounds like they have all been great times flying. Could be that she is finally starting to come into her own.

[Saker-Clive]

Let's hope so!!!!! I will be trying her out in otally new surroundings soon. gulp!

[Saker-Clive]

16/04/'05

First thing this morning she weighed in at 1lb. 15 3/4oz. so I thought flying was out for today but after going into town for a few hours then around lunchtime I weighed her again and she was 1lb. 14 3/4oz. :D :lol: I got the food ready, sorted out her mount and both Jake and I went out. When we got to our flying ground, there were about 20 rabbits playing and sunning themselves but she had other ideas; as she left the glove, she started to ring up as the weather was glorious with a nice warm breeze.
She stooged about for a short while before fing 'her thermal' and she cruised up and up. Jake had never seen her fly like this before and she must have gone up a good 3000 feet or so. We watched as she ringed up and westwards, and probably went 5 miles away until we could just see her. I started to watch her with my bino's and after about quarter of and hour, she started to make her way back again 8) by this time, several dog walkers were standing around looking up to see her. She was silhouetted against a big cloud but still way up.
She circled about for a while, then she closed her wings and went into a virtical stoop and plummeted. She was heading for a crow sitting on a post and we all thought that she was going to take it but it fly off just before she got to it. The small crowd, "argh-h-h-h-hed", and she pulled up and came towards me. I got her to stoop the lure for a short while then let her take it. She was very eager for more food, so after a little rest, I put her up again and this time she stayed close only ranging out about 200 yards and worked the lure.
I let her take the lure and I gave her a good feed. She had in total, 1 quail head, 2 quail legs and 1 front leg of rabbit. We chatted with a few of the on lookers for a short while before hooding her and heading home.
Jake has found a new enthusiasm towards the birds again and he really enjoyed himself, so did I truth be known :wink:
I hope the weather is good on Monday, Snudz is back from his holiday and is hoping to come over.

[Peregrynne]

The weather and weekend were def with you Clive. Good flights and renewed energy, what more could any falconer ask for?

[Saker-Clive]

Continuous weather but......................................this is England!!

[Saker-Clive]

18/04/'05.

My little girl weighed in at 1lb. 15oz. today and was rested yesterday as I was out at a display; the weather turned out much better than forecast but there was still a still breeze.
Snudz and I, set off to the flying ground and I was hoping for something special today although I had my doubts about the strength of the wind. I undressed her and held my arm up and she soon got the wind under her wings and began to ring up. She didn't go very high today only about 500 feet but she had a great time with the gulls and a couple of crows. After playing about for 10 minutes or so, she headed back and I gave her the lure; (I used my pretty one with the lines, the black and burgundy one) to see if it will encourage her to play a little harder with the crows.
Once she'd finished her tidbit on the lure, I put her up again, and she really got into he flying. Again she stayed fairly low and decided to skim the hill. There was a horse rider cantering along near the top of the hill and it looked like she was heading straight for them :shock: Both Snudz and I thought that she went through its legs but it must have been an optical illusion. She then pitched and dissappeared over the hill. A short while passed and I decided to whistle and she came up over the hill and climbed back to a good height. She carried on stooping and climbing for several minutes then decided to come back over. She stooped the lure for a little while but was getting tired. I gave her the lure and we waited and chatted before putting her up one last time. This went much the same as before and Snudz captured a few good action shots.
All 3 of us enjoyed the session and things are definately on the up. It's as if she's learnt to fly all over again and with new vigour. She loves playing on the wind and she seems to now understand how to utilise her earodynamics.
I'm really looking forward to getting her out on a field meet shortly.

[Snudz]

First time out for a couple of months (nurturing a new found hatred for estate agents) so I was looking forward to seeing Zarbu in action again. She did not disappoint, flying hard and well, even ringing up and waiting on a little (something I haven't seen her do before.) She seemed content to soar about and joust with the corvids. Given some concentrated effort and we could have a crow hawk on our hands.
What stood out though was her response time. No more waiting for 10 minutes before she'd fly, the eager Zarbu of old appears to be back. Hopefully she'll stay for a while................ :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

Lets hope this works out...........................courtesy of Snudz who took it and Bash who hosted it!!!!

http://www.dizzymoth.dsl.pipex.com/Incoming.jpg

[BFC 007]

cool mate

[Saker-Clive]

20/04/'05

She weighed 2lb. :shock: this morning and I thought flying was out of the question today :!: After a check up at the hospital today, we got home about 13.00. Had a cuppa sorted out all the foods, then weighed her again....................................1lb. 15 5/8oz. :( I was very very dubious about flying her today but I had made up my mind that today she was going over Devil's Dyke.
On arrival, there were about 20 paragliders sitting and waiting for someone to find a thermal :D Once they saw her, a few came over and asked if I was going to put her up. I said that I wanted to but was unsure about the 'sails'. A couple got up and tried again and as soon as the gliders got the wind into them she bated. I hooded her and then started again; one guy asked if she was able to find a thermal?................I didn't even reply as the look on my face said it all :? He then asked if they could follow her if I put her up but I tried to explain that she would be scared of the sails as she will probably think they were bigger birds after her!!!
We then walked to the other side of the Dyke and I composed my self. (this would be her first flight away from where we usually fly). I let her sit on the fist for a good 10 minutes to take in the view and to 'let her get her bearings'.I showed her the lure with a chick head attatched and she was definately up for it. I held my breath, and my arm up; as the wind blew across us, she opened her wings and deftly hovered for a couple of seconds then pumped her wings and was off over the casm 8) She carried on going straight for about 800 yards and as I called to her she turned and ringed up.
She didn't go too far away and played on the wind. She must be a crow magnet as 2 came over and started another game of tag but they soon went down into a bush and stayed put :lol: While she was 'cruising' about, we saw a spar 100 feet below her but it went down towards the bottom of the dyke; she started to follow but I called to her and she came up again. She didn't want to work the lure and several times tried to hit and fly with it. I just let her carry on until she wanted to come in. I gave her the lure and she wanted to carry on :D I sat with her for a short time then walked away to load up the lure again. As soon as the food pot was out, she was running towards me like a Caracara :!: :roll:
I hid the food and lure, and she took off. This time she stayed within 100 yards and worked the lure really well. I was so pleased with her session today; tomorrow I will give it another go all being well as Friday I'll be out most of the day as the car is being serviced. :evil:
I fed her 1 whole doc and a large mouse. I did try to video it but I hit the pause button with my nose after a couple of seconds :oops: better luck tomorrow :idea:

[Saker-Clive]

PS. she dropped a secondary this morning :sad:

[Saker-Clive]

21/04/'05

Today she was 1lb. 15 1/2oz. :( I left it til just over an hour ago and took her out. It must be something in the weather...............she didn't want to do much.
After getting well harrassed by 2 crows, she stepped up a gear and flew really fast and twisted away from them and darted about skimming the hill. As soon as she was back towards us, the corvisds started up again :evil: (I'm out shooting shortly so hopefully a few will show themselves to me)
She seemed really tired so I called her down and came home. Both birds will have a good rest tomorrow as I'm out for most of the day.

[Saker-Clive]

25/04/'05.

She weighed 1lb. 15 1/4oz. She has also on Saturday and Sunday, dropped 3 primaries :cry:
The weather wasn't too clever this morning but by 14:00hrs. it brightened up a little and she was calling to me so I sorted out the food, transmitter etc. and took her out. I was only putting her up once as we were in a bit of a hurry but she flew superbly.
It was as if she knew, and stayed close by only ranging out 300 yards but ringed up 500 feet or so. One of the resident crows decided to come and playbut wasn't quite agile enough to keep up with her 8) After about 25 minutes, she came in and worked the lure well then I 'ho'd' her in from a good height and she tear-drop stooped for the final time.
1 chick and 1 mouse today.

Just hope I can hold off her moult for a few more weeks as the Club is having a longwing evening and 'we've got a few things to prove :roll: :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

26/04/'05.

This morning she weighed 1lb. 15 1/4oz. but I wasn't going to fly her until this evening. I weighed her again just before we set out at 18:45 and she was 1lb. 15oz.
We went and picked up my brother-in-law and his kids and we headed up to Devil's Dyke. One flight and a pint was the order of the day :roll:
It had been threatening to rain and thunder all day but it held off; on arrival, I undressed her and let her have a good look around before holding my arm out and setting her free. The wife had the video and filmed her. She stayed reasonably close but the crows had already rooted up and she was circling above the nesting areas with a lot of 'intent' :cool:
She did disappear over the opposite side of the Dyke and we lost sight of her but I could still hear her bells; she was struggling to find a thermal and she dropped another primary today. (thats 2 pair gone) and it is begining to show in her flying. :( :?
We attracted quite a number of onlookers and they watched in awe of her.
After she had stooged about for 15 minutes I called her in and got her to work the lure for a bit then let her take it and fed her up for the day.
1 quails head and leg and 1 chick. A couple of people came over and asked if I minded if they took her picture, so I got her positioned against the glorious view behind us before putting her away, and having a nice drink. :drinkers: :tonqe: As we got back into the car, the rains came, so a well timed session today. :mrgreen:

[Saker-Clive]

27/04/'05.

Today she weighed 1lb. 15oz, even after her late outing yesterday evening.
Snudz came out again today for his flying fix for the week, and we headed for the Dyke agin today. The weather was supposed to be horrible but they got it wrong again; it was very windy and I was reluctant to fly her but as we got there, there was a school trip doing a nature watch outing :!: You can guess what happened next, 30 6 year olds and their teachers flocked over to watch my little star shine.
I told them that in this wind, she may not play by the rules and I let her go................................................ and go she did :D :!: :?

She climbed up and went with the wind and out of sight. I was getting a little nervous as she hadn't flown in the wind like this in such an open space before. Snudz and Danni went to see if they could see her and saw her in the distance. I whistled and called and she made her way back, playing up and down with the wind.
All the kids shouted that they could see her on her way back and she flew around us for a short while ringing up then storming away with the wind :wink: I didn't want her to get over tired and called he in to feed her up.
We all went and chatted with the kids and teachers, and they thought her 'reading her book' (when she's hooded) was really brill :wink: I even had to show them the inside of the hood to prove to them that they wouldn't be able to see her reading material :!: :!: :!: 8)
A good time was had by all and the teachers were given leaflets to Huxley's to arrange a visit.

[Saker-Clive]

A couple of todays shots ..............................Snudz (Lord Lichfield) :D 8)

[ScarletFever]

Excellent couple of pics Clive.

[Saker-Clive]

Don't thank me........Snudz took them and plenty more; I only suplied the bird :mrgreen: :rolleyes:

[Bash]

Lovely pictures Clive and Snudz

[Saker-Clive]

....................and a couple more ....... 8)

[Bash]

More...........we want more.............

[Saker-Clive]

There's some on Loco's as well!!

[OutFlying]

Has this Saker been entered ? are is it for lure flying only ?

[Saker-Clive]

No she hasn't been entered yet. I was advised by the breeder for the first year to fly her to the lure and for fun. After the moult she will be entered as she is already showing great signs at rabbit and pheasant.
She has killed a young rabbit but I am not counting that as being entered as it was staged and set up...........................and I am not going into detail :roll: 8) :supz:

[GoneHawking]

Why would the breeder recommend not hunting in the first season, surely the bird will be missing out on vital hunting time and experience?? and I would of thought a season just being flown to the lure would produce a lure bound bird with no motivation towards quarry, only the lure. I could be wrong as I don't fly sakers and maybe someone could explain why you would not enter a bird ASAP unless it was a display bird.

[Saker-Clive]

Far from it; it was my first longwing and I was advised to make sure that she is going to be 100% resposive to both me and the lure. She is by far NOT lure bound and when out flying, she is allowed to go where she wants without being called in to the lure at every opportunity.
As I said earlier, she IS now taking a great deal of interest in rabbits and pheasant. As the moult gets on and i put her down, her diet will be mainly pheasant (I have a few in the freezer all feathered up) crow (dead and injured) rabbit but she is accustomed to them already, as well as the usual, quail rat etc.
The crows etc. will give her the association to food and being a very intelligent species, shouldn't take her long to switch over from our pleasure flying to hunting. No doubt there will be MORE critisism over how I'm training/flying my birds but I personally couldn't give a ****.:rolleyes:
Those that have been out with me and the birds on a regular basis and have seen the difference in the past 3 months in the way she flies and behaves, now knows that she has made tremendous gains.

[GoneHawking]

It was not my intention to criticize the way your training the birds, but if your going to get all upset about it then just look at from the readers point of view, for about the last god noes how long you have been complaining about the saker sitting down and having more bad days than good, I would have thought it was obvious the bird is BORED and lacks motivation, and as for the perlin even if had never caught quarry with the previous owner then I would have thought you should have been able to get it entered by now. I think the advice the breeder should have given you is that you should have started with a female lanner falcon as your first bird, and when you had mastered some degree of success with that bird maybe move on, but to take on a perlin when you haven't mastered the saker is just asking for trouble. Better to fly one bird really well than to have a few that don't make the grade.
People were just trying to help but if you won't help yourself then and listen to there advice then thats a shame. I'm sure the two birds fly beautifully to the lure and if thats what your goal is then fine, but I thought you wanted them entered.

[GoneHawking]

Just looking back over the diary of this bird and it made interesting reading, the following are just some of your own quotes saker sucker.

[highlight=red:a513dcfc49][glow=red:a513dcfc49]Julian and Steph were really impressed and pleased at the way both Zarbu and I worked together, and thought that we have got a good bond.
All that we need to do is get her really fit and then the crows and gulls better watch out.

Johnny, she wont be ready to hunt for some time as she needs to get properly fit; she may go after something as a 'taster' but I wont be pushing her just yet. Flying to the lure and hunting are two entirely different styles of flying. She needs to get used to be in the wind and learn to control her flying before we can think of hunting.[/glow:a513dcfc49]

Sorry but it doesn't take a whole year for a bird to learn about wind or get fit.

[glow=red:a513dcfc49]I will let her go after what ever she wants, anyway once in the air, I wont be able to stop her if she has made up her mind!!!

Thanks again; as for the hunting I don't know. She shows a lot of interest in the pigeons, crows and gulls etc. but as yet she hasn't gone after anything. She may know in herself that she isn't fit enough but I guess it will come.
I have a couple of pairs of wings in mothballs, (pheasant and partridge) so I might try them on the lure next week.
I'm not going to push her at anything in particular but once she has tasted the warm fresh kill, then she will hopefully carry on. I have got to get her to fly from the glove comfortably first.[/glow:a513dcfc49][/highlight:a513dcfc49]I thought you said you weren't going to try and hunt the bird?????

[highlight=red:a513dcfc49]The next flight was a little longer and I kept trying to get her to stoop at the lure but with my in-experience of the lure swinging and her in-experience of flight and earo-dynamics, she wouldn't do it!!

[glow=red:a513dcfc49]Thanks Chris, apparently the main reason I have now found out is that they do it in the early stages because they are both lacking in experience in stooping and co-ordination and confusion.
I will next week not get her to pass at the lure but just let her fly about, then call her in.[/glow:a513dcfc49][/highlight:a513dcfc49]Sounds like you just confused the bird by trying to keep stooping to early, the bird had only been loose a coulple of days and already your trying to make it do half a dozen stoops?? no wonder it went and sat down confused.
If your not sure in your own mind before the very start what you want from your bird, then you will only transmit that confusion to the bird and poor results will follow.

[Saker-Clive]

If you don't like what you read.....it's simple don't read or comment in future.

[GoneHawking]

Sounds fair enough, good luck.

[Snudz]

Just a couple from today...........

[Snudz]

And a couple more.........

[Saker-Clive]

Nice one Snudz 8) I'm suprised you didn't get any on the post :!: :!: :oops:

[ScarletFever]

Very nice Clive. Well done Snudz.

[Saker-Clive]

Our main aim is to get some shots of a chase and or a kill. Now her moult is underway, I think we will be putting that on hold :sad: once her deck feathers drop, I will let her moult out.

[Saker-Clive]

11/05/'05

1lb. 15oz. today was the 'Clubs' longwing evening, I took Zarbu and Loco and felt that we had to prove ourselves to one or two people.
Zarbu was first to go out and considering that she had never flown there or in an area which was surronded by dense woodland she surpassed herself.
She took off and climbed, then circled around us before ranging out over the woods and got to about 300 feet. She flew her usual way, ranging out then coming back over and as she was overhead, she had a big rouse then carried on. The field we were in had quite long grass and whilst watching her stooging about, I looked down and 6 inches away was a very young Roe deer fawn, not much older than 4 days, curled up in the grass. I called to the others and a few came over for a look and a photo opportunity. We then hastily moved our gear and left it alone not wanting it to get up and run off.
We had a pretty good turn out, Parlycoot, Bash and Lloydparabuteo was there from the forum, Huxley's owners (Zarbu's breeder) and about a dozen others. After about 10 minutes, Zarbu decided that it was time to come and work; I got her to stoop the lure for a short while before finishing her off. I was congratulated on the way that she is, especially as I haven't trained her as a lure bird and we both enjoy the flying the 2 of us do together. 8)
If I get any pictures of todays session I will post them up later on especially of Bambi :goodman:

[Hawkmaster]

Hey love to see that, and well done!

[Snudz]

She was looking pretty good today as well...........

[Saker-Clive]

MEGA PICS. Snudz as usual, many thanks mate :mrgreen:

[Goldie]

total agreement. and the last one is very good.

[Snudz]

Thanks for all the comments, with all this encouragement i'll soon be tapping up Hawkmaster for some more web space...............PAUL?? :roll: :lol: :rolleyes:

Mind you, Zarbu does pose well don't she.............. :mrgreen:

[Saker-Clive]

Just showed Julian the ones that came yesterday................well impressed!

[BFC 007]

hi clive-you put the saker up for the moult then mate?

[Saker-Clive]

Afraid not; she went 'walk-about' yesterday; still no sign but all the relevant people know. Been out most of the day but with no signal to follow, where do I begin to look. I've driven 200 miles today; friggin knackered but will be out again first thing.
Huxley's had a signal around 16:30 but by the time I got there, and drove towards the direction they had, there was nothing.

I can only hope that she has taken something, and will be found soon. I did say that yesterday was going to be her last session, as I was going to put her down for the moult. :cry:

[BrianM]

chin up mate i lost 2 birds in a week ( not something i am proud of) but got both back within the week,,, keep looking

[Saker-Clive]

Got the tee shirt Brian, Loco went last week!!! but he aint coming back :cry: :evil:

[Wightwings]

any sign of her SS?

[Wightwings]

Afraid not; she went 'walk-about' yesterday; still no sign but all the relevant people know

if you let one or two club members with receivers have her freq we could have a look out over here....... :roll:

[BFC 007]

good luck Clive,hope you get her back :?

