LOCO: 2004 PERLIN

[Saker-Clive]

17/01/'05.

Today was the day we went up to Nottingham to collect LOCO the little Perlin, from Matt.
We arrived just after 10:00am, and went through the paperwork and exchanged the readies. I also took the time to print out a bill of sale, keeping everything above board :!: We hadn't got too far down the road, when Loco was living up to his name and was thrashing about in the box. I pulled over and found him with his hood removed; I put it on again but to me it seems too big. I decided to let him ride home on Danni's fist. He was good as gold but he had broken 2 of his tail feathers :cry:

He was not suprisingly, a little wary of us and once we got home, I just sat with him on my fist. He feed off the fist eagerly and was very calm and contented. He roused several times and preened himself; he even stood on one leg, which really pleased me. :D As I haven't sorted out his housing, he stayed in my room on the cadge.

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

18/01/'05

He weighed 10 1/2oz. this morning and we gave our little 'budgie' a great deal of attention, and manning. We took him down to meet the other birds and Kier was not impressed but Zarbu just looked at him and thought breakfast :roll: Loco, looked at Zarbu and though............................................ ......................breakfast, and bated towards her :wink: :shock: :? I explained to him that for the time being they were sharing the enclosure during the day and he had to get used to it. I blocked him out in the enclosure a good 10 feet away so there could be no accidents.

I decided to bring him in and see if he would fly to us, glove to glove. We set up in the living room and he flew to both of us eagerly for his tidbits. He was enthusiastic and bobbed his head frantically. As this went much better than I expected, I decided to give him another go, when Jake came home from school. We went to the school to meet him with Zarbu and Loco but went around the park first. He saw the grey-lag geese and was off.......bating towards them :roll: (when next to Zarbu, he is totally dwarfed, as he measured 8" standing on the fist, compared to her 21".)
We got home and I sorted out 2 more wings, 2 legs, cut into 3 bits each and a head. Again he flew to us eagerly and to all 4 of us. I decided to give him a small mouse as well; I'm not too bothered about his weight being high at the moment, I just want him to get used to us and enjoy himself. The weather is going to be a little bad over the next few days so flying him either in the garden or indoors will keep him going.
Danni my 14 year old is totally smitten with him but she won't admit it. I have definately got to sort out telemetry for him and he will be on the creance for a little while.

Well that is enough for today and no doubt there will be plenty to come; I know for definate that Snudz can't wait to come over as he really like Merlins; Loco IS definately a little character, and has had us in fits of laughter :!:

[Saker-Clive]

Note the redness of my ear?..........................................litt le ******!

[Finnish]

NICE ONE :lol:

[BrianM]

god saker your ugly.... nice birds though,,,,,,,,lol

[ChicM]

That is a cute bird. What will you hunt with it...indeed, will you hunt with it?

[Saker-Clive]

I was up at 05:00, I have good reason to look haggered, and drove 400 miles. (I scrub up well!!!)

He has already hunted apparently; he's taken blackbirds, yellowhammers etc. partridge and he's supposed to have put in at a pheasant but raked away once he got close enough :shock:
Yes, I will be hunting with him; we have partridge around and plenty of starlings, sparrows, maggies etc. don't know if he'd take on a pigeon!!! I will let him chase what ever he wants to, and he is also supposed to be wedded to the lure, (I have ordered a mini one for kestrals etc).

[Snudz]

Bloody work................keeps getting in the way of more important things............... :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Darren]

another one to your growing family

[GoneHawking]

Cracking bird there saker, make sure you get a decent telemetry set to match. good luck with him and have fun.

[Falcon]

pleased you got him Saker sucker

[Saker-Clive]

As most of you know, I use Bio track, so I've just got to sort out a tag for him; haven't decided on tailmount or leg yet! I use tailmount on the others but as he is tiny still abit unsure.............................what do you guys use on Merlins or kessies?

[GoneHawking]

I'm using a small martin jones tag on my Spar at the moment but I have a Micro on order from marshall, I beleive that maerlin systems do a small tag, not sure how good it is though.

[Saker-Clive]

19/01/'05.

The little monster weighed in at a staggering 10 3/4oz. Today I basically carried out the same routine as yesterday. After opening up the others, Kier and Zarbu, I weighed them and spent 45 minutes with each, reassuring them that their dad still loves them and Loco is going to be staying 8)
We 'flew' him in the lounge again and like yesterday, he was very responsive and eager. I got him to catch a chicks head but indoors confused him a bit. He kept trying to find somewhere to hide but ended up in the computer cupboard. I'm trying to get Danni to have more to do with him so I can concentrate more with the others, and it will give her something to aim for.
I am going to see what amount of foods will keep him stable, increase and decrease his weight. As the 'mini-lure' wont be here for about a week, this will give me a chance to do this. I do not want to let him get down to proper flying weight yet. Tomorrow he will have a sulk on as he's going to Alan Jones, avian vet, to be checked over for insurance purposes and have his micro-chip fitted :evil:
We flew him again after school but wasn't as responsive but at his weight it didn't bother me. He had already eaten 1 small mouse around lunchtime, plus the bits earlier. He and Danni seemed to have bonded well with each other and he flew to her a few times for no rewards. :D
I think that Loco will do Danni good as she isn't very confident in herself but she also hates being praised!!!
I have made him a new hood today as the 2 that came with him are a little too big; I have been able to make the smaller one fit him now as the join up the back hadn't be stitched. I simply put a few stitches from the top down about 10mm, which seems to have tightened the hood up a little. He hasn't been able to get it off since. 8) Next I will be making him some new equipment, anklets, jesses etc.