[Hawkmaster]

DAMN, sorry to hear that she is lost mate! Will put up a thread to see if that can help?

Paul

[Shaun Byrne]

Good luck Clive, not having much luck lately mate.

[Darren]

Clive....hope you get her back soon mate

[Saker-Clive]

Had a positive sighting which was reported today but the sighting was 15:30 yesterday between Nutley and Fletching. She was sitting on a post, apparently upsetting the womens horse, for about half an hour. She was talking to Julian today at a shoe he was at and she said that she saw this bird that looks exactly like that one on the block!!

I went to Ashdown Forest as soon as I heard and I got a signal, albeit for 20 seconds. It was strong but then went away towards Sevenoaks and Maidstone. She went with the wind, probably conserving energy!!!!. I will go out again shortly as I have just got home and haven't had any breakfast yet. If she carries on with the wind, she be at East Anglia shortly unless she feeds or decides to rest up!!!
Maidstone here I come; just hope it wasn't someone flying there bird :evil:

[Hawkmaster]

Luck may now be on your side mate as I would think there are not many flying their birds now.

[Peregrynne]

Great news on the sighting there Clive. Hope she is waiting for you in Maidstone, ready to come home for a good feed up.

[Bubo]

i was gonna say if the winds keep up like that i'll be able to help after and track her down on this side of the channel hehe. good luck clive and will be praying hard for ya.

[Saker-Clive]

I've been home for 20 minutes, falling asleep at the wheel :shock: :oops: totally drained but I didn't get a signal :x I went along the same way just incase she didn't get too far and stopped the car every mile or so for a scan. Although I got to Maidstone, I never got a peep; if I had just got a signal to fix onto I would have been able to close in and sleep in the car if needed.
Maidstone...................that was just a stab in the dark; I basically took a compass bearing and straight lined on the map. A couple of miles either way, a dense wood or built up area and she might have been sitting waiting.
Tomorrow is another day and I will be back at Ashdown forest again, just hoping that she is still around there and not moved as I was expecting :!: At least my battery test earlier gives me the confidence of 10 days guarenteed looking before the cells start to dwindle. Gutted doesn't begin to tell how I feel;
IT'S THE NOT KNOWING THAT HURTS!!! has she eaten, is she injured or scared witless!!
I'm going to bed so I can start again in the morning.

[Natch]

ALL THE IN THE MORNING

[Hawkmaster]

At least you know what your batteries will do, most people do not.

I find night is a good time to search all the high points as the bird will not be moving.

If all else fails get a mate will the same frequency telemetry on the ground pop over to Shoreham Airfield and book a flight it may cost £80 but you WILL find the signal within 20 miles. Then text your mate on the ground.

GOOD LUCK!

[Wightwings]

if your interested in doing that Clive give me a shout. if you want any help out in the feild give me a shout. at least text or pm me her frequency i can pop up to the top of goodwood hill in the morning and have a scan.

[Saker-Clive]

173.230 Biotrack channel 3 Marshall's is the same i think.

[Wightwings]

its midway between 3 & 4 i'll go up the hill first thing just on the off chance keep us informed clive and if you need any further help just call i can go wherever you need.

[Shaun Byrne]

Any news lads?

[Saker-Clive]

Been out since 05:00 this morning; headed back up past Ashdown forest but the eastern side at Tunbridge Wells and on as far as Lullingstone Castle, junction 4 M25; almost at Eagle Heights!!!!!

HM, I contacted Shoreham airport and although the operators advertise 'pleasure flights' from £29.99, they are fill in seats to France. They wanted to charge me £300 for 30 minutes!!!!!!!

She is a fit and strong flier and the weather has been kind; I think that she will come down soon to peple and start calling if she hasn't fed. I have contacted Southern FM and will also email Meridian TV.

[Saker-Clive]

BBC news, Meridian tv, Brian Smith www.weatwealdfalconry.co.uk
have all been informed. BBC also have pictures.
Going out tonight for most of the night, night vision which will also help if I get a signal.

[Bubo]

sounds good mate, i'll be following closely. feel bad i cant do anything about it though.

[Saker-Clive]

I was able to get a couple of hours kip earlier and have been upto Box Hill near Reigate; Nearly 600 feet up at the top with vast views but sadly no signal. I went from there west wards along the A25 towards Godalming, then southwards down the A283 to Petworth, Stopham Pullborough, Bramber then back here.
After diner i will be going out again aimlessly as with no sightings or signal, I'm at a loss as to which way to go.

Would she not see a local landmark from a good height even 30 - 40 miles away? From Brighton, we can see the Isle of White on a clear day which is 70 miles by road!!!!

[Mary Quite Contrary]

Been out since 05:00 this morning; headed back up past Ashdown forest but the eastern side at Tunbridge Wells and on as far as Lullingstone Castle, junction 4 M25; almost at Eagle Heights!!!!!

HM, I contacted Shoreham airport and although the operators advertise 'pleasure flights' from £29.99, they are fill in seats to France. They wanted to charge me £300 for 30 minutes!!!!!!!

She is a fit and strong flier and the weather has been kind; I think that she will come down soon to peple and start calling if she hasn't fed. I have contacted Southern FM and will also email Meridian TV.


Hi Clive

I received a text from westweald today to have a go with my telemetry. sorry i didn't pick anything up.

But the local airport ( biggin hill) wont charge you this amount above to go up in a helicopter or plane. You would need to ask one of the flying schools which are situated on the right hand side of the airport.

I also passed the message on to someone in stonegate so they could try with there marshall.
Best of luck.

[Wightwings]

been trying regular over here too Clive but nothing picking up sorry.

[Wightwings]

going up to see soem friends near haselmere this mornin will take the receiver up there and have a try. I know you have already done the Goldaming area Clive but the wind has dropped and you never know.

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks everyone; I got home around 01:45 after driving over to Dover; I stayed on the A20 then came back along the coast.
Huxley's were out til late last night but again no signal. Either she has got the lid off or we are sweeping the wrong areas!!!!!!!!
I need a bath and a good rest; haven't bathed since Friday and not had much sleep either.
I just don't know where to look anymore. For some reason, I keep getting drawn back towards Ashdown forest.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Wightwings]

sometimes its worth folowing your instincts Clive and just going for a swing and a whistle in case she has lost the tranny.......I know its day 5 Clive but keep your pecker up mate

[Bubo]

stick with it clive, and go with your gut feeling!!!

[Wightwings]

Clive just rung to say SHES BACK......fantastic news Clive can wait to hear the story of her visit to hospital....ha ha ha

Stick her to moult mate and chill out for a month or two i think after the past month you need it... :D

[Bubo]

stick with it clive, and go with your gut feeling!!!

ok maybe not :lol: :lol:
well done clive

[Falconry Equipment International]

Brill news m8 so pleased to hear esp after aeverything else. take cae, as ww says moult her out now, & chill out a bit all the very best
SJ

[Finnish]

Good news at last well done mate.

[Saker-Clive]

:D 8) :D 8) :D 8) :D 8) :D 8) :P :lol: :P

Well you all now know, THE BITCH IS BACK AGAIN :!:

We were back out again around Ashdown forest where for some reason I had been drawn on a daily basis; whilst arriving back into Tunbridge Wells from the north end, the phone went and it was Brian Smith, diamond geezer from www.westwealdfalconry.co.uk :D (don't forget to use him) telling me the great news, that he had a call from Eddie Hare @ Groombridge Place, saying that he had collected my pride and joy earlier today.
She was picked up yesterday by the RSPCA in the A & E department of Tunbridge Wells hospital. How the hell she got in we don't know, perhaps she's part vulture going in for a meal :twisted: :roll:
A club member was in Tunbridge Wells yesterday afternoon with a roof mount but she had no signal!!! and she drove past the hospital a couple of times. I must apologise to Brian as when he phoned, this soft sack of sh~t, burst into tears :oops: (I don't care who knows, my birds mean a hell of a lot to me). I went to Groombridge Place (which is a garden, house , enchanted forest and raptor display centre) I only said this morning that I hope if anyone picks her up, that it would be a falconer, that way, she would be fed correctly and looked after. Eddie must have thought I was off my trolley, i nearly cuddled him and as I wasn't expecting to get her, had nothing to give him as a thank you; except a nice new lure I had in the back of the car :wink:

I have just spoke to the hospital, and they had to close the A & E down until she was caught :P can't understand why the RSPCA officer didn't contact me directly as it was reported to them on Friday!!!!!!! Still......................no point in ********, I got her back.
I told Snudz that this was her last flight on Thursday and she is now going to be put down to moult and a rest. I guess I will have to take up knitting or something over the coming months but I don't care.

[glow=red:1d1bba60f7]CLOUD 9 HAS NOTHING ON THE WAY I FEEL RIGHT NOW[/glow:1d1bba60f7]

I will post up some pics. of me crashed out yesterday afternoon shortly.

[Bubo]

we all love ya even if you are a soft sack of sh~t :P :wink: i am so happy for you mate!!! really happy now go and have a good pint and chill out !

[Falconry Equipment International]

We were back out again around Ashdown forest where for some reason I had been drawn on a daily basis; whilst arriving back into Tunbridge Wells from the north end, the phone went and it was Brian Smith, diamond geezer from www.westwealdfalconry.co.uk :D (don't forget to use him) telling me the great news, that he had a call from Eddie Hare @ Groombridge Place, saying that he had collected my pride and joy earlier today.

Well done Brain & Eddie, I would like to think that any one would hav egladly done this , however we are not living in utopia, so well done guys!!
She was picked up yesterday by the RSPCA in the A & E department of Tunbridge Wells hospital. How the hell she got in we don't know, perhaps she's part vulture going in for a meal :twisted: :roll:
A club member was in Tunbridge Wells yesterday afternoon with a roof mount but she had no signal!!! and she drove past the hospital a couple of times. I must apologise to Brian as when he phoned, this soft sack of sh~t, burst into tears :oops: hey trhats no bad thing IMHO that shows strength & that yoou care about those you look after!

[Saker-Clive]

I can now have a bath; not had one since Friday :oops: :oops: can't keep blaming the dog :!: my daughter took these yesterday afternoon when I managed to get a couple of hours in..........

[Shaun Byrne]

Clive aren't you a bit heavy to be laying on top of your dog :D :D

Well chuffed for you mate :D

[BFC 007]

nice 1 clive :partyman:

[Saker-Clive]

I would like to thank ALL that have been out both people on here and those who are not; Huxley's, who have been out late into the night, Melinda, who drove all over Sussex with her roof mount (which reminds me, gotta get one), Bash who drove down to our flying ground and stood on the hill swinging a lure for a few hours, Brian Smith (Westweald falconry) for making loads of calls and for listening to me blubbing :oops: Eddie Hare from Groombridge www.raptorcentre.co.uk Whightwings, Mark Dunn and anyone I've missed; without the help, who knows what might have been the outcome!!!
Hopefully my little girl has learnt a valuable lesson; can't wait til the morning to open up the enclosure and weigh her, just to see how much she had eaten.

[OutFlying]

was there a problem with the transmitter or receiver ?

[Saker-Clive]

No mate, once she was caught up, the transmitter was taken off and the batteries removed :evil: why, I don't know; I've checked them all since and they are all working well. Batteries are still 60%.

[OutFlying]

that would make tracking her a little difficult :shock:

[Bash]

Well Chuffed! :D

[Saker-Clive]

I can't understand why I didn't get any signal yesterday morning when I covered all around the area, from east to west !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! she was caught in the afternoon.

[Mary Quite Contrary]

Great news Clive

My friend who lives in stonegate who has the Marshall also works at the Kent&Sussex at tunbridge wells.
She went in to work today and her colleagues informed her of this mad bird flying into the hospital.
As she is a falconer she made some inquiry's and it this is what she got.

It was a buzzard :shock:
A eagle owl :roll:
Its head turn round 360 degrees :o :lol: :D
A very light colored eagle. :lol:

A lot of nurses speak foreign languages and have it written on there file. My friends language is BOP that's what they have put on her file.

It just shows you ...........................its good to talk.

[Mary Quite Contrary]

I can't understand why I didn't get any signal yesterday morning when I covered all around the area, from east to west !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! she was caught in the afternoon.


The only explanation i can think of is because some hospitals have blockers for mobile phones.
I don't know if this will block telemetry but i suspect it cant help or can tons of brick and concrete.

[Goldie]

Glad you got her back mate, i would have hated for you to lose two in such a short time.

[Peregrynne]

That is the best news I could have heard for you Clive. Great to see that you got her back. Hope she is back up and flying with you soon.

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks again guys;
Chad, she is now not going to be flying until after she moults!!! then back on the creance and maybe a different way of flying her!

PS. she weighed 1lb. 14oz. this morning; just over 1 1/4oz lost over the 5 days away.

[Saker-Clive]

These are some of what Snudz took on Thursday just before her jaunt around the Sussex/Kent country side..........................this is sadly for me her season over; she has flown superbly and admittedly, there have been some sticky moments but WE all get them at some stage.
Here's looking to next season................................

[Peregrynne]

Clive I figured that she would sit for the moult now...but was just meaning that you get that chance to fly her again once it is overl. Can't tell you again how happy I was to hear that you got her back. Cheers

[Saker-Clive]

07/12/'05.

Well the last 3 weeks I've had her out of the moult, a little late I know but I wanted to get Kier going good and strong first.

Well she's been free for just over a week now; the weather this last week has been very hit and miss so I haven't been able to get her out as much as I would like. This year, I'm going to fly her differently. Those that have followed her antics over ther last season, will know that I was multi-flying her, during our sessions. i was putting her up about 4-6 times a session. This year, I'm only going to put her up twice in any one session.



1lb. 13 1/2oz. A glorious sunny autumnal morning; Snudz rang to sayu he would be over at 10.00. I sorted out the tranny, food and we set off to Devil's Dyke. Normally when every where else has no wind, the Dyke is blowy........................not today, very slight breeze.
I loaded up the lure with just a chicks head and gave her to Snudz; I walked 50 yards away, and gave him the nod to take the hood off. In true longwing style, she bobbed, roused, then shat.............took off and came for the lure. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif As there was no wind, she seemed to struggle at first but then either found a thermal (of which there's plenty there) or she decided to enjoy her time and had a great time flying about. She didn't range out too far and was looking for the lure all the time. I guess she was only flying for about 5 minutes then I called her in. She dropped down and took the lure and had her reward. I gave her a chick leg as a pick up and after a minute or so, hooded her back up. We chatted for a few minutes over the flight, comparing her with the last time out with Andy. I loaded up the lure again but with a chick body; set up again and the hood was off; again she showed great eagerness in the lure and roused then left the glove. This time she really pushed my nerves to the limit http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif , at first she stayed quite close, roused on the wing then headed straight over the drop and was going in a north westerly direction...............I refrained from calling her as I wanted to see what she was going to do, and Andy said "don't worry, she'll be fine " (this is Zarbu we talking about), well she got about 3/4 of a mile away almost in a straight line, so I said "can I worry now?" http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif and blew the whistle..............she turned and powered her way back http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif stooped the lure a couple of times but then she looked like she was about to go and sit on the ground. i 'Ho'd' her and let her take the lure and we finished there. I gave her 2 more chicks on the fist and hooded her up then put her in the box. Andy and I went and had a pint in the pub.
What a difference from yesterday; although my pooper was on edge, she flew 2 quality flights. The next month will be getting her really fit (weather permitting) and we will be able to keep her up longer. andy wanted to watch her fly today instead of taking pictures but there will be plenty of time for that soon. I think we were both on a high after that, so we came back and got Kier out..............................

These were taken last week by Roo..............

[Saker-Clive]

08/12/'05

1lb. 13 1/2oz. Todays weather is a big difference from yesterday! cold, damp but breezy :lol: On arrival to our permission, it began to very lightly spit; not enough to put pay to our session but if it had carried on, she would have been wet after half an hour! Luckily it stopped after a few minutes so I began to take off her equipment. On the way to the corral, we bumped into a couple of women with a dog, who said, "oh, your the eagle man aren't you?".I chuckled and said, "Not quite but yes I'm the one who flies over here!"
I couldn't beleive how thick some people can be, one of the women lokked at her and said is that her head?, (she had a hood on) I told her that this was a hood and it keeps the birds calm etc. She replied, "I was wondering how it could see to fly!!"................give me strength. I held my arm up and Zarbu took off. The woman then quizzed, "Don't you fly her with string on, to stop her flying away?" ........................................my head was begining to hurt now, so I just said, that she loves me too much and said my goodbyes:confused: . Zarbu took great pleasure flying around us skimming the floor and climbing.................................bloody show off. As I neared the corral, she waited on above me looking for the lure. I stopped and got her to stoop a few times before hiding it and going into the corral. She decided to go and sit on a post just out of sight; as soon as I got the lure out I heard her bells as she took off. She made a few more passes, then took delight in flying through half a dozen gulls that were making alot of noise because of her presence. after they all disperssed, she came back looking for the lure and made a few more passes. I could see that she wanted the lure s I let her 'catch me out'. i only put a chick head on it for her first flight and then threw a leg 5 yards away which she eagerly jumped for. I loaded up the lure again but this time with a body and walked into the wind about 50 yards from her.
I threw the lure out on the ground and she came immediately; I jinxed it out of her way and she climbed and stayed within 150 yards, turning and coming back for the lure. Although she didn't stoop the lure on every pass, she passed about 20 times, then went and sat on a post again. I walked away and got 100 yards from her and dropped the lure out again. She came and I got another 5 passes before calling her in. I gave her another 2 chicks on the fist, then cleaned her beak. she also feaked on my bare hand which is always quite nice:goodman: . I jessed and hooded her and we came home.

[Saker-Clive]

09/12/'05.

1lb. 13 1/2oz. A glorious day again and she seemed to be wanting to get out as everytime she saw me she started calling!!
We didn't go to the corral today but went on the next level up and I carried on to the top of the hill. I let her go from the fist about 100 yards in from the road, and she went to explore. I carried on walking for another 250 yards, then got her to work the lure. She half heartedly stooped 8 times before heading towards the sea. She climbed to about 300 feet and once higher than the hill, she got the wind and really began to fly. She played on the breeze but was still heading towards the coast http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif I guess she got down by the seafront before I whistled and called her; she circled a few times the pumped her way back into the wind. it took me a little while to work out she was comming back because of the angle butthen she began to close her wings and soared in fast and I presented her with the lure. She stooped several times, then 'waited on' above me until I gave her the lure. There was only a head on it as usual, and she ate it and looked for her pick up. I threw it on the ground, then loaded up the lure with the body. I got her to jump up for no reward and we had a little 'chat' http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif I carried on walking towards the hill as I wanted to get to the top and work her from up there. She sat on the fist with out me hold her jesses and was quite content to be there; she roused a couple of times and I was expecting her to go. It wasn't until I got to about 40 yards from the top of the hill, that she decided to take off and head towards the corral behind us. I had visions of her sitting on one of the posts but I called to her and she came up the hill, skimming the ground until she got to the top. The wind got under her and she was up and away again. She went over the hill and over the golf course but I was in constant view. I could make out that she was having a good look all around and I whistled. She came around and started to work the lure for a little while before I hid it. She waited on above me for a bit then went off and stooged about for a few minutes. Without any prompting from me she came back looking for th lure; I got it out and she made a few more stoops. I saw her beak was begining to crack so I 'Ho'd' her in and gave her a good feed.
My dog trainer was watching from a little way off, then she came over and we chatted. She'd seen Zarbu before but not flying. She was very impressed.
I don't know whether to rest her over the weekend or keep up the flights..................................i'll see what the forecast is for the comming week.

Here's a couple of pics. from where we were........I know one has my HH in but these were taken last month........

[Saker-Clive]

14/12/'05

1lb. 14 1/2oz http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif Although an ounce heavier than I normally have been flying her I decidedto give her a try!!! There was a good wind but again, she was very slow to get going.She left the fist and circled a couple of times, then went a founda post just over the brow; she soon took off and did the same thing again. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif
I threw the lure out as normal and she came but just before I pulled it
out of the way, she anticipated my move and hit it hard. I had loaded it
with a body so I wasn't very happy! http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif I gave her a leg as a pick up but she seemed to want to fly some more. I put her up but she went and found another post to sit on. I loaded the lure with just a leg this time but she didn't want to come. She stayed put for a few minutes before comming but this time she worked the lure really well and I decided to push her hard as she hadn't done anything. She worked hard and after a few minutes I hid the lure but something took her fancy elsewhere and she powered away into the wind. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif She got about half a mile away, and I 'angrily' shouted her name; she turned and made her way back in. She stooped really well, and on several times, she was very close, just like Loco used to do! I let her think that she had caught me out and gave her the lure. I thought to myself that she expects to go home now, so I gave her the pickup on the floor, and loaded up the lure 1 last time. I walked away, then called her.
She very soon came and started her last flight with gusto. This time I
walked towards the gate of the corral and she followed , stooping as we
went. I carried on for about 60 yards, then stopped and got her to work
for a little while longer. We finished up and came home.

[Roo]

Didn't realise there was a diary here!

It's good reading about her actions at the different weights. Whats the highest you've flown her at? (and that she's actually done something other than sit on posts!)

[Saker-Clive]

hi Roo, I set this one up from day 1; 2lb. 1 3/4oz. is the heaviest I've ever flown her but if you've read the whole of this, you'll see the problems along the way!!!
Hoping to try up at Huxley's again this Sunday, Bash might be there as well.

[Saker-Clive]

16/12/'05.

Yesterday she was a little too heavy for me to chance a flight at 1lb. 15 1/8oz. so she was rested and only feed 1 chick and 1oz. of steak. Today she was back down to 1lb. 14 1/2oz. There is a good 15mph + wind so I thought that she would have a good flight.
My heart was in my mouth she left the fist and played for about half an hour; she went up through the clouds and almost dotted out on a few occaisions. I took a couple of pictures but only one came out and even that only shows a speck She must have ranged out about 3 miles into the wind and stooged about ,then came with the wind and over the race course and what looked like the town centre. All I could do was watch and hope my worse fears weren't about to happen again http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif I was approached by another couple of walkers asking me what I was looking at......................................once they saw her, just, it was back to the usual.................................."how are you going to get her back?"................... http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif I just said that it is upto her if she wants to come back and we all watched her as she went through the clouds and just had a ball.
Every so often, I blew the whistle and she 'sort of' came over but at the height she was at she could have gone anywhere. She would turn in and look like she was comming back, then she'd ring up again and have another play. This flight was truelly spectacular and I wished I'd taken the video but everytime I have taken it, she stays close by and I never get much worth watching .
She began to get lower and lower and when she was ready, she circled over me then stooped a few times. I called her in and she came immediately http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif the funny thing was, she wasn't panting or anything; she must have just used the wind to her best advantage. I did put her up again 10 minutes later but this time she sat on a post for several minutes before getting up. Once up, she decided to stay close and work the lure; I worked her for 5 minutes before giving her the lure, then I feed her 1 chick and 2oz. of steak. I might rest her tomorrow as on Sunday, I might be flying her at Huxley's........................................

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/Saker-clive/dotout.jpg
_________________

[Saker-Clive]

18/12/'05.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Well we went up to Huxley's and it was a very clear sunny day but no wind. We had to wait a short while to allow the grass to thaw out before I was able to get her off. In the excitement, I handed her to Roo ready for the off; Just as I was about to give Roo the nod, Bash asked me if I was going to take off her equipment http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_redface.gif http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif
I went back and undressed her ready for the off again; Roo slipped the hood off and she came immediately. she climbed and went for a good fly about and then found a small thermal; she probably only got to about 1000 feet, then just sored and headed away from us http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif the usual comments of "She's going......................" and "Get the receiver ready......." went out but I said that I had complete faith in her, (my butt cheeks were tightly clenched). i was talking to her and Julian Ford said , "She can't hear you!" but I said that it made me feel better; She probably only ranged out about a mile max but that was far enough for me, I whistled and she turned and folded her wings in and made her way back towards us. Once overhead, she stayed about 400 feet up and just circled around the centre; I called to her and showed her the lure and she decided to come and work the lure for a short while before I called her in and gave her a big feed up. As she took the lure and came safely down, all at the centre, clapped and remarked how wonderful it was to see her fly that way. She roused about 4 times on the wing, which even some of the staff had never seen before http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif In all she was up for a good 15 minutes and all that saw her seemed very impressed. They all know that I don't fly her as a display type bird and give her free range to do and go where she wants and she seems happy with that, and the trust that I put in her hopefully shows whn she's rewarded afterwards.
I was so pleased with her flight today. I think that this is her ideal weight for the time being, I just wished I'd taken the bloody video

[Saker-Clive]

..a few pics that Roo took a little on his last visit down with me, the sky today was the same as then......................

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/Saker-clive/mygirl2.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/Saker-clive/mygirl1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/Saker-clive/mygirl.jpg

[Darren]

Clive you have some really good pics from what i have seen on the sites

[Bash]

What a brilliant day and what a brilliant flight from Zarbu. She is a real credit to you Clive. She flew beautifully today. Truly stunning.

[Roo]

Agreed, thats the furthest I've seen her fly out, so I was wondering if she would turn and make her way back in... but she did with a gentle stoop.

Best flight I've seen from her by far!

[Saker-Clive]

20/12/'05.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. Made arrangements with Bash to come out for the afternoon and we set off for Devil's Dyke; it was overcast and there was a good 20mph wind up there. When we got there, there were a few para-gliders just putting their kit away and we put her up. She went from Bash and at first found it a little hard going, then she played on the wind and on several occaisions, just 'hung' on the wind almost like she was hovering! She did keep comming over and waited on above me expecting the lure but I told her to go and play.
She soon got into her stride and got some height, then ranged out about half a mile or so. She didn't really want to stoop the lure but did numerous vertical drops, and then climbed vertically in the wind. I had her up for a good 10 minutes then called her in. I had only put a chick head on the lure as I was going to fly her a few times today. By this time, we had several people watching and she wanted to fly some more. I offered her a chick on the fist but she just grabbed the head and hovered again. We put her up and I put a body on the lure this time and she had a much better flight than the last. She flew with more confidence than earlier and really played the wind to her advantage. She was in the air again for another 10 minutes, then came in for the lure. She stooped several times before going back to her vertical assaults! I got her down and she ate the body but was watching something in the distance; we couldn't see what it was but it was causing her to almost mantle over the lure...................then we saw a kessie hovering about 300 yards away:confused: . I got her back on the fist and was going to get her equipped but she wanted to go again:razz: , I was a little jubious, especially as she'd just had 2 chicks but thought what the hell; she went off again and worked hard in the wind. I could tell that she now wanted to come in as she waited on over me looking for the lure. i gave it to her then afterwards, jessed her up before giving her a fresh pheasant head and neck. She can have a good rest tomorrow and the weather isn't supposed to be that good:roll: . A very enjoyable 3 flights which seemed to impress those onlookers. We came home and took Kier out.

[Bash]

Zarbu was stunning yet again. Glorious flying whether for her in beautiful country side up on the downs. It couldn’t have got much better than that.

Bit Bl**dy cold though! The gin warmed us up. ;p

Thanks SS for a great day.

[Saker-Clive]

Any time my ol' mate:supz: :cool: :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

22/12/'05.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. All my lot, brother-in-law and his 2 kids and the mother-in-law all decided to come out and watch my little girl today; we went back to Devil's Dyke and it was much windier than before and colder! As soon as I got her out of the car and she felt the wind, she was bating trying to get airbourne. I undressed her and showed her the lure, then let her go. She was very much like last time, just hanging on the wind but going with it for a good distance. I whistled and she began to turn in , then carried on soaring about. The wife started on, 'she's going....she's going!!' I politely told her to shut up and just watch and let me worry about the bird (she was worried that she might go walk about, and she wouldn't be able to shopping)
Zarbu stooged about for a good 25 minutes, then the mother-in-law started moaning that she was getting cold, (cold http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif .....she's a 20 stone lump of lard), anyway, Zarbu came back over and started the virtical stoops again, then I gave her the lure. I only had a chicks head on it as I wanted her to get a good 2 flights today. I offered her a pick up peice but instead she just opened her wings and lifted up in the wind; I loaded the lure again with a body and let her go and play. We had another audience and an Australian guy asked if I minded if he shot some video of her. I told him feel free but I doubt if you'll get anything spectacular as she'll be too far out to gt any decent close up footage. No sooner had I said that, she folded her wings and looked like she was stooping away from us........................then we saw a kestral, which she zoomed past then the 2 birds played tag for a while. I was getting a little concerned as they were heading away and Zarbu wasn't showing any signs of pulling up and heading back http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif I whistled, and called her and she did ring up and make her way back. She came over head and was about 300 feet above us. She just circled us for a bit then I got the lure out and she made a few passes. She went back doing her vertical stoops and climbs (which for the guy videoing her was exciting) then I 'Ho'd' her in. I threw the lure up and as usual she caught it and came down nicely with it. I turned around and there was about a dozen peeps clapping http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif I managed to get hold of her flying jesses while she was feeding then got her up on the fist; she kept trying to go off again but I equipped her up then tied her to the glove. I gave her another chick and a chunk of steak on the fist and a few of the 'watchers' took her picture. I had to go through the usual speil of what she was, where they originate from etc. etc. After boxing her up, we all went in for a warm up and a pint.

Then I had to go Christmas food shopping .................and to top it all off,..............................I had to pay for the pleasure http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif

[Saker-Clive]

26/12/'05.
1lb. 14 1/2oz. I was a little doubtful about flying her today as she is still about top weight but as I was only going over by the corral I decided to go anyway. Well her first flight was pretty non discript; straight over to a post, then a dozen half-hearted passes then just waited on above me. I gave her the lure and she ate the chick head. I threw hew pick up away on to the ground and loaded up the lure again with a body. I walked away and she came immediately. She stooged about for a few minutes then went back to a post :evil: I called her but she took off like a bird on a mission, heading towards the hill, (earlier one of the dogs put up and chased a female pheasant) I thought maybe she's decided to go and kill something. She skimmed the bank then climbed up and played tag with a crow. This went on for a few minutes then she powered her way back over and towards the houses :shock: all of a sudden we lost sight of her then a couple of dozen racing pigeons went up and we could see her flying through them and just playing. If that wasn't enough, she started to head towards the racehilland we lost sight of her again. Every now and again, we could hear either crows or seagulls making a lot of noise; I knew she wasn't too far but after about 20 minutes and not seeing or hearing her, I got the receiver out and turned it on (I hadn't even opened up the yagi) and I got a reasonably good signal. I whistled and swung the lure but still no sign of her.
I was begining to think I'd be testing the roof mount for real at this rate; I had a swig of my winter warmer, and slowly made my way to the next high point a 100 yards away. Just as I got to the top, I heard her bells and she flew past me and sat on a post just infront of me. :P I walked back down to slope and called her and she came straight away and stoopd the lure several times before I gave it to her. I quickly jessed her up, then gave her the pheasant leg to feed on. I chatted to her all the time she was eating, then she jumped to the fist and I cleaned her beak. She obviously had a great time playing but I much prefer it when I can see her; that way I can enjoy it as well. I don't mind her going off, as long as I can see her!!
The forecast is heavy snow down this way from tonight and tomorrow (4 inches :roll: ) so the pheasant leg should put her weight up a little. Looking back at my diary, it was a year ago on Wednesday that she went walk-about and spent the night out.

[Saker-Clive]

31/12/'05.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. Well she's had a rest while we've been having all this daft weather!! Yesterday was persistant rain and wind, before that we had the very cold below 0c. etc.
I was hoping that she'd be a little lighter but it wasn't to be; just had to get her out as the jumps in the enclosure etc. doesn't seem to fullfil her any! After her last fly about on Boxing day, I thought I'd tak her right up on the top of the hill by the golf course. From there we get a long range view to the east and Newhaven 10 miles away, and over the sea 3/4 mile to the south. West wards s the racehill but we can't see beyond and can't see too far northwards but it gave me a better view point. There is a good wind up there and she was eager to go; must have been about 20mph and she effortlessly just opened her wings and glided off and up. She began to just play about for a few minutes then looked like she was going to go and sit by the corral a few hundred yards below us but in good style, she just turned back into the wind and climbed...............and climbed...........................then went and played with a few crows and almost dotted out. Once again I had visions of 'de ja vous' and whistled to her but she was enjoying herself too much to take any notice. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif I just watched then went and sat down on one of the benches, and got the binos out. They all headed towards Newhaven and I ended up, getting the receiver out just to see what kind of signal I was getting. I knew what direction they were and roughly the area but the signal was getting weaker. I whistled and swung the lure but then got no signal and my heart dropped. All I could do was stay put and keep listning for either a signal or her bells. After a quarter of an hour, i got another signal but it was over the coast but much closer. She kept on towards the town centre and several groups of gulls went up and made plenty of noise.
My mobile started to ring and it was the wife; "Have you lost Zarbu? cos the birds over this way are all going mental!!" I told her that she's having a good fly, then my boy in the garden shouted "There she is, I can hear her bells." I looked over towards the house but I couldn't see anything although I had a nice signal http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_surprised.gif
I began to swing the lure again and got some wierd looks from the walkers and golfers, then I had a very strong signal http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif I was hoping to have had her stay close as I wanted a get a few more pictures, then I saw her and I felt much better; she was at a ver good height, around 1500- 2000 feet, I got the camera out and even at full zoom she looked tiny. There were still a few crows about , above and below her and I Ho'd her and threw the lure out on the ground. I managed to take a few shots but only got this one as she started to stoop and come down.............................................. ......I've had to crop it and try to enlarge it and it's a little grainy but you can see by the daye how much it's been adjusted!!!
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/Saker-clive/highstoop.jpg

She seemes to be taking longer flights and doing just what she wants to, which in one respect is good as she obviously is comfortable flying in this way and is trusting me to stay put until she comes back to feed but it puts me on edge every time I let her go now. She's had 1 weaner rat and 1 chick.

[Saker-Clive]

02/01/'06.

1lb. 14 3/8oz. A bright but greyish day with a nice 15mph. wind up on the hill. Today was a complete contrast than of late. She was eager to fly off the fist but then went and sat on one of her regular posts; she stayed there for a few minutes before taking off, flying about for a few minutes ,then finding the tall metal fence to sit on and watched the knobs on their motor bikes http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif I had to walk over to near where she was before she'd take flight again, then she went for a good fly about.......................................up onto the top of the hill, then over and down towards the clubhouse and we all lost sight of her. An old couple with a pair of young whippets said that she was playing me a merry dance; (which she was). We chatted about her and they asked all the usual things!!! I got the receiver out and turned it on and I had a good signal again without the yagi unfolded. It seemed she was stationary so I walked towards the hill for a better look. I looked down towards the corral and saw 5 maggies making a lot of noise, then saw Zarbu, sitting on the fence looking at me!! (come on dad, come and get me!!!) I called to her and swung the lure, then she came, so I got her to work the lure for a few minutes before letting her take it. I only had a chick head on it and she made light work of it. She came up to the fist for a leg, then I placed her on the bench and loaded the lure again with the body.
She was eager for this and soon came after me for it. This time, she stayed within 100 yards and worked really well stooping the lure for a good 10 minutes. I could see her beak begining to open so I called her in and let her take her reward. The old couple watched from the corral then made their way to meet up with us as we began to come home. We chatted again for another 20 minutes putting the 'antis' to rights..........:P They watched in amazement as I feed her a chick and at the size of her crop after all 3 chicks in total.
They thanked me for showing her to them and they carried on running the dogs. We came home so I could get some lunch before taking Kier out.

[Saker-Clive]

04/01/'06.

1lb. 14 3/4oz. Very overcast and grey, chilly but it was supposed to be brightening up for the afternoon.............................wrong!!!
There was a good breeze but it was damp in the air; today I decided to fly her from the bottom of the park area, then walk up to the top of the hill. She left the fist and stayed within 150 yards, then came a wave of black stuff.............................about 15 crows started chasing her. She twisted and jinxed but didn't really take too much notice. this went on for a few minutes then she headed towards the top of the hill and she must have sat on a post; all the crows and now gulls were making plenty of noise and 'stooping' so I let her sit for a short while before whistling and she took off. She came over but was still being followed by the crows. As she dived and pitched, they couldn't keep up with her and lost interest and dispearsed. She worked the lure really well and I stooped her for a good 10 minutes before letting her catch me out http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif
I loaded up the lure again and called her off but she was already on the wing as I was putting the body on. She came in fast trying to grab the lure as I was standing up but she didn't out smart me this time. She had another good 15 minutes staying close by and working well but the cold and damp was getting to her. I called her in and gave her a good feed up, 2 chicks and a rat in total.
The temperature is supposed to be dropping below freezing again tonight and snow has also been forecast for tomorrow evening and Friday. As we finished up, the fine rain/mist came in so we were lucky on time today. Can't see me getting Kier out if this keeps up http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif

[BFC 007]

alrite clive,you ever thought about kite training zarbu? just a thought mate thats all-be something different for her & that way she will really have to work those muscles to climb.

[Saker-Clive]

Are you not supposed to get certain permission to use a kite , especially at great heights? something to do with avionics and the like.