Any one that flies Spars, kessies etc. do you have flying jesses on or do you combine them as the mews jesses?

[Saker-Clive]

20/01/'05.

This morning the little buzz-bomb weighed a mighty 10 3/4oz. again, so I wasn't too concerened about taking him for his check up and micro-chipping. He took it all in his little stride and didn't squawk while it was being inserted. He did squawk being examined and it was a good job he was hooded.
He tagged me good and proper this morning and gripped like a good 'en. He did draw a tiny bit of blood but it's nothing like having a Saker grab you :prayer: :roll:
Snudz came over to play and we flew him in the lounge again. We can't wait to get him out in the feilds and hopefully things will be ready for next week. :D

I was asked today at my boys school, where he is kept, as I haven't built his housing yet? I said at night, the wife allows me to have a bird in the bedroom; I bet there aint too many wives that would allow their hubbies to have a bird in their bedroom anytime, let alone with her blessing :axe:
I am going to make him all new equipment and a little lure pad so I will have a couple to use.

[Snudz]

Naaaaah, sorry mate, not really my thing. Give me a decent budgie anyday....................:mrgreen:

I tell you what, as a favour, I'll take him off your hands.......might even cover your petrol money for bringing him down, as a favour like.

No?? :twisted:

Alright then, fight you for him!!!!!! :snipe:


He's gorgeous!!!!:supz: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Shaun Byrne]

I think you're way down the queue Snudz lol!!

[Peregrynne]

LOL that queue is longer than most poeples family trees....pmsl

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[Saker-Clive]

21/01/'05.

He weighed in at 10 1/2oz. today; Danni is all over him like a rash :? she absolutely adores him and I am not getting a look in. :wink:

We didn't do too much with him today as I want him to get accustomed being in with his 'monsterous' room mate! Zarbu. They were both fed together in the enclosure and Zarbu couldn't quite make out why 'her snack' was eating the same as her :lol:

Later in the day, I brought him indoors and put a mouse on the lure and offered it to him..............................................h e bobbed like a loony, then flew up and almost hovered, before dropping onto it. I wanted to see if he was going to try and carry it into a corner but he just looked around before eating it. I put a chick wing on the glove and he came straight up. Sunday will be his first 'public' showing as we are taking him up to Huxley's to try him on the creance. I made the horseshoe lure today with very soft leather and will give it a go then.

I will ask to see if it is worth imping the 2 broken tail feathers; I will have to use either partridge or pheasant feathers but I doubt if 'joe public' will no any difference.
I dread to think what is going to happen tomorrow as I'm supposed to be flying Kier all day weather permitting; I bet Danni will be in and out of the enclosure all day. I will leave her strict instructions as to what to feed him, and leave it all ready for her.

[Saker-Clive]

23/01/'05.

10 1/2oz. We took jim up to Huxley's this morning to get his equipment changed (I made them yesterday but don't have the eyelets), and to give him a little 'fly' on the lawn.
It was a glorious day and Wightwings was there with his boy Matt. I asked if he would help out as Loco is quite a handful :wink: I put him on the creance, then on the post and got him to fly to the glove about 20 feet. He was spot on; I got WW to do the same and again he was spot on. The next time I moved back to about 30 feet, and got the lure that I made out and tried him with that.
The little might bobbed, roused and paused for a second or two, wings outstretched poised ready to to go then he came. (thing is the food fell of the lure so I had to get in quick to get it back onto the lure :oops: ).I set him up again and this time, threw the lure up for hm to 'catch'. He did this and followed it down; he tried to carry it towards the hedge but I kept a tight reign on it :) .
I thought that he had shown that he was adept on the lure and to the fist, so decided to end the session there and said that we would take him out the our training ground in the afternoon.
I took Jake my boy with me as Danni was in her 'Kevin' mode :!: :evil: :!: We got to the corral and spiked the creance and Jake took him downwind the full length; I went the full length upwind. As soon as Jake's fist was up, and I showed hi the lure.................................the little buzz-bomb was hurtling low towards me :P I threw the lure out onto the ground and he hit it and fed :D Although I didn't expect any less, I was so pleased. 8)
I set up again but this time, I only went half way, (just upto the spike) and pulled the lure away as he came near. He climbed and hovered for a second before diving back down towards me as he could see the lure by my feet; he went through my legs and tied me up with the line :oops: :roll: The next pass, I tried to get him to stoop the lure and make a 'proper' pass but as I pulled the lure away, he carried on until getting pulled up by the line. I let him sit for a few seconds, then swung it again and called him back to the lure on the ground....................straight there :D
I fully cropped him up with a mouse off the lure and a chick body on the fist; hooded him up and came home very pleased with ourselves. Tomorrow is supposed to be bitterly cold with a stiff breeze 18mph. and a windchill of -8c. We'll see how things transpire. :roll:

[Varmint]

Thats quite a feast to such a little feller Clive?

2 points to rem? firstly whatever you feed him has no immediate effect on his performance or appetite but later (45 mins-1hr) it will start to be digested and the appetite will lessen.

Secondly, your lure Pad! as you know clive i hate lure pads esp for small birds preffering natural lures but i do use lead core lure sticks, so rather than the weight of the lure dragging the bird down or knocking confidence it's th estick that can take the sting out of the tail speed wise ect.

Light natural lures will make your little Guy much more confident and eventually he'll put more effort in to actually catching the lure rather than going thru the motions.

Just some advice, see what you think?

( you just cant resist those tid bits can u mate :wink: )

[Saker-Clive]

24/01/'05.

The