I know a guy that has all the gear................................. it's something to think about I guess;) How do you get the bird used to it after all this time etc?

[BFC 007]

start by having the lure dangling from the main kite line at head height loaded with chick then unhood the bird & let her bind to it. next day increase the height & the distance until she is climbing to reach the lure. 2 or 3 days on it & she will know what the crack is. she will take to it straight away mate no worries about that. if you want to do it fill in the civil aviation authority's permission form & await there reply.
i can email you the form mate if you like

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks mate, apart from fitness training and possibly help in getting her back if/when she goes walk about, what other benefits are there in the kite?

As fitness goes, she isn't unfit by any standards, especially as she's flown in good strong winds.

[BFC 007]

you can teach her to wait on at great heights with a bit of traditional training involved, eg once she is climbing to the full 1000ft or so you call her down to a thrown lure as she is pumping up to the kite,that way she is getting rewarded for her climbing & with a few lessons of that you can do away with the kite & she should leave the fist & pump up to a decent pitch & wait on above you in expectation of the lure.
also its bloody good fun watching the birds pump up to great heights

[Saker-Clive]

05/01/'05.

1lb. 15oz. as she flew well yesteday, I thought I'd try her again today at her slightly heavier weight; it was sunny but very cold again just abov freezing with snow expected later. I thought I'd give it a go as the 'extra weight' combined with the cold would possibly counteract each other!!!

Well I was wrong. She just didn't want to do ****** all today. She left the fist, flew for about 40 seconds then headed for somewhere to sit http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif there she stayed for a good 10 minutes, until a women walking got closer to her, then she came over and circled a couple of times then headed down towards the corral and there she sat with 4 crows calling. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif Again she stayed put for quite some time, then in the end, I walked off the hill, down towards the corral and climbed in over the fence. I perposely stayed away from her and then called her again. This time she came and I managed to get her to pass the lure a dozen times before she just waited on above me. I decided I'd had enough, was getting cold despite all my walking, so I called her in and gave her the lure.
I only fed her 2 chicks today as she didn't do anything but that was ony as it'ssupposed to be getting colder over night and snow!!! I came home, had a mug of soup then took Kier out. I guess I'll be dropping her back down again soon.

[Saker-Clive]

10/01/'06.
1lb. 14 1/2oz. A very windy and overcast day, the forecast said 15mph but it was more like 25mph+ :shock:
Roo and I took her over Devil's Dyke and it was gusting up there like no bodies business :x We got set up and I gave Roo the nod to take her hood off; she was being buffeted about on the fist by the wind and it took her a few seconds to get her composure before taking off. She found it very hard going and didn't stay up for too long before finding a road sign to grab hold of and 'rest up for a bit. She soon came in again and this time she flew a lot longer but was having a grat deal of bother. There were no other birds flying so it must have been bad! She found a post again and had another rest. I was begining to feel sorry for her so I called her in and gave her the lure.
I did put her up again but she didn't do much better :cry: we got her back in and gave her a rabbit leg then went for a drink before coming home to get Kier out.
I think today must have been the strongest winds she's been in and it showed in her performance, the wind chill was also very low so that might have had something to do with it.

[Saker-Clive]

12/01/'06.

1lb. 14 3/8oz. Cold overcast with this time a real 15mph. south westerly wind.
We went over the usual area by the corral and hill and I slipped her hood. She took off and what came next suprised me no end http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif
She pumped her wings for a while, then got to about 500 feet, and just soared and 'play stooped' and pitched http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_exclaim.gif I've never seen her fly like this and it was as if she had learnt to fly all over again. She carried on also getting higher and ranging out further. She did stay in veiw all the time today even though she must have got about a mile away at times.
I just put the lure away as she wasn't showing any signs of 'working it' and just got my hip flask out and watched. She played for a good twenty minutes, then a flock of pigeons came over near me and Zarbu set her wings and 'stooped' from her pitch down to a little lower than the pigeons, then climbed back up but through them http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif this she did for a couple of minutes before they all split up and headed off. She didn't seem to be trying to take any, perhaps she will 'switch on' once she realises she is more of a match for them now, I don't know. She then went on and did the same with a few gulls http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif
I know some think that I should be hunting with her but I am getting such a buzz seeing her fly possibly as naturally as she can without taking anything. A guy I was talking to that we see regularly said whilst watching her......................"that is shear poetry, much better than last week, when she just sat on the fence." I had to agree with him, she was like a totally different bird..................... again. She didn't want to stoop the lure at the end, just waited on above until I offered it to her but hey, after a flight like that one I couldn't careless. I jessed her up and gave her 3 chicks in total before hooding her and coming home. She was in the air a good 40-50 minutes, totally stonking (from my point of veiw obviously).

[Saker-Clive]

15/01/'06.

1lb. 14oz. Overcast and chilly with a 10-13mph south-westerly breeze. The last few days, have all been pretty much the same but today although still flying like my last post we had an additional falcon come and join us http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif Not the usual resident kessy but an adult peregrine. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif

Her first 2 flights were as before but she seemed still eager to fly again, so I let her go, then loaded up the lure with another body. While she was having a good fly, I noticed about 20 feet above her was this other falcon; at first I thought it might have been a spar but then realised the wing shape and size of the bird. It was about the same size as Zarbu and just glided about with her; then she sort of went into a stoop and it follwed her down and they twisted and turned but the pere didn't seem to be trying to hit her but just followed and wanted a closer look http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif I began to enjoy watching them 'playing' then she dropped again very fast and th pere almost tagged her this time http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif my pooper was now going ten to the dozen and all I could do was shout 'Ho' and offer her the lure. She came in straight away and as I looked up, the pere had gone. I think it went down on a post not too far away, as Zarbu was very protective of her reward. I couldn't see it anywhere and once she'd finished, she came straight up to the fist for another chick. I jessed her up and came home. The Peregrine was in excellent condition and had a lovely deep bluish grey plumage but I hope it doesn't make a habit of popping over when we're flying.

[Saker-Clive]

17/01/'06.

1lb. 14oz. Bright but overcast and little wind, and about 8c.
After the recent perfomances, I think I can now judge how she will fly at certain weights.
Today she was quite vocal as she saw me and being lighter than usual obviously more eager to feed. Her first flight was slow to get going and after she'd had a chicks head and leg as a pick up, I loaded up the lure with a chick body; this after her little bite gave her a little 'boost' and she flew really well but for the lure. She stayed within a 300 yard radius and stooged about for nearly ten minutes, then I called to her and she then worked the lure for another ten minutes solid. She worked really hard and stooped very well and as there was little wind had to pump her wings more than usual.

At 1lb. 14 1/4oz. she seems to be more at ease and goes and has a good fly about like when she's at 1lb. 14 1/2oz. but I think that will be her max weight. I also think the temperature will play a big part later on in the year. If it is going to be a lot warmer, then I might need to keep her tight at the 1.14oz mark. She seems to respond better since I've been flying her every other day!!!!!!! boredom or rest I don't know, but she is definately more responsive. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif

[Saker-Clive]

19/01/'06.

1lb. 14oz. We weren't going to fly her today as the mist came down but I decided to go to the lower end of the park areaas it was clear, and clearing where we normally fly. Overcast, mist clearing slowly and damp in the air.
Snudz came over for his New Year fix, and my little girl didn't fail to impress http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif Where we flew, there are loads of crows and once in the air, she stirred them up and got them going. At first, 4 or 5 of them started to hound her but after a few minutes and a power rouse on the wing, she turned the tables on them. She got them to chase her but she was in control all the time, building up her speed and keeping them above her...............................then out of know where, she pitched right up through them and on several times, we both thought she was 'having ago' http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif . i kept on praising her and she was being watched by a couple of the Rangers and a few walkers. She kept on with the crows for qute a while, also getting higher and drawing them out towards the sea!!!!!
She was having a great time, and again I think that she is analysing the way they fly and 'attack' at her. She was in he air for a good 20 minutes before coming in to work the lure. She stooped for another good 5 minutes but mainly virtical stoops and pitching again. She also is getting very, very close to my head http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif , this Snudz thought was quite amusing.......................Loco was a bit different when he did it, only being 9 1/2oz. but a near 2lb. bird I definately don't want colliding into my head!!!
I let her take the lure and got Snudz to offer her the pick up.......this shedid quite amicably and jumped up on his glove. i loaded up the lure again with a chick body, and then we got her to go again. This time, she played a little different; she came over and did a flypast, then headed owards a group of trees where about a dozen crows were sitting. She then perched herself a few yards from them, and sat on the metal fence. It wasn't too long before th crows began to show their disapproval of her presence but she just sat there almost beconing them to come. After a short while and a few were in the air, she took off, and was soon followed by several crows again. She began to draw them up and out but they were soon joined by quite a few more. We don't know why but she then headed up towards the golf course and sat on another post. There she stayed for a good 8 minutes before I decided to go and walk up towards her. I had told Snudz that it will be a waste of time, as once I was out of sight, she'd take off and come to look for me! While we were heading up the bank, a large number of corvids were bombing her and like I stated, as soon as I was in the wooded area, she came over and waited on above. I ran back down the hill and she came in to work the lure. Again she was getting close to my head and Snudz took a little tumble on the bank http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif I managed to keep her stooping for a good 5 minutes before calling her in for her feed.
The air was getting quite damp by now so I fed her up on 3 chicks in total before coming home. Snudz had to go early today as he 'was given his orders' before being aloud out to play. He has to fit a cat flap.

As usual Zarbu was impressive and Snudz was chuffed with her performance especially as it was his first time out for about a month or so.

[Saker-Clive]

20/01/'06.

1lb. 14oz. on the nose again, which was suprising as she had 4 chicks yesterday, I gave her another one yesterday evening as the forecast was 'wet for today'!!!!! from about 11.00am onwards it was windy but gloriously sunny:twisted:
Here's a few pics. I took in the enclosure as she was freelofted today. If you compare these with the ones from last season, you'll notice she's much lighter...........................

[BFC 007]

those left over brown feathers will go this year clive. Is that her up for the moult or just freelofting?

[Saker-Clive]

Just free lofting; if I can't get her out for what ever reason, I like to free loft her for a few hours and feed her that way.

In general, she's moulted on the block, because she does tend to crash about a fair bit. I've also noticed that if she's lofted for more than a couple of days, she seems to get very 'flighty' and wont come to the glove etc.

[BFC 007]

In general, she's moulted on the block, because she does tend to crash about a fair bit. I've also noticed that if she's lofted for more than a couple of days, she seems to get very 'flighty' and wont come to the glove etc.
i know what you mean mate,is she ok on the block throughout the moult? i suppose you can still handle her that way though.

[Saker-Clive]

Absolutely, i often put her on a long leash and block her outside the 'shed' so she can jump to the block inside and reach the higher stool next to it.
i do free loft her but not for too long at a time.

[Saker-Clive]

21/01/'06.

1lb. 14oz. A beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky when we went out and 7c. I had feelings that she might go walk-about today but she flew her feathers off.

She started off, as normal ranging out a few hundred yards, then a group of crows came over and began to chase and play; she then went up on a thermal and headed toward the racehill and the town. I had the camcorder but she was too far away to get any decent footage. All I could do was watch her ringing up and soaring about. I lost sight of her several times but then heard the gulls making loads of noise and was able to pin point her direction. I got the receiver out a couple of times just to make sure that she was still at a reasonable distance. She was gone for about half an hour without a good visual on her then I saw 2 falcons heading my way from the coast........................yep, Zarbu closely followed by the Peregrine again. I managed, all be it very wobbly, to get a minute of footage of the two of them stooping and crabbing each other. After a short while, Zarbu just came and landed by my feet, and I got a few more seconds of the pere before it headed northwards towards the downs. I would say because of it's size, the pere is a female; I only hope that as the breeding season is coming up we don't get the pair of them coming over and claiming teritory. As much as I love to see them, I don't want Zarbu getting hurt or more than likely killed. Once I've uploaded the video I'll see if I can put it up on here......

http://media.putfile.com/Zarbu--wild-Peregrine

[BFC 007]

there was a sighting a while back of a female pere down your way clive,someone on the forum reckoned it had telemetry on. Iwas hoping it was my pere/lanner. Not heard from the lad since.

[Saker-Clive]

There is a guy the apparently 'hack' his Pere's a short way from where I fly!! he lets it out in the morning, then goes and gets it in the afternoon/evening. These 2 sightings I've had this week, are definately wild and no equipment.
If I hear of one being found, I'll let you know.

[Saker-Clive]

23/01/'06.

1lb. 14 3/8oz. What a contrast in the weather compared to the weekend!!! its gone from glorious sunshine and 8c, to dull, overcast and 1c :confused: I was extremely cautious today when we went out and I took the video just in case! Her first flight was in her normal fashion, had a good fly about and ranged out towards the racehill about a mile away which did cause me to get a little uptight. I whistled and she circled back but took a while getting here as she enjoyed ringing up and stooping back down. She was up for a good 30 minutes then came back in and worked the lure 'properly' (not just virtical stoops but side passes etc). I let her have it but it only had the normal head attached. She was eager to fly again so I loaded the lure back up with a body and she went off without any encouragement. She started off in the same vein as before but then she dropped like a stone and skimmed the ground for a good 200 yards befroe perching on a post!! I looked about to see if the Pere or something was in the air but I couldn't see anything. The only thing I did see was the Police helicopter down by the seafront. She stayed there for a few minutes, then came in and worked a bit more; she was back on the virtical stoops again and on a couple of occaisions I felt the tip of her wings brush past. I called her in and she had her reward. I was about to jess her up to come home but see wanted to fly again and bated to get off the glove; I managed to keep hold of one jess and she regained her footing. I got her hooded and jessed, then gave her the top part of a rabbit leg before coming home.

[Goose]

Hi SS,

What and how much is Zarbu eating on a daily basis?

[Saker-Clive]

All depends mate; temperature, how hard she's flown, weather conditions to how shes flown etc.
In general, to keep her weight stable, 3 chicks/ 1 rat and 1 chick/ front leg of rabbit and 1 chick/ 1 full hind leg of rabbit.
If it is very cold like tomorrow is going to be, and depending on how she flies, I'll probably give her 2 chicks, 1 will be flown for; the head on her first flight, then the body on the second, with the legs as pick ups. When back on the fist and jessed up, another chick and maybe the rat (medium).
Once the weather warms up, she wont need as much.

[Hacker]

good diary m8:supz: :supz: :supz:

[Roo]

good diary m8

Great bird as well!, I love watching her fly and got a great personality, just wish I could catch her on camera better :roll:

It's like a soap this thread (but much better!), the highs, lows and everything inbetween:rolleyes:

[Saker-Clive]

good diary m8:supz: :supz: :supz:

Many thanks; personally my aim for the diaries is everyone can see all the problems and pitfalls with me as a falconer, the bird and their quirks etc. but mainly if anything that has happened to me and the birds, helps anyone, be it a newbie or experienced falconer, then it's served a purpose. We all know how easy it is to write 'how marvellous' our birds are whether they are or not, and take pictures on quarry that have been shot etc. and say that their bird kills everything in sight but at least I have several guys from this forum that come out and see first hand and they often are the ones that get the good pictures.:razz:

[BFC 007]

who do you know then clive that does this sort of thing (shooting quarry then taking a pic of the bird with it)?
im sure people would like to know,as well as me. Cant call themselves Falconers then can they

[Saker-Clive]

who do you know then clive that does this sort of thing (shooting quarry then taking a pic of the bird with it)?
im sure people would like to know,as well as me. Cant call themselves Falconers then can they

Matt for one, all his claims with Loco, then at a later date, he said he used baggies aswell......................

[Saker-Clive]

24/01/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. bitterly cold thermometre read -1.5c at 09:00 but lovely and sunny. Well Roo came down for his weekly fix and he brought his camera for some shots http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif
As usual, Zarbu didn't fail to impress. Her first flight was up and away but stayed fairly close and always in view. I guess she ranged out about half a mile or so. She played and soared for a good ten or fifteen minutes then came in for some lure work.
I put her up again and she went around a few times then, sat on a post for a little while. Then she came over and worked the lure like a typical display bird http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_exclaim.gif
She did catch me out good and proper and hit the lure with a lot of vigour and slit the hide open http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif I jessed her up and fed her another 2 chicks before coming home. Thankfully no Peregrine today. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[BFC 007]

Matt for one, all his claims with Loco, then at a later date, he said he used baggies aswell......................

:wink: cheers

[Roo]

Here are a few pics from today,

Flying around:
http://www.flowtography.co.uk/a/albums/userpics/10004/111_DSC7092.JPG

I think she's spotted her food!
http://www.flowtography.co.uk/a/albums/userpics/10004/111_DSC7180.JPG

Going low:
http://www.flowtography.co.uk/a/albums/userpics/10004/111_DSC7155.JPG

[Saker-Clive]

Cracking pics. mate good one:supz:

[Bash]

More.....we want more..............

[Saker-Clive]

Hopefully with the amount he took today, there will be plenty to see..........thanks again Roo:supz:

[Saker-Clive]

31/01/'06.

1lb. 14 3/8oz. Cloudy around 4c. and very little wind; as she hadn't been out for a few days, I was expecting her to have a good session but I think it must be the 'wrong time of the month' http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif
She left the fist, went around for a few circuits then waited on above. I managed to get her to stoop the lure about 6 times, then she went and sat down. She sat inbetween 2 crows so they began to make a lot of noise. After a few minutes, another one came over and started to 'bomb' her, while the 2 on either side of her carried on crowing
I called her and she came; stooped a little longer but she did catch me out, so I had to let her have the reward.
I watched as she ate the head and her eyes were looking all over the place!! I threw a leg for her to get off the lure and loaded it up again. I walked away and got about 60 yards from her and one of the crows came and sat next to her http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif I called her off and she came over but wasn't really interested in flying today. She went around and then headed down towards the 'corral'. There she sat on the fence with another couple of crows http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif I watched and she just preened herself; I decided to walk the other way and got to the far side of the corral and up behind some of the bushes. I whistled and swung the lure and I heard the bells as she took off to look for me. This time she stooped for a couple of minutes and I let her take the lure. I offered her a leg on the glove as her pick up but she now wanted to play 'snatch and fly' http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif she didn't get the leg but she did go and sit with her newly found freinds. She refused to come, so I walked towards her and once I got to about 20 yards from her, she flew another 30 along the fence. This went on for 5 minutes and I had visions of her keeping this up all bloody day. In the end I just sat down about 30 yards from her and got the food pot out. This got her attention and I put another head on the lure. She kept on bobbing then she decided that she was going to give it another go. I left the lure on the ground and she hit it and took off again; she went around then came down for it. I had a whole chick well gripped in my hand and offered her the glove. This time she came up and I grabbed her jesses and re equipped her. She wasn't very happy about it and kept trying to jump off, so I sat back down and let her sit on the ground. After a few minutes, she happily just jumped up on the fist and I gave her a good talking to, then hoodd her up and we came home.
I am hoping to go over the new permission this week but if she plays up like today I won't be very nice.

[Saker-Clive]

02'02/'06.
1lb. 14oz. A bitterly cold day, grey, 1450ft. cloudbase and hovering on freezing with a 8mph breeze.
I took her to the bottom end of the area, (where Snudz and I went last week), she flew more like her old self today, she left the fist and went and stirred up the crows but had to work hard as the wind wasn't enough for her to just hang and play. She stooged about for a good 10 minutes then went and drew the crows over to her little 'resting place' on the top of the hill and let them gather in numbers. Once there was about 20 crows and maggies around her, she took off and flew with much more vigor and purpose; she had them following her, then she started stooping and pitching up through them and they soon got fed up and dispersed :wink: I called her in for her reward (a chicks head) and offered her the leg as a pick up.............................like last time out, she hopped away and took off, then sat on a metal fence and waited for the crows again.........................................this time, non came to play, so I showed her the lure and threw it out. She came over and then stayed close and worked the lure for a good 10 minutes again. Just before I was about to call her in, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something big.................and I mean big in the distance! she dropped like a stone and sat at my feet. I looked around and saw a Lancaster bomber flying over the town centre and seafront :shock: :? it banked a couple of times then headed towartds Shoreham!!!! I let her have the lure then tried the pick up again and this time she jumped up. I gave her another 2 chicks before hooding her up and putting her away. a much better time was had today and my faith has been restored in her again :P

[Saker-Clive]

05/02/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. A bright clear day but still; I made arrangements and took her upto Huxley's this morning to give her an airing; met up with Bash and all the crew at the centre and we had a good chat. Time was geting on so I had to get her up before the hoards of paying customers came in for the real displays.
Today she worked as a typical display bird; she stayed within 50 yards and just stooped about and played nicely:supz: on several occaisions, she'd use the sun to blind me before coming in to the lure and to be fair to her she did clip it once, and it was only a little clip so I got her to carry on for a little bit longer. Normally I would give her the lure if she touches it but she'd only been up for a few minutes. She made a few more passes and I then called her in. As there was no wind or breeze, she had to work hard to get anywhere.
She was much better behaved today than of late, and jumped up for her pick up and was quite happy to not fly again. I fed her another 2 chicks and hooded her up and boxed her.

They have now seen her fly in all of her 'various guises', free flying to do as and what she pleases and enjoying herself, not wanting to play, and just sitting in a tree for half an hour and now as a display bird. The icing on the cake would be if she caught something right above us but I aint holding out much hope of that:roll: :lol:

[Bash]

She was a credit to you again Clive. Great display.:)

[Saker-Clive]

I thank you; we try to please :lol: :roll: :supz:

[Saker-Clive]

06/02/'06.

1lb. 14oz. A dull and grey day with little wind; she had to pump hard and she worked very well again.
Boring I know but I'd sooner fly well and behave than have to chase her around the country side looking for her http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif

She stayed pretty close again today; the first flight she got about 500 yards bu soon came back in and worked on the lure. She caught me out again so I had to let her have it, then I got her ready for another go. This time was was manic at the lure, and hit me 3 times with her wing tips as she passed by http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif
She stooped for a good 10 minutes while I walked along the ridge and was panting when she came in. Her beak wasn't cracked or open whilst flying but she sat on the lure with her beak open for a good 20 seconds before eating the body.
I sat beside her and then got her up on the glove; jessed and leashed her up, then gave her another 2 chicks before walking back to the car. I hooded and took of the transitter and boxed her up.
If the weather stays like this, I might try her at the new permission tomorrow;........................................ you up for it Roo?

[Roo]

As already agreed, I am, see you tomorrow :D

[Saker-Clive]

07/02/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. Another grey day but up on the new permission it was blowing around 25mph; when we arrived, we saw a group of 'spritely pensioners' on a ramble but they were a good 500 yards in front of us. When we got to the first fence, there were a group of farm hands doing something with the sheep (no not shagging them, well not while we were there:rolleyes: ) and they asked all the usual things and I decided to let her go from there, which gave them a good view; we then carried on towards the 'summit'. Zarbu was having a whale of a time, using the wind to hang one minute, then stoop with it and dive right down the valley before pitching and coming over. Roo spotted acouple of buzzards soaring away in the distance but they were going away from us. Whilst we were on our way to the top of the hill, Zarbu came back over and decided to work the lure for a bit, then I gave it to her, (the lure that is) http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif there was only a chicks head on it and I offered her a leg as a pick up but she was far more interested in her new ground and went off for another play http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif Once sh'd gone, I loaded the lure up with a body as this was going to be her last flight. She ranged out like her old self and played about; she gave a few of her power rouses on the wing so I just let her get on with it.
The old codgers were at the top of the hill and suprisingly, none of their wigs got blown off but they did hear Zarbu, then saw her, as she gave them a few close passes.
Once we were at the top, she came back over again and wanted the lure. She had been flying for a good 20 minutes and I got her to stoop it a few times before she took it and ate the body.......................I offered her the pick up again but she still wanted to play. I was getting a little concerned now, as she was at near top weight, she'd just eaten a whole chick and was off into the air yet again. I only had 1 whole chick left and a rat for aftrwards. Roo and I had a look around the top and the surrounding areas, then she decided to come in again and waited on above. I found a 'crater' type thing that was out of the wind and put the lure on the floor. She came down and I showed her the pot with the chick inside. This time, she eagerly jumped up to the fist and I re-equipped her; I then put the chick on the ground for her to eat. Once she finished, she knew I had another pot in my pocket and was pacing up and down by my leg; I got the pot out and she was eager to get it. I managed to get the lid off without her taking myhand and gave her the rat. She was well cropped up and once hooded, we made our way back to the car.
On arriving back at the car, the wrinklies arrived and wanted a closer look; once they saw her and said how lovely she was etc. they made their way down the rough road.
She was a total pleasure once again to see and fly, and I never gt bored of flying her; she is an absolute dream.

Roo gave me a disc from our last time out so I will post up some more of his cracking work;)

[Jackson]

seen you fly her and those times she looked fabtastic, you've done a great job!!!
sarah (aka skywalker, longstory)

[Saker-Clive]

Here's one the Roo took this morning...........................sums up her ability I think.:D


http://www.flowtography.co.uk/a/albums/userpics/10004/1111_DSC8042.JPG

[Jackson]

WOW WOW AND WOW
:supz:

[Bash]

Oh look!! You can see my house from there......... lol:yawinkle: :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

She came over to see if you wanted to come out and play :supz: :rolleyes: , that North face is bloody steep; if Kier goes and chases anything down there, he will have to bloody well fly back up with it:razz: :roll:

[Saker-Clive]

2 from her previous outing, taken again by Roo (I've cropped it though);)

[Bash]

More...............:supz:

[Saker-Clive]

13/02/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Although grey it is warm about 8c. with a 15mph s/w breeze. Soon after we got there and I put her up a mist began to roll over the hills a few miles away and I was a little spooked as the last time she flew in weather like this was when she went 'walk-about' last May.
My problem was she was having another great time; even when a crow that was way above her (and she was a good height) started to mob her; she just 'attacked back at it' and it went off. She obviously found some good warm air as instead of her usual 500 feet, she was much higher and going through some of the misty patches that were blowing our way. After 20 minutes she came back in and worked the lure really well; she stooped for about 40 - 50 passes before I called her in. I was hoping to call it a day but once again the bitch had other ideas http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif I offered her a leg but she gave me a look of disgust http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif , I got out a whole chick but she opted for the 'grab and fly' mode. i was expecting this and she got nothing but took off and had another good play. She did disappear down a valley and was out of sight for another ten minutes but then I heard a load of gull going mad; I looked in the direction and about a mile away these gulls were circling. I got out the receiver just to make sure and had a signal without opening up the yagi http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif I knew that she was close enough to be in my comfort zone so I whistled and she slowly made her way back circling around all the time. Once I heard her bells i was able to get her in sight and swung the lure. She came over and worked even harder than the last time. She ate the body and was looking for more but my main priority was to get her on the fist. This time I offered her 2 legs but she wasn't coming http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif I showed her the pot and put it near my glove and she came up and I jessed her back up and tied he to the glove. I then gave her another 2 chicks before coming home.

[Saker-Clive]

Couple more just for you Bash........................:supz:

[Bash]

Hmmmmm...... nice action shots, my favorites....

[Hacker]

good work m8, keep it up!

[Saker-Clive]

14/02/'06.

1lb. 14 3/4oz. Although the forecast wasn't good for today we had a few very clear and sunnt breaks; ldgmk30 came down to see Zarbu fly and we set off to the 'usual place'; I wanted to go up to the new permission but the outlook wasnt too good:mad: any way, we got to the area, and I told her to go and play. She took off and at first stayed fairly close .............then she went for a little jaunt! She went north and out of sight for a good ten minutes so I checked for a signal and as usual, she was in my comfort zone so we chatted and looked. The gulls were going mental over the coast and I checked for a signal again and we knew she was down there. A few moments later, she was back up the other side of us and we saw her playing tag with a few gulls. She broke off and came back over but stayed a good 800 feet up. ldgmk30 said she stooped a small bird then came over to work the lure. She worked really well yet again and stooped for another 10 minutes before I called her in. I could see she wasn't going to come up to the glove, so I threw a leg on the ground and I reloaded the lure.
She took off again and went down to the corral and sat on a post. She stayed there for a few minutes then came back up and worked the lure just like the last flight. :cool:
I am just glad that another member on here has seen her fly in her usual way and will probably post up soon. We came home and took Kier out for a while.................................... we got on really well and I think we both enjoyed our day.

[LdgMk30]

After an almost 1 hr 30 min drive on what should have been more like 45 I was not to be let down by Saker-suckers warm welcome and a refreshing wash from his two dogs! Introduced to Zarbu who didnt fail to impress, told to go and play and off she went. 10 mins later a quick check on the telem by SS that she was still in the playground and in she comes for some lure work. Without doubt SS and Zarbu have a unique relationship. Thanks SS for an excellent day out, totally enjoyed it.

[Saker-Clive]

Cheers mate, as I said earlier, any time................:supz:

[Roo]

and a refreshing wash from his two dogs!


:lol: :lol:

Glad the weather held out, been raining quite a bit today here.

[Saker-Clive]

16/02/'06.

1lb. 15oz. I was suprised at her weight today but as the weather conditions were slightly different I gave her a chance. Bright with the occaisional chance of rain but a good wind, around 24mph with stronger gusts.
I took her to the usual place, and on arrival, we saw the residant Spar; the last few mornings I've seen it whilst out with the dogs. It didn't seem too bothered by our presence and Zarbu went out and played her usual way. I was expecting a bit of a dog-fight but they both stayed away from each other. She had to power fly today with the gusts and seems to get better as the wind gets stronger. She disappeared as usual for a few minutes which is always a worry but I have so much faith in her now, that it comes as part of our 'relationship'.
When she came in to work the lure, her pitching was excellent; she'd stoop and almost pitch virtically before turning in again and stooping again. This she did for a couple of minutes before I got her coming slightly crosswind. I let her have the lure and today she jumped up first time:D I chatted to her and something got her interest, as she started bobbing. I let the jesses go and said go on then, and she roused then went. She went low over the corral, then down the valley and stayed tight to the hill before turning into the wind and pitching about 200 feet. She had another 5 minutes , then came back in. A few more passes and in for the last time. i jessed and leashd her up then gave her 2 more chicks.

[Saker-Clive]

03/03/'06.

1lb. 15 1/2oz. Although on the heavy side, I felt that I had to get her out as it has been a while because of the weather etc. At least it was cold which I was hoping would help to throw some weight off whilst flying.
We went to the lower end of the permission and met up with 'Laura', a freind who wanted to see her fly and have her picture taken with;) (now Laura is 23, and stunning, she looks very much like Laila Rouass aka Amber Gates in 'Footballer's Wives'. photo's will be put up when I get them done next week:cool: )

I put Zarbu up and she was in the air for a good 50 minutes. Although cold, in the sunshine it was warm! and she found thermals and twice dotted out through the clouds, todays cloudbase is 3138'. She performed her usual rousing on the wing but she did stay considerably higher than normal. Every so often, she'd set her wings and stoop to a much more pleasing height. This went on for a good while before she did it again but headed off out of sight behind the golf course. She was gone about quarter of an hour so out came the receiver but I still had a good signal. We carried on chatting and I found out that Laura is an actress; so as not to seem over interested I left it at that but will 'probe' her next time we meet up. Zarbu came back over and stooped the lure half a dozen times before heading towards a group of crows sitting on the hill. She skimmed the bank and the all took flight and persued her; she just played them along but was slowly ringing up. As she got higher and higher, most of them broke away leaving just 3 following her. She then stooped and dissappeared. Another 10 minutes went by so I checked the signal again; she was half a mile up the way sitting on the fence of the corral!!! She stayed there a good 20 minutes, so Laura had to leave as she was having a 23rd. birthday party tonight and had to set the house up. I went along the bank and scanned the area with my binos. There she was, on the fence; I whistled then swung the lure, she came over straight away and I got her back on the fist, then came home. 2 chicks only today.

[GregMik]

We went to the lower end of the permission and met up with 'Laura', a freind who wanted to see her fly and have her picture taken with;) (now Laura is 23, and stunning, she looks very much like Laila Rouass aka Amber Gates in 'Footballer's Wives'. photo's will be put up when I get them done next week:cool: )


NEXT WEEK!!! You can't be serious! After a build up like that you need to get to the photo shop now boy!

Greg

[Saker-Clive]

I didn't have the camera; Laura said that she would take some on her mobile, so I sdaid next time down, even if I don't fly her, I'll give her a glove and take some of her and Zarbu.
I guess I am just an old perv really:supz:

[GregMik]

I guess I am just an old perv really:supz:


Not a very good one.....:roll: Going out with a beautiful woman and NOT bring a camera....I just don't know:lol:


Greg

[Saker-Clive]

Trust me, it's worth the wait......................she has asked what time I usually fly her so it is going to be an ongoing thing. Then there's Kier, at least she can have him fly to her;-)

[Bash]

Can I come next time....:razz: :supz: :heart:

[Saker-Clive]

Can I come next time....

I have 3 times already:wink: , if I can keep her interested, I'll try to get her in the club:supz:






Now wait for the lurid comments:lol: :heart:

[Bash]

ROFL.... I thought my comment was bad SS but getting her in the club made me PMSL.:lol:

[Saker-Clive]

06/03/'06.

1lb. 15oz. still a tad high but the weather is supposed to be getting very wet from tomorrow onwards so we went out this morning. A glorious sunny day again with whispy clouds at 5400 feet.
Unfortunately Laura wont be coming out until Thursday (weather permitting as she has a portfolio to get done as she has now joined a modelling agency) http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif We made the arrangements earlier as we met walking the dogs http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif

As usual, Zarbu took flight and attracted the crows and gulls; she slowly ringed up and had them following on. Most broke away but 2 crows were persistant and they took it in turns to bomb her.....................like she was bothered! She then stooped and pitched and they soon got bored and left her. With the sunshine on her back, she just climbed and circled about and on one point I didn't get a signal at all but I stayed put and waited 20 minutes. I checked again and got a feint blip so I walked up to the top of the hill for a better scan. By the time I got up there , the signal was much better but she was sitting again....................................same as last time up in the corral. I caught sight of her with the binos and whistled. Swung the lure and she came over but she was expecting me to give her the lure. I made her follow me back down and work as we went. Waiting at the bottom was a few other dog walkers that have wanted to see her so they were chuffed at seeing her fly and up close. I gave her 3 chicks in all and they were amazed that she could eat that much. I told them that she regularly get fully cropped up and her crop is like a tennis ball.....................which they found hard to beleive!!!
I'm just hoping that Thursday will be kind, weather wise, and I'll take both birds and the camera. http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif

[Saker-Clive]

Here you are guys, I found Laura's agency portfolio after she told me this morning that she starred in Puss in Boots at Chipping Norton over Christmas............................these are only b&w but you'll get the idea:heart: can't wait til Thursday and get some of her with the birds;)

http://uk.castingcallpro.com/u/76891

[BFC 007]

:heart: :heart: :heart:

[Bash]

http://www.dizzymoth.dsl.pipex.com/hello.jpg

[Saker-Clive]

09/03/'06.

1lb. 15oz. A little grey and damp but not too bad, there was a mist looming but stayed in the distance.
As promised, we met up with Laura and she is smitten with both birds;) and Zarbu thankfully stayed close today. She bobmbed the crows at close quarters and put on a very impressive display.
At the start, I gave our new friend a glove and went through how to hold the jesses etc. I showed her how to take off the hood and gave her the wink.........................................she smiled so I said that she can take the hood off, and just let go of the jesses. I showed Zarbu the lure and she started her flight. She was in the air about 20 minutes and worked the lure and the crows superbly.
After calling her in, and giving her the food, we both had our camera's at the ready; Laura had her new slimline digital and her mobile phone and I had my old faithful.......................................... ..I only managed to get 3 shots , then the sodding battery went:evil: 2 of Zarbu and her and one with Kier.............................

[BFC 007]

she definately needs bending over clive :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

10/03/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. A good stiff breeze today with very strong gusts, overcast with sunny spells!!

She was much more responsive today and without any 'audience' even though we saw our friend when we first arrived. She asked if she could bring some of her friends out soon http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif :supz:

Zarbu, got hit a couple of times by the strong gusts at first but then seemed to know when they were coming and dropped low to the ground until they passed. She played on the wind and really got the crows going again; (will they ever learn?) http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif
I put her up twice today and both flights were pretty much the same she stayed in view all the time and was on the wing about 40 minutes.

[Saker-Clive]

12/03/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. A bitterly cold day but bright. I took Zarbu out this morning and met Laura and one of her friends. As Zarbu's weight was much better today she stayed within 100 yards and flew like a display bird. After her first flight, I got her in and gave both Laura and Dan (i think) the glove for some more close up bonding. We both had our cameras again but I put fresh batteries in mine. I told Laura about this site and that I have put up a couple of pictures of her on here so she will be popping on now and again.......(no rude comments please);)
After a few minutes of photos and chatting, I loaded up the lure again and Laura let her go from the fist...................again, she stayed close and roused on the wing as usual. After several minutes stooping the lure, Zarbu caught me out and hit it:oops: I let her have it before jessing her back up and giving her a good feed. 4 chicks in total.

No hat today guys.....:supz: :heart: Life just keeps getting better; I love my birds................................

[BFC 007]

loads better :supz: :heart: :supz:

[Saker-Clive]

15/03/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Bright sunny and 'chilly' day with a 10mph breeze. Although only 3.5c it was definately warmer in the sunshine.
She seemed to take quite a while today to leave the glove but once airbourne she found the thermals and soared superbly. She got mobbed by a persistant gull, then something much smaller, I hink it was a spar but because of the height and the distance away, I was unable to get a better view:oops: , the binos were in the car. This went on for a short while, then she cruised off in a long angled stoop north wards!! From where I was I couldn't see anything as she went behind my viewable horizon. I just stood where I was for a few minutes then went and got the binos. I couldn't hear her bells so I turned on the receiver; I had a feint signal but as the yagi wasn't up or the receiver out of the bag, I knew she was close enough not to worry too much.
I scanned the horizon (I was low down in the valley) with the binos and saw a number of gypo's at the top of the hill. I then re checked the signal and got a better fix on her....................................she was sitting on a metal fence post about 30 yards from the pykies:evil: . I could see a couple of their kids running about and pointing at her but everytime they got within 10 yards, she'd move along a little bit further.
I decided I didn't want to risk her getting shot, knicked or eaten so I scrambled up the hill and towards her. I whistled and swung the lure, then she decided she'd had enough of the interest from the travellers and came back over:razz: . I began to walk back towards where we started and got her to work the lure. After letting her take it, I thought it was safest to jess her up and come home. 3 chicks in total.

[Saker-Clive]

16/03/'06.

1lb. 15oz. Although slightly heavy and being a little dubious about taking her out, both 'ldgmk30 and I took her over to the 'new' permission on the NT land. It was grey, bitterly cold and a 15mph wind up on the hill. Both Lee and I were 'glowing' in the wind but Zarbu had a ball.
She stooged about on the wind and climbed, soared and we trudged our way a good half a mile to the 'summit'; after Lee coming all that way, he had to see the view!
After 15 minutes, Zarbu decided it was time to come in for a little bite to eat; she began to stoop at me until I got the lure out and i let her take it. I wasn't too bothered about working her on the lure as the wind chill was -2.5c and my pinkies were bloody cold:roll: She ate the head and jumped up for a leg. I asked her if she wanted another fly and sat her on a post. A few seconds later, she was up in the air again and soaring about; she stayed insight all the time but did range out nicely. She stooped down over the valley and pitched up and followed us as we carried on to the top of the hill.:D She came back over and we knew she wanted the lure again; I got her to do a couple of passes but as my fingers were too cold I let her take the lure again. She did manage some high speed stoops and super pitching. This time she had a body on the lure and made light work of it. I thought what the hell and let her go again; I put another head on this time and we began our descent back down towards the car. Zarbu followd and waited on but must have been tired as she came back in and wanted to land. I gave her the lure again, then jessed her up. After hooding her, we carried on to the car, then I gave her 2 more chicks. 4 in total and what a spectacular session; I think Lee was highly impressed. Back home for a cuppa and a doughnut before taking Kier.

[Saker-Clive]

21/03/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. A very grey and windy day, 20mph. with strong gusts!! On arriving at the 'old faithful' ground the wind seemed very strong but on watching the gulls flying about 150 feet up, there didn't seem to be much about up there!!
I let her off the fist and she got caught a couple of times by the gusts, then sat n a post for a breather; then I called to her and she took flight and went up above the wind and headed towards the gulls. They all made a hell of a noise and Zarbu along with the group of gulls ringed up with a couple of them stooping at her. She out manouvered them and at one point, looked like she hit one but they were only about 2mm in size from where I was. Sheplayed with them for a good 10 minutes then they all went quiet and I lost sight of her; I did catch the odd chink of her bells so I knew she was farely close. I swung the lure and whistled, then she came in low over the ground and began to stoop the lure but she was a little tired; her beak was cracked so I let hr take her reward. She jumped up to the fist without any fuss and I asked her if she wanted another fly? With that, shejust took off and waited on watching me load the lure with a chick body.
Once she realised that there was a good reward on the lure she stayed very close and basically waited on above until I gave it to her. I wasn't too bothered as the wind was biting and I was getting cold and wanted something to eat myself. After jessing her up, I gave her another DOC before coming home. 2 DOCs in total today as I am hoping to fly her at the centre this week in front of a 'proper' audience...............will I ever learn:roll:

[Saker-Clive]

22/03/'06.
1lb. 14oz. :shock: after another below 0c. last night her weight has dropped suddenly by half an ounce; I gave her a head after weighing her then boxed her up and we set off to Huxley's. I got the equipment out of the car then locked the bloody car keys in the back!!!!!:oops: ( a quick call to the RAC, and within 40 seconds of them arriving we had the car open and my keys were back in my pocket)

The centre had a school visit today of 5-7 year olds; they all sat down and the 'show' began. First the owls, short eared, barn and European eagle owl, then they put up a tribred falcon, pere x saker x lanner, which was superb, then the harris...............................then I was asked to fly my little girl, so I got her out of themews, turned on the transmitter then onto the 'stage' (lawn). We told them that she is not a typical display bird and anything could happen as she isn't a stay close bird!!!
I unhooded her and placed her on the post. I showed her the lure and she was off; she proved us all wrong today and stayed within 80 yards and always in view (which was nice), she didn't work the lure as I would have liked but she cruised about and worked hard in the wind. After a few minutes, she came in and stooped the lure for a while but not with the enthusiasm as she had done in the past. She circled overhead, and waited on beautifully; I knew she was getting tired as her beak was cracked and open so I got her to make a few more passes then in for the lure.
Julian and Steph, were very happy with her 'performance' and I took her out of sight for her mandatory feed up.
I will take her back up again maybe this weekend and fly her again, just to gewt her more used to the tight flying ground. 4 chicks in total.

[Saker-Clive]

23/03/'06.

1lb. 1lb. 14 1/4oz. An absolute stunner of a morning weather wise; clear blue sky with the odd whispy cloud, and a nice breeze. The temperature is slowly creeping up, about 8-9c.

I figured today that she would go up and play for some time................was thinking of taking a packed lunch and a flask:rolleyes: . I put her up and she found a thermal and ringed up............and up...........and up. I decided to just go and find a nice place and sit and watch in the sunshine; I lost sight of her a couple of times and she was gone for a good 20 minutes. I got the receiver out and scanned but didn't get a signal................................:goodman: . I walked to the top of the hill at the golf course and scanned again. This time I got a very feint signal and figured she was over Seaford about 13 miles away. I was in a bit of a quandry as to whether I go and find her or stay put and wait. ****** it i thought, and went back to where I was and sat back down; if she was going to go then I'd might as well give her a really good start. Well I must have dozed for a few minutes (20 I think) as I was woken up by her bells and her waiting on over head:heart: (this working evenings is alright but it's getting the better of me during the daytime). i quickly got the lure out of the bag and threw it out onto the floor. I woke myself up properly and and let her go again; she stayed much closer and in sight all the time. She probably thought she was boring me last time so wanted to keep me on my toes!! On getting home, I gave her a pheasant neck and bit of breast. I did manage to take a couple of pictures which didn't come out too bad..........................................

[GregMik]

Great pics Clive. What are you doin fallin asleep when you are spose to be watchin the bird......sheeeesh 8-) :lol:

Greg

[Saker-Clive]

Great pics Clive. What are you doin fallin asleep when you are spose to be watchin the bird......sheeeesh

Greg

:lol: , as I said, she'd gone off for a good play, it was glorious sunshine and I work from 20.00 - 01.00hrs, I don't get to bed much before 2, then up again about 8-9, out with the dogs, back home and weigh the birds, quick cuppa, then take them out conditions permitting; then I just took a little doze:oops: :rolleyes: , my little girl, made sure I was alright8-)

[Saker-Clive]

28/03/'06.

1lb. 14oz. Warm sunny but very windy; just checked the Devil's Dyke weather station and it is averaging 30mph.
As I am hoping to be flying her as long as poss. this year, I am keeping her weight a little tighter than of late. As the temperature is creeping up, around 12c. today, I am going to have to keep a close check on it compared to the colder times.

I was expecting her to struggle today, not just because of the wind but it's been 5 days since we were last out. She totally amazes me the more I fly her; she thoroughly enjoyed it today; stooging about hurtling with the wind, then pulling up, pitching, then turning into the wind and powering her way back. She stayed in view at all times even though I used the binos a couple of times just to see what she was doing;-) After being up for about 15 minutes, she came back in and worked the lure really well before I 'ho'd' her in to catch it. I then sat on the ground, threw a leg a few yards out, then she kept trying to mob me for the rest of the food. I got up and moved away from her and reloaded the lure with a body this time. We just sat on the ground for several minutes and I was talking to her all the time (sad I know) and asked if she wanted to go off again. A few seconds later she roused and took off for another little session. This time she ringed up and roused 3 times on the wing, even now, I find it really funny watching it:razz:.
She went down by the coast, then headed back but she had to come across the wind, so she climbed, then stooped and skimmed the bank and stayed low climbing over the hedges and fences etc. once back near me, she climbed again and went over by the golf course into the open and the wind again. She just hung on the wind and was a real pleasure to be with. I whistled and she turned and came straight over head. We worked the lure again then I let her take it. Now she'd eaten 1 whole chick, we chatted again and I said 'go on then, one more fly,' which she didn't need telling twice. She went up but stayed really close, and worked the lure. She did catch me out, so I had to let her have it. Once back on the fist, I re-equipped her, then gave her another 2 DOCs before coming home.

It is a shame that a lot of you are not closer; I'd love for you to see her flying in this way.:supz:

[Cyclone]

id be there in a flash mate because she sounds stunning to watch but im too far away like you said
cyclone

[Dave G]

keep it coming m8 as its great to read and stop falling asleep on the job lol

[Saker-Clive]

29/03/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. We went up to Huxley's today so I could man down a couple of their birds. It was warm but overcast with a good 15-20mph. wind.
I put her up and as usual she flew really well; she never seems to fly as comfortably as when we're flying at home but non the less she was very good. She stayed within 150 yards, and played for a few minutes twisting and turning around the trees. I asked her if she was going to come in and work..........................then she began a couple of minutes stooping the lure:cool: . I 'Ho'd' her in and gave her the lure with a head attached. I wanted to see if she would act the same on the lawn as she does out in the field; so I threw a leg for her and sat there for a minute or two. I said , "Are you going off again......................" and she was up and circling oround us again:lol: . I reloaded the lure with a body and this seemed to make her more determined to work. She carried on her stooping for a good 5 minutes, then I hid it to see what she would do!
She went off and around the centre a few times but then waited on ready for her reward; I got her to pass a few more times before calling her in. Those that watched enjoyed it then I blocked her out with all the other falcons.
3 chicks and a big grin:-D

[Saker-Clive]

30/03/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Although very grey with a chance or two or drizzle, we went to our usual place.
I took the video but it was too dark to put up except when I gave her a rabbit leg afterwards. She didn't really do anything overly spectacular today:confused: , just stooged about for a bit then came in for the lure; I let her go up again but she did pretty much the same again.
She flew well enough but just didn't 'shine' like normal....................perhaps its just me getting too critical or she's getting weary!!!!

http://media.putfile.com/Feeding-on-post36 (http://media.putfile.com/Feeding-on-post36)

took me a while before it loaded but you get to see what she is like up close.

[Saker-Clive]

01/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. Very bright and sunny with gusts around 35mph. We went up to Huxley's again today and I flew her before all the main display work was done.
I explained to the people as usual that she isn't a 'display bird' and I let her fly and do what she wants. I put her on the post and I began to load up the lure; i told her to go and play, then she took flight. within a few seconds, I knew that she was going to go and play instead of staying very close. She headed out over the tree line and over the big estate. She just ringed up and soared about but because of the layout, we lost sight of her many times:( . Julian thought that she was going to go walk about but I said that I have all confidence in her. I said that once she'd had a play, she'll be back!! Just to prove my point, I got the receiver and switched it on. Still in its bag and the yagi folded, we had a good signal; I said that she was within my 'comfort zone' then we saw her rise up over the trees in the distance. She kept popping in and out of sight, then I saw her set her wings, and I said that she was on her way back. As soon as I got the lure out, she checked and went out again. This she did a few times, which made light of the matter:razz: . When she did come back over, I gave Julian the lure and wanted to see if she would work for him! She made a few fly pasts, and looked at me as if to say, "Whats he think he's doing!!!", I said that she must be a 1 man girl, which made every one laugh. I took the lure back and she started a few passes before I called her in.
Although she was out of sight a fair bit, she did fly beautifully, rousing again and Julian said that it would not make any difference if she did that now and again in a display. I gave her a hind leg of rabbit, then blocked her out in the mews. If the weather and her weight is right tomorrow, I'll try her again in the display, trying out 'my patter':!:

[Saker-Clive]

02/04/'06.

1lb. 15oz. this morning but I decided to go up to Huxley's and see what she would be this afternoon. I weighed her again about 14:30 and she was 1lb. 14 1/2oz. (they have digital compared to my balance scales).
Another bright day with a lot of low cloud and strong winds, averaging 30mph. The centre didn't fly any of their falcons today because of the wind and there were only a few people in.
I stepped up and offered to put my little girl up as she is regularly flown in all conditions:supz: .
She got blown a bit at first and was taking with the wind but she showed real grit and determination and worked exceptionally well; she was only up for a few minutes before coming in and sitting on the ground:-| ........................................"That's it dad, where's me scram?", so I gave her the lure to feed off. I let her go up again and this time she worked much better, stooping the lure and hanging on the wind. Roo also came over this afternoon, along with his trusty camera:lol: . After her workout I let her take the lure and gave her a big feed up, 2 chicks and 1 hind leg of rabbit on the bone.
I'll probably rest her for a couple of days now.

[Saker-Clive]

05/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. An absolute stunner of a day, blue skies with a 3644 foot cloud base.
Well I flew her at the centre again today and as always the audience were told that she is not a display bird.....and I went through the way we normally fly. Today was the first time this season that she went walk about!!!!
She took flight and soared around for a while before hitting the thermals......................................and that was that; she went up whilst we all watched her soaring about and climbing. She stayed in view for quite a while but stayed up around 2500 feet. I told everyone that this type of flying is great for those 'in the know' but for display work totally useless unless she comes back within a few minutes. Then she went up through the clouds and we lost sight of her. As she had ben up for about 15 minutes, I suggested that they got one of their birds out which they did. Julian flew Shinto, a female Gyr x Saker. She had never been flown whilst another bird was in the air and I told them that my girl wouldn't go for her. Shinto was put through her paces and then brought in.
We checked for Zarbu's signal which was heading towards Dorking; then we lost it completely. A short while passed then we got it back again, coming back towards us but still way up and a good 6 miles to our left. To cut the story short, she basically completed a massive circuit then headed off toward the landfil site north of Horsham. As we know the guy who flies the site Julian gave him a ring and he got her directly above still at around 2500 - 3000 feet. They all tried to call her down but she wasn't having any of it. We carried on getting a sighting, then she stoop at a tremendous rate, then dissappear agin!!
Whilst watching the sky for any sign of her, we had a large Redtail come over, which is a wild one and a Spar that was hunting and chasing pigeons. That was nice to see while my little girl was having a super time on her own.
She was on the wing for just on 2 hours before we got a signal which was stationary. We waited a short while, then Julian and I got in the car and headed off to find her waiting for me. I used my Bio-track with my roof mount and Julian took his Marshall's for the 'leg work'. Within 30 minutes of leaving the centre, we got to an open space and she was giving out a strong signal on close range. I called to her and swung the lure, then I heard her bells and saw her heading straight for us. She came down, then up on the fist, then home.
Now the stupid thing is, she was only 400 yards from the centre, but we never saw her come in; she must have flown low over the trees to get to where she was. I am definately going to have to cut her weight to fly her in the warmer weather; maybe down to 1lb. 14oz.!!!
Apart from that little glitch, she flew absolutely superb.

[Jackson]

but she did look stunning so high up!!

she trully did enjoy herself!!

it was a delight to watch her circling round us like she did!!

spectacular!

[LdgMk30]

Like all the women in your life Clive, she's just keeping you on your toes!!!!

[Tooker]

Clive.. you have wild red-tails where you are?

[Saker-Clive]

Tooker, there is 1 wild one, probably an old escapee but only ever seen it on the wing; I'll ask if it is a definate escaped one next time up there. They have seen regularly soaring over head in the past couple of years.

LdgMk30- aint that the truth:roll: I was confident that she was going to come back and said all along, that once she'd had enough, she'll be back but she may have gotten a little dis-orientated!! the centre is pretty enclosed compared to our usual flying areas; at least she stayed put in an open area, and as soon as she saw me, she was on her way back in:-P
I'm am just a little twitchy about flying her in all this lovely 'flying' weather now:goodman:
Next time I fly her, I'll try her at 1lb. 14oz. and see how much difference that makes. Possibly on Saturday.

[LdgMk30]

LdgMk30- aint that the truth:roll: I was confident that she was going to come back and said all along, that once she'd had enough, she'll be back but she may have gotten a little dis-orientated!! the centre is pretty enclosed compared to our usual flying areas; at least she stayed put in an open area, and as soon as she saw me, she was on her way back in:-P
I'm am just a little twitchy about flying her in all this lovely 'flying' weather now:goodman:
Next time I fly her, I'll try her at 1lb. 14oz. and see how much difference that makes. Possibly on Saturday.[/QUOTE]

Well it seems you were right then, the last time we went out, you said the the warmer weather might make a difference.

[Saker-Clive]

07/04/'06.

1lb. 14oz. Went to a freinds permission today but on arrival the heavens opened so no chance of flying her:cry: , we stayed for about half an hour but there was no let up, so we came home.
I went to our usual ground as it was dry and I put her up. Within 10 minutes of her being on the wing it began to rain:evil: not too heavily but enough for me to call her in.
She stayed pretty close today and only ranged out about 500 yards. Once the rain started I called her in and she came in immediately.

LdgMk30 definately the warmer weather will equate to much tighter weight control. I may even only fly her 3 times a week, that way she can have a good feed and keep her muscle. You know how fit and strong she is, so I have now just got to keep her stable.:supz:

[Saker-Clive]

08/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Another day pretty much like Wednesday; cloudbase 5600ft, 20mph wnw wind. A few of the guys at work asked about seeing her flying, so I said that if the weather was good, I'll be over my usual ground about 12:30. 3 of them turned up and they weren't too sure what to expect, firstly they had no concept of what she was, how big she was or how she would fly etc. totally ignorant to what we do!!

Well I put her up and I did have my doubts about how 'responsive' she was going to be. She started by buzzing to and fro as usual, then she decided to go and play on the thermals..............and up she went again:rolleyes: I guess she got to about 2500ft. and soared about and wasn't at all interested in working the lure! Rafal (Polish) asked how will I get her down, to which I said "I don't, its all down to her............." I explained about how we condition the birds to the swing lure etc. when one of the othrs said , "What's that flying with her?"..................................Oh dear!..........her 'boyfreind' was back, and they were having a right time stooping each other!! The tiercel Pere. was above her and several times tear dropped towards her and just when we thought it was about to hit her, she folded up and jinxed out of the way:supz: then they both ringed up in a circling fashon and started all over again. I told them that if the Pere really wanted to, he'd take her out quite easily.
Still both birds were about 2000ft. and I called to her and threw the lure out on the ground. She began to descend and was being followed by the tiercel. (it had to be a tiercel as it was almost half her size); but instead of stooping her, he dropped below her, then circled back up a few times. Once she came down, I shouted to him to "..........play nicely with my little girl!" and I fed her up.
I was deep down really worried about what might or could have happened but I made light of it all and they were totally enthralled by it and her. I think they beleive this sort of thing goes on all the time;-)
I let them have a good close look and they were all well impressed; I guess a few of the others will come out now.....................apart from having to cut the session short again, she did fly really well and I think she would have been up a long time again. Tomorrow is another day.

[Saker-Clive]

09/04/'06.

1lb. 14oz. Another bright warm day with a cloudbase at 3700ft. and a nnw. 20mph wind. 11c temp.
Well today for some reason, she didn't really want to fly!!! At first, she flew around for a few seconds, then sat on the floor!! We carried on walking and called her off and she came, then flew about and stooped the lure before going to sit on a post for 10 minutes:(
I thought that she may be just tired as I should really be putting her down to moult but all the time she is flying like she has been then I want to keep her going.
Andy (snudz) came over today and we went to the usual area; I was hoping to see the Pere. but it didn't show or it kept away. Zarbu did seem a little unsure today and was looking about a lot as if there was something about!!!
I got her in the air again and she worked the lure for a few minutes before I gave it to her with a head on. I threw a leg a few yards away and she eagerly went after that. I loaded up the lure again with a body, and she seemed a little more switched on:D . This time she worked the lure for a good 10 minutes and stooped a good 60 passes.
Unfortunately today she stayed low and close, which for display work would be ideal. I let her take the lure and we all just sat on the ground for a few minutes before letting her go again. I put another head on the pad but she went to another post:mad: she sat there for a very short while before coming back over and working really well again. In all she had 2 chicks whilst flying and another one afterwards.
Although she worked the lure really well, it would have been nice for another spectacular high flyer today. I will see how she performs at this weight over the next week.
Snudz was impressed with her today dispite her 'rest' periods.

[Saker-Clive]

12/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. I went out to a freinds permission today, he flew a Gyr x Saker female and a Barbary x Lanner female. Once again, Zarbu took to the skies and went up through the bloody clouds!! Although it is fantastic seeing her fly like this, it is becoming a pain as she played about for a little over an hour. At one point she was directly above us about 3500 feet up and it would have been a real beaut if she'd stooped from there.
Just like last Wednesday, when she was flown from the centre, she completed a big radius, going up and stooping then she went down behind the forrest and we lost the signal. Shortly afterwards, we had her back on 'radar' and she seemed to be stationary; the land owner came across and said he'd had a telephone call to say Zarbu was sitting in the middle of a feild half a mile away. I got in the car and drove there; Once I'd pinpointed the signal I walked to the open feilds and called her. She came straight away and I took her back.
She was in the same feild that Kier took a Jay a few weeks back, which made it easier for me to find her, as I knew the area:razz: another total contrast from Sundays flight!! Don't ya just love 'em?:goodman:

[Saker-Clive]

13/04/'06.

1lb.14 1/4oz. Bash and I went to my NT land but we didn't go right up to the Hill! The wind was averaging between 25 -35 mph. and a cloudbase of 2000ft.

Well yet another complete opposite of yesterday. She started of and got hit by the wind, powered her way back, then sat by my feet:roll: , I threw a peic of pheasant breast for her to go and get, then we carried on walking for a bit. She took off again, then stayed very low and almost hugged the ground before dropping down into the valley. Again she sat for a few seconds before pumping her way back up and sitting on the ground:confused: I decided to give her the lure with another peice of pheasant on it. We sat on the ground chatting for a few minutes, then I told her to go off again. She saw me loading up the lure with a chicks head, and was straight over trying to jump at the lure. She went around again for a little fly, then sat on a post. I gave Bash the lure to see if she would come for him; after a couple of calls, she came over and tried to mob him, so I said let her have it. I gave her a chick leg as a 'pick up' then put her up again! This time she flew a bit longer. She went down into the valley and came along with the wind, before turning into it and pumping her way back up the hill again. I could see that her beak was cracked so called her in and let her take her reward.
We sat again and I decided to throw a chick torso a few feet away; she went after it and then ate it. Now she'd eaten 1 whole DOC and a few ounces of pheasant breast; I said to Bash, "I bet very few people would do this with there birds!!" then let her go off again. This time she ranged out a little further about 300 yards and had a little play. A few minutes later she was coming back but didn't want to stoop the lure, just waited on above and chased me!

We were only out for about 45 minutes and she had to fly hard to get through the wind. Can't understand the massive contrast in her flying just lately. Perhaps she prefers to be out in the open, compared to the more enclosed areas of my freinds permission!!!!! I might make arrangements to see my mate on Saturday and see what happens then!

Bash and I retired to the local pub for a nice pint................:supz:

[Bash]

Cheers SS for an enjoyable afternoon. Zarb did very well in the strong winds and it was great to see her fly. Thanks mate. The beer was good as well....:wink: :drinkers:

[Saker-Clive]

Cheers SS for an enjoyable afternoon. Zarb did very well in the strong winds and it was great to see her fly. Thanks mate. The beer was good as well....:wink: :drinkers:

Fly or walk/run:rolleyes: , see you soon.

[HoumaFalconer]

that has to be some of the best pics i have ever seen.

[Saker-Clive]

15/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Grey, cloudy, low cloudbase around 900 feet and light rain!! A few of us from the club got together and flew a few birds today.
I started off by putting Zarbu up first, and because of the drizzle, I expected her to stay close by. I put the lure on the ground to get it fully unwound and Zarbu was a bit too quick off the mark and clipped the lure as I pulled it away:oops: , I know that I should have let her take it but I'd put a chick body on it hoping that this would keep her close enough to work. She wasn't too upset by this and she did fly very well staying at a much more reasonable range, than of late:-D Although she worked well, it wasn't as good as it could have been but a few of the others that had never seen her fly enjoyed it.
I called her in and let her eat the reward. As I was picking her up I was going to let one of the others put his female Gyr x Saker up; he said, "I thought we would try them together!", to which I said, "Ok, I know Zarbu is pretty cool around others with no malice.". He brought his bird over and we stood very close but the birds didn't bother with each other. He put his bird up, then said to me that I could let Zarbu go........................I let her go, and both birds stayed at opposite sides to each other. Then we began to start some lure work; both birds crossed each other several times and I wished I'd taken the camcorder. We had both birds in the air for about 10 minutes then we 'Ho'd' them down together. I was really excited at this prospect of our 2 birds flying 'together' with no reaction to each other. Hopefully we will try this out fairly regular as this might be good for keeping Zarbu a little closer more often!!!

I'm still on a high........................

[Saker-Clive]

17/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/8oz. A very warm day around 16c. with a 2600ft. cloudbase and a pleasant breeze.
I was expecting her t go up on a soar today but I loaded the lure with a chick body hoping that would keep her interested. We met up with a few others again and we thought we'd try the Gyr x Saker and Zarbu together again.
Like the last time, both birds flew really well together and my friends Gyr/Saker almost passed to me but just at the last second she flew straight by!!! I know a lot of centres and displays fly a few falcons together but Zarbu isn't a display bird and the Gyr/Saker used to be a hunting bird. I get a real adrenaline rush when we fly the 2 together.

We had quite an eventful afternoon all in all, and a few valuable lessons were also learnt.;)

[Saker-Clive]

19/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. A bright but grey day, low cloud and a very good 18mph. wind.
I met up with one of the club members today, as she is thinking about the possability of getting a longwing later on in the year and wanted to see just how Zarbu behaved!!!

We went to my regular ground and I let her take Zarb. walked away then asked her to take off the hood. After the mandatory rouse and quick look about she was off; she had a good stooge about for 10 minutes, ranging out only about 300 yards and stayed no higher than 300 feet!! After her stooging, she came over and began to work the lure. This I kept up for a few minutes then I put it away. She circled over head then went out again for a couple of minutes before coming in again. I worked her a little while longer then 'let her catch me out':supz: . She ate the head, then I threw a leg a few yards away as normal. I then loaded up the lure again but this time with the body, and walked away. Zarbu was watching me all the time, then I went behind the bushes and she flew up to a nearby post. I called to her and swung the lure and she was off again. This time she ranged out much further, a good 800 yards then her 'boyfreind' showed up and we watched the two of them jinxing and turning for a few moments. I told Jannet that once Zarbu was fed up, she'd head straight back. With that, she pumped into the wind and came over, then worked the lure again.:lol: I 'Ho'd her in and she came in and took her reward nicely. I offered her a pick up piece on the fist but she wanted to play some more.............................................. ....she jumped at the glove and did a snatch and fly:roll: ; Jannet got a little concerned and I said that she just didn't feel she's worked/flown enough. Whilst she went around, I loaded up the lure again but this time with just a head, (no point taking too many risks eh!!)
She went and flew through half a dozen gulls then she got 'chased' by 4 crows..........................................wha t they didn't realise was she was playing with them; she began to pump harder and climbed before dropping down fast then came back over to us. Again she stooped really well for a good 5 minutes before I let her 'catch' me out again. This time she jumped up to the glove nicely, and I re-equipped her before giving her the rest of her rations for today. 3 chicks in total, and a very pleasant session.

[Jackson]

Zarbu and the Gyrxsaker were fabtatsic together!!!
stuinning lure work too!

[Saker-Clive]

22/04/'06.

1lb. 14oz. A beautiful sunny and warm day....gulp!! around 18c. Well I went up to the centre today to see what was going on and to hopefully fly and help out in the display.
Obviously I was a little concerned about the weather but if she was to go off for a soar then so be it!! As they knew Zarbu had flown with another bird recently, we tried today with one of their birds. Again because she'd flown with a Gyr x Saker, they used one of theirs that had flown with others. All the introductions went well and I put Zarbu up; suprisingly, she stayed very close and probably didn't go much further than 60 yards. Both birds worked really well together and with no bad feeling.:supz: I guess that both birds were up for about 10 minutes and they had to bwork hard as there was no wind at all. We both called the birds down together and a big sigh of relief was had. I honestly thought that she was going up today.
After the display had basically finished, I asked if i could put her up again just to give her a bit of 'free range'; I was given the OK and I put her up. I was hoping that she was going to range out a bit this time but like the last time , she stayed close but worked the lure well. I told all again that she isn't a display bird and after her session, I was talking to people with her 10 yards away on the lure. I showed her the food pot and she did her little run up and looked for the it:P , as usual, she had the choice of jumping up or going off again but she played nicely and came up to the fist. I equipped her and then gave her a good feed up.

I could get to like these display sessions, as when they go well they are a pleasure to do but we know that it doesn't always work out that way:!: Tomorrow, I will probably fly her down here and let her play in her usual manner.

[Saker-Clive]

24/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. A rather grey but warm day, 15c more haze than anything with a gentle 10mph. breeze.

Not a very good finish to our session today; we went to our usual ground by the corrals, put her up and let her go and play for a while; when she came in, (she didn't really range out much more than a 100 yards):( but she did take an interest in some young bunnies playing in the open. Like last year, she skimmed the ground towards them and jinxed as they ran to cover, then pitched and came around again. She came back over and worked the lure for a few minutes and she was really trying to get it. It looked as if she was enjoying it and also on a mission!!! I let her take it and have the head, then like normal, I threw her 'pickup' a few yards away. I loaded up the lure again (you'd have thought by now, I'd take 2 with me would you!!!) and I walked away.
A few seconds later, she was off and started to work again; then a few crows came over and I hid the lure so she could go and have a little session on her own. Once they all got bored, she headed ver for some more work; this time she was too eager, and after several passes she was definately anticipating my next move.......................so much so that on our last pass, she hit me in the side of the head and dropped to the ground.
She had hold of the lure but was a little unsteady on her feet for a good 30 - 40 seconds; my heart sank and all I could do was sit with her until she composed herself, then ate her reward. I quickly jessed her up and tied her to the glove and checked her over. I think that she just winded herself and offered her a chick body......................she eagerly jumped down for it and I watched her closely.
I think it was just her wing that hit me but it seems fine. I contacted my 'mentor' and discussed my plan of action but we both agreed that we should just see what happens over the next few hours. On getting home, I free lofted her and she is still very perky and flying about. I have just fed her a little more food which she had to fly for and all seemed well. i will keep an eye on here for the rest of the afternoon just to make sure nothing nasty will happen. I will rest her tomorrow but keep her lofted.

[Saker-Clive]

Well I've just been in with her again and she seems fine; no heat in or on the wing, she is also very alert and moving about nicely.
I think she may have just bruised herself or simply just had the wind taken out of her.
Bloody lucky either way. Lets hope she learns from this.

[GregMik]

Your lucky also....My mentor tells me of one time while lure flying his Passage gyr, they both miscalculated and she hit him square in the face. He woke up on his back, looked over to see the bird happily eating off the lure. He ended up with two black eyes from that. His bird non the worse for wear.

Greg

[Saker-Clive]

I agree but 'we' are big enough to get over it:goodman: , duelling scars etc.
I was told today by mine that he knows of 4 or 5 people, 1 on here that have lost birds because they flew into their handlers.

My old Perlin, bless him flew into me several times but he bound to my leg more often then not!!!:rolleyes:

[Jackson]

clive is that another scar to add to your pere kiss lol! glad your both ok though!! hope to see her flying again soon!!

[Saker-Clive]

:lol: :rolleyes: it was just her 'elbow' that gave me a wallop. You've seen how close she comes on occaision, he wing tips often brush my face...................hopefully she will keep a good distance in future.

[Saker-Clive]

26/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz.
Very warm, 22c with 12mph wind and a cloudbase of around 2000ft. She did not want to work today and kept circling around looking for a thermal. Luckily she stayed close and was flying for about 15 minutes. Even when she came in for the lure she didn't want to work, so I threw it out on the ground and she took it that way.
My mate got his Gyr x Saker out and we put them up together but again, Zarbu didn't want to play. After the Gyr x Saker was brought in, Zarbu carried on for a few minutes before coming back in. Although very pleasant, I personally think she could have flown much better............:goodman: , perhaps I'm getting too critical in her performances...................

[Saker-Clive]

27/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. A bright but grey day around 12c so feels much cooler than yesterday:lol: ; I had a lot to do this morning so I flew her around 15.00hrs. We went to our normal flying ground and I just let her go and play. She didn't go far again but did have a good time with the gulls. After ten minutes or so, she was looking for the lure so I got her working pretty well. She stooped for about 30 passes before I let her take it.
We had 3 knobs belting about on a Suzuki 370, coming to within 20 yards of us:twisted: , I made it very clear to them what I would do if they either scared her away or tried to hit her................................they started the usual mouthing off and name calling...............................from 60 yards away, then I went over to them to tell them to grow up!!!!! (or words to that effect) I also told them a little story that happened last year or so with another idiot on a bike. One of them then asked if it was me or not!!! I said how many people are allowed to fly over here? This one lad knew the kiddie I hit off his bike, then then made a retreat towards the top of the hill:supz: .

I put her up again and she went and sat on a post..........................waiting for the crows to come:roll: didn't have to wait much more than a minute when 3 turned up and began to bomb her. She started calling out then took flight. As they persued her, she began twisting and jinxing and for a short time I thought she was 'switching' over to kill mode. Like with the gulls, several minutes passed then back for another workout. She worked superbly, only to finish up with me being a little upset!!! As she hit and bound to the lure, a tail feather fell to the ground............................................ ....I bet you can't guess which one!!!!!!......................................... ...................bloody bitch........


I wish I still had my leg mount

[Saker-Clive]

28/04/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Another bright and warm day, not as warm as it has been about 12c. with a nice wind.

I went up to the centre today and because of external work loads, it was ideal for me to fly her so they could finish off the preperations for the wekend.
As she took off, she began to 'straight line' for a while, then I whistled and she turned in:rolleyes: (always helps!!) on her way back, a crow decided to have a little play and tried to chase her away; from what I could see behind the trees, Zarbu wasn't taking any stick, then powered up and got a little height. The crows soon gave up and she went for a little play just behind the trees in the open fields. She soon came back in and worked the lure nicely. She climbed to a nice height before setting her wings and coming in to finish....................:supz: She hit the lure and came down nicely. I equipped her then took her into the mews and gave her the rest of her rations. 3 chicks in total.

[Jackson]

she looked lurvely (as usual!!)!!! hope she flies well tomorrow!! (sure she will)!!!

c ya 2mura clive!!

[Saker-Clive]

29/04/'06.

1lb. 14oz. a glorious day with a few deep clouds at 2500 ft. 14c and wind ranging from 10-23mph.
I helped out at the centre today as the owners had a big weekend at Kew Gardens; between the other team members and myself, we flew a variety of birds taking it in turn to go out and fly something. I put Zarbu up last and I just had the feeling she was going to go and play!!!
She left the post and took off and I could see that she was searching for the thermals; it wasn't long before she began to ring up and away.............................................. .....this was the first time I have ever 'properly' been in front of an audience with the mike to do a display; i told them about the way I normally fly her and the areas she is most at home with. We all watched as she carried on climbing and then through the clouds and dotting out. I explained that she is likely to be some time and if anyone wanted to come onto the lawn and give a song and dance, they were most welcome:razz: . After ten minutes of seeing her coming into view, I got the receiver out and explained how we track a bird and let thm hear the signal; I said that she was not too far away as the signal was really good and strong (I was using my brand new, only delivered this morning Falconry Electronics leg mounted tranny). She carried on playing and I started to tell stories of our exploits. I told them that as a display bird, she is hopeless as it isn't very interesting watching the clouds or dots in the sky!!! Well this went on for about 35 minutes and the audience were still all listening and staying put. Then I spotted her about a mile away and about 1000 ft. Every one turned to see her and I then knew she was ready to come in. I had jokingly said, that if she stooped from out there I'd probably wet myself, which made everyone laugh.....................then she set her wings and folded them in tighly and stooped from way out there acroos the wind and once level to the trees on the left of the centre, turned into me with her feet outstretched as I threw the lure up for her. She hit it then because of the speed, carried on for 20 yards, turned in again and took her reward:supz: . I was so excited, I just punched the air and said "Yes..............." everyone applauded and said how extremely good they thought she was. I thought it best to get her back up on the fist, so I first, threw a leg as normal, then showed her my food pot and she chased after me up the lawn. I got her up on the glove, re-equipped her, then gave her 2 chicks as her reward.
She just keeps amazing me with her flying and a really great time was had by all; everyone stayed to get a closer look at they all said how much they had enjoyed their visit; (which was nice) Anyone who thinks that doing displays is easy it isn't; I'm far from being shy by any means but standing in front of a crowd and keeping them captivated is not as easy as it looks and can be quite daunting!!

Tomorrow is going to be totally different, I am at Kew with the centre owner and just hope we get Shinto, the Gyr x Saker that went today.

[Bash]

Wow! Sounds like you had a great time today SS. Sorry I missed you but the Mrs wouldn't let me out to play today.

Good luck tomorrow mate. 8-)

[Saker-Clive]

30/04/'06.

1lb. 14oz. On arrival at Kew this morning the weather was a little damp and grey but it soon brightened up as the day went on and the rain held off; because of yesterdays events with the gyr X Saker going awol we were a liitle down to say the least and after seeing the venue I decided that I was not going to risk flying her. It wouldn't have been a good idea to have 2 birds going off, and Zarbu would definately have gone up in her usual fashion.
We were extremely suprised the see some kind of eagle soaring over and we watched it from about 1000 ft going right up on a soar through the clouds, (by the time I had run back to the car to get the binos and back, it had gone too high to make a positive ID):oops: , we think that it was possibly a Tawny or Steppe but it did have a shortish tail!!! A few minutes later we were 'entertained by 5 Spars flying along together, then asingle one playing tag with a crow.............................:supz: The displays went well and all the birds behaved.
As usual, there were the 'daft' questions, while we were packing up and putting the birds away, we only had the EEO and the Bateleur Eagle to go. I picked up the EEO and a guy asked if it was the 'Harris hawk':rolleyes:, all I could do for a second was smile nicely, then tell him that in fact, he is a European Eagle Owl!!!!!!

After we left, we stopped at Richmond Park and had a scan of the area.............unfortunately we still have got no signal:( . We think that only a sighting now will help to get her back.

[Saker-Clive]

04/05/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. A totally stunning day today as was forecast; clear blue skies, 20mph up on the 'Hill' and around 18c. The wind was from the SE.

Snudz came over today so we went up on the NT land, he hadn't been there before; I was expecting a long wait for Zarbu to come back today as the weather was so good.
She didn't go too far out today which did really suprise me but she had to work in the wind. I couldn't work out if she was heavy or just a little lethargic as she didn'tfly with her usual vigour!!! She did fly well don't get me wrong but after her first flight, she was panting before eating her reward. The second flight she stayed very close but worked the lure well; and her last flight she seemed to range out 500 yards but didn't have that 'zing' to it:confused:

We sat and played before re-equipping her and retiring to the pub just down the road. I know the owner from way back and being an Iranian, I showed him the bird. He was a little scared to be as close as he was but he thoroughly enjoyed her. We also didn't have to pay for our drinks, which is always nice......................:supz:
She's had 2 chicks and 1/4oz. of steak.

Today was the first time out since my last post on Saturday.

[Dave G]

and no chips clive you meanie lol

[Saker-Clive]

and no chips clive you meanie lol

Perhaps I should have put it the other way.......................'she had steak and chicks:oops: :-P ...........................groan!

[Roo]

Perhaps I should have put it the other way.......................'she had steak and chicks:oops: :-P ...........................groan!

:roll:

It was a bit of a freak day in weather, around about 27 degrees here and absolutely cooking in the sun - I'm surprised she didn't go out further too.

[Saker-Clive]

05/05/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. We went up to Huxley's today to see how Shinto was doing and all is fine. I asked if I could fly Zarbu thre today and I was given the OK. The weather today was very similar to yesterday but the wind was less.
What a contrast again from yesterday!! she took off and soon found a thermal and was up and away. We as usual explained to people that I give her free range to come and go as she pleases, and this is what she did. Whilst she was up, she 'bumped' into a buzzard soaring about but neither took any notice of each other, then a little male Kestrel (which I have never seen at that sort of height 1500-2000 ft.) decided to 'large it up' with zarbu!!! We watched him persistantly bombing her and she just jinxed out of the way and this went on for a good 5 minutes. Plucky, gutsy little thing it was too......................Zarbu had decided enough was enough, then cruised away to the north and out of sight. I went and got the receiver to check her rough distance and as normal, had a good signal still with the yagi folded. In total, she was up for 25 minutes and before she came in, she was a good 2000 ft still; she wanted to come down but just waited on above for several minutes. Each time I got the lure out for her to stoop, she circled off and had another little play. Then she was definately about to stoop, folded her wings for a second, then carried on soaring:rolleyes: , she slowly got lower and lower then from 1000 ft. she began to come in....................................not in good style as we were all expecting in a high speed stoop but more a gentle glide which seemed to take forever to get down:goodman: ; she hit the lure a couple of times before finally sitting on it and feeding. I put her back in the mews and gave her 2 chicks.

I wish I knew how to get her to stoop from that pitch everytime instead of when 'she' feels like it!!!

So far this season, she has flown well and at her best between 1lb. 14 - 1lb. 14 3/4oz. at different temperatures and conditions. I would love to push her weight up but I know that this will push my luck too much.

[Saker-Clive]

07/05/'06.

HAPY BIRTHDAY FOR YESTERDAY LITTLE GIRL:supz:


1LB. 15oz. when I weighed her before leaving the house this morning; I weighed her again at the centre prior to flying her on their digi-scales and she weighed 1lb. 14 1/2oz.!!!!! (I know that my balance scales and their scales are likely to be different but I was going to fly her regardless!!)

Before flying her, I had a bit of a commotion with her, as she got her upper mandible into one of her bells and was sitting on the ground back on her haunches!! Luckily she hadn't been there long before I noticed and she wasn't too streesed. Any way, today was very warm 23c. but there was a lot of cloud around 2000ft. i knew that she was going to go off and play but in this sort of heat, can't expect anything else really. Although she went out and soared, she was in view at all times but just wanted her own space for a while. She was happy cruising about just on the cloud base and Julian went and got Tilley, a little Lanneret; this was the first time he had been flown with another bird in the air so we were all keeping a close eye on things. As soon as he was on the post, he knew that there was another larger bird in the sky and was a little unsure at first. He then took off and went through his paces.............Zarbu decided to 'glide' over the arena around 1000ft. just to see what was going on. It looked like she was going to come in but carried on stooging about:rolleyes: , Tilley was called in and I called to Zarbu. Like all females, she decided that she was enjoying herself too much and totally ignored me! Then she came overhead and several times, she looked as if she was about to stoop but everytime I produced the lure, she went around again. She was in the air for 25 minutes today, and when she came in, she did stoop but not from the height we all wanted but still, she did look impressive. Roo came along today with his trusty camera, so hopefully he'll be on later:supz:

[Saker-Clive]

09/05/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. We had a club meeting flying various birds this evening. The weather was good, around 11c. but no wind. We met up at 19.00 and headed to the fields.
i put Zarbu up and as it was much later than we normally fly, she stayed close and worked the lure really well; we also put up Shinto, the female Gyr x Saker and the 2 worked excellently.
I gave my video to one of the members to get some footage but for some reason the video only taped the sound:twisted: , I had a quick look and it worked but then he forgot to do the next time I put her up again. This time she flew with a Barbary x Lanner, a first for both birds together and there was a couple of times when the BxL looked like she was going to tag Zarbu but nothing too serious or malicious.
Zarbu flew very well this evening, and I was proud of her, she stooped like a display bird and worked the lure well and hard. As the time was getting on, and the light was fading, I put her away and gave her a good feed, 2 quail legs, 1 head and 2 chicks.
We then flew a cast of HH's, African Spotted Eagle owl and a Barn owl (not at the same time), and also trained another 2 HH's.

[Saker-Clive]

11/05/'06.

1lb. 14oz. today was very warm, we had 30c. where we were and clear blue skies with the very high whispy 'clouds' way up.
We all knew what she was going to do but she needs to fly; she had to work hard to start with as there was no breeze or anything, it was a very still day. non the less, she soon found a thermal and that was that.............................................. .............today was the first time we didn't see her!!! she was up and away for nearly an hour and only saw her on a couple of occaisions for a second or two:evil: . We did have a very large eagle or vulture up on a soar!!! so whether someone was flying one and lost it we saw it about 14:20 for several minutes from Horsham towards Crawley.
Whilst scannng for Zarbu, we had a very strong signal but no sighting; we literally had the signal all around so we looked up and we could just make out a spec. with the binos I managed to tell it was a falcon so it had to be her. She stooped away and headed north eastwards. After another 10 mins. we had a very strong signal then a sighting before she headed towards a housing estate half a mile away. We had a static signal, so I wlked up the road to where Bash and I along with my boy and Julian went the other week. I went into the field and the grass was nearly waste high. Then I heard her bells and saw her. I offered her the lure but as the grass was so long she was uncertain about coming in. 3 times I threw it up for her before she bind to it and came down. She didn't like sinking into the grass but she stayed put. i got her up on the fist and equipped her the I noticed that the new transmitter was gone:shock: . Now she had it on whilst she was on her way over, so I disconnected the yagi and switched the attenuator over; I was within 5 feet of it and phoned back to the others to say she was down but the tranny wasn't on her. I checked all around and back to where I was. Julian arrived with his Marshall's and I told him that I had pinpointed it to where I was standing. I began to part the grass whilst Julian was checking the signal. Within 3 minutes we had it back and in 3ft. of long grass was not bad going:supz:.
My little girl was totally knackered when she came in but she had never flown in this heat before. I gave her 3 chicks and we went back to the centre. I got her about 200 yards from where I flew her from and for her to go and sit on a house or post after all this time shows that the heat definately got to her.

[Saker-Clive]

12/05/'06.

1lb. 14 1/4oz. Today we flew on home ground and went by the 'corrals', again it is very warm but being right on the coast we had a nice gentle breeze coming up off the sea; not enough to give her a lift or anything but pleasant enough for me not to get too hot:rolleyes:

I put her up twice today as strangely enough, she stayed within a 500 yard radius and didn't go much above 800ft:confused: , she stooged about for 10 mins. had a couple of rouses, then a few gulls came over to show their disapproval of her presence near their young:supz: , as usual, she wasn't perturbed by them, then a couple of crows joined in. Zarbu was now having the time of her life, stooping away, pitching and circling them. Once she got bored, she headed back towards me and worked the lure before bringing her in. She ate the chicks head, and I picked her up with a leg. Whilst I was telling her how good she was, she bobbed her head and took off again:roll:, I quickly re-loaded the lure this time with a body and just watched as she played about once again. It looked like this time she was definately searching for a thermal as she seemed to want to go up but just didn't find one or was just too bothered!! She circled about and played then must have remembered what the fence posts were for and sat taking in the sun for a couple of minutes before coming back in to get her food.
I gave her 3 chcks in all then we came home. A pleasant hour out in the sunshine and it was nice seeing her all the time as well....................which always helps.

I'd fitted one of Ben's Bells today as one of the bewits were nearly hanging off and I was able to hear both bells from a good way out.

[Saker-Clive]

13/05/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. The weather today was very mixed up; cooler than of late, very grey with the threat of rain and thunder!!!!!!

I left it late in the day to fly her and put her up around 16:00hrs. she stayed very close and worked the lure beautifully:supz:. The few people that watched were enthralled at her agility considering her overal stature. She worked for a good 10 minutes or so before I called her in. Because she's been flying so hard of late, I treated her again with some more quail before getting her ready to come away.

We chatted to a couple that watched and they thought it was marvellous the way the birds respond. It's really good to have people appreciate what we do and take a keen interest.

[Saker-Clive]

14/05/'06.

1lb. 15oz. We went up to the centre today; the weather was similar to yesteday, maybe a little warmer. after all the other birds were flown, I put Zarbu up and was hoping that she was going to fly like yesterday but being Zarb. she decided to go and play:roll:.
She was determined today to find a thermal and worked hard pumping away in search of one; it wasn't lng before she found one and began to soar about. At least she stayed in view for the majority of her flight which kept the audience riveted for about twenty minutes. Then she flew over where a pair of crows are nesting and although about 800ft. up, they both took off and worked their way up to her. One decided to bomb her which was highly entertaining but Zarbu just set her wings and went into a stoop and lost them in her wake! She then disappeared eastwards over the open fields a couple of miles away to the wooded area so that she could get more lift off the trees.
I showed everyone how we track a 'lost' bird' by getting the receiver out and explained how we search and work out the signal. Whilst doing this, she got very close by, then stopped and sat in a tree or something. I waited a short while and decided she was definately sitting, then walked across the road to the open fields. I told everone before leaving that she was about 300 yards away; on getting to the field, I re scanned the area and the signal was off the scale:-P , i called her and swung the lure..........then I heard her bells and saw her heading to me. She came in first time and then up on the fist. I called out that she was back then we made our way to the centre. Once there, I gave her a good feed up before blocking her out.
She had a great time on the wing and roused several times, so I knew she wasn't going to 'play ball' but such is life:rolleyes:

[Saker-Clive]

17/05/'06.

1lb. 15 1/2oz. Although on the heavy side, it is much cooler than of late so I decided to throw caution to the wind; the weather was very grey with the threat of rain but it seemed to hold off............................................... ...............................that was until she was on the wing for a couple of minutes http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif then it began to rain http://www.phpbber.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif
Well she was a good few hundred yards away and decided that the wet was not for her (she had a bath a few weeks ago and that was enough).
She refused to listen to my call or whistle and went and sat in a tree close to where she was. She stayed there a good 6 minutes before coming back
for the lure.
I re equipped her and came home. I didn't even feed her there and waited about anhour before giving her 2 chicks.

[Saker-Clive]

18/05/'06.

1lb. 15 1/4oz.

i was going to fly her but when I went down to pick her up she decided to give me a pair of primaries:cry: , I am now going into 'new territory' for me as I am hoping to fly her through the moult. I guess what I will do is, not fly her as much, only when I really need to and put her weight up slightly with added vitamins and more quality food.

Hopefully if I only fly her 3 times a week intead of the daily routine we have been, this will allow her rest times and still keep a good amount of fitness.

Last year she didn't really start moulting properly until after her little jaunt, and got under way in June.

[Saker-Clive]

22/05/'06.

1lb. 15 1/4oz. Since the last time I flew her, the weather has been pretty deplorable to say the least. Strong, gale force winds, rain.........................................today is not much better but I decided to take a chance and give her a quick fly. We went to our home ground near the 'corrals' and in the smallest one, there are about 30 frigging pikey's:evil: , churning up the football pitch!

The wind is very strong and looking on the local weather station, it said the average wind speed is 50mph!!!! well its not quite that where I was but the gusts probably were. The uk weather site says its about 28mph????????

Any way, I put her up and she had a little stooge about but didn't really want to fly in this. Twice she came down and sat near me but I caried on and then she stayed up for about 15 minutes. She didn't go far but had to really work hard in the wind. She didn't work the lure as such, just stooped pass me and then literally hovered above like a kessy:rolleyes: . I brought her in and I gave her a good feed before coming home. As I equipped her up, the rain started so all in all we finished just right.
These last 4 days, I've had about 4 pair of primaries and scondaries:goodman:

[Saker-Clive]

25/05/'06.

1lb. 15 1/2oz. Well the weather so far this week has been abismal, I know we had a little session on Monday but it has been wet, windy and a bit more wet:evil:

One good thing I noticed today is that the 'pikeys' have gone:supz:, don't know if they were moved on or because the caravans began to sink:yawinkle: all the rain etc. the corrals get very water logged and soft:grin:, at least they've gone. The ground is totally wrecked but at least I can fly back over there with out any worries of too much interest in her.

[Saker-Clive]

27/05/'06.

1lb. 14 1/2oz. A very grey, blustery day with a 50% chance of rain!!! Well I was at a freinds permission today and she stayed reasonably close; at one point after going behind a load of trees, the signal just stopped but then we all heard her bells and saw her!! I checked the signal and it was Ok:confused: she came back over head and passed by a couple of times before heading off back behind the tree line.
A crow got up and began to 'chase' her so she was happy with her little game of tag. She came back over and began to work the lure for a couple of minutes, then I called her in.

Considering we haven't been out since Monday, she flew pretty strongly. I didn't want to say anything earlier but a year ago last Thursday, was the day she went on her 5 day walk about.:P

[Saker-Clive]

28/05/'06.

1lb. 14 3/4oz. this morning, the weather today is quite warm around 14c. with a nice 15-25mph breeze. Still grey with puffy clouds.

We went to our home ground today and I was expecting her to go up. In total I put her up only twice but she never ceass to amaze me. I took my boy along so he could play on his bike but he decided to watch her as on the first flight, she went up about 500 feet, then found a couple of gulls to play tag with. Then a crow took off from its nest and 'powered' after her to get her away from the nest site:wink: , well, the following few minutes totally gobsmacked the both of us. As the crow got nearer to her, she put on a little speed then turned and headed straight back towards the corvid. She set her wings and stooped directly at it and it turned away at the last second; we couldn't make out if her feet had come forward but she then climbed up again, then I though she was coming back to me so that she could work the lure!!
NOPE:supz: she set her wings again and went back into a high speed stoop and went down by the corral then headed towards the tree with the nest and another crow in....................................how she didn't wrap her self in the tree or hit the crow I will never know but it sure was bloody exciting; I'm thinking it will only be a matter of time before 'she' decides if she is going to take something or not. I only hope that if/when she does, it doesn't change her too much. She soon had enough and came in and stooped the lure with so much power and excitement, she nearly hit me several times:evil: , i threw the lure up and let her take it without calling her in. There was a quails head and neck on it. I decided t put her up again, so I threw a chick leg as per normal, then loaded the pad up again with a chick body. This was going to be her last flight of the day.
She knew the routine and took off again; she had a 'fly-by' of the crow tree a couple of times, then stooped off towards the lower end of the park area and bank. As she skimmed the bank about 500 yards away, there was a guy strolling along and he stopped in his tracks as she went past him before climbing again and headed back to where we were. She came back over and worked really well again, then she saw all the young rabbits playing about in the open 50 yards from me. She skimmed along towards them and they all ran for cover:D . I called her in and gave her a good feed, 2 chicks, 2 quail legs/thighs and a quail head.


God I love this bird, I can never tell from one day to the next, just how or what she is going to do.

[Saker-Clive]

.............not put up any pics for a while:wink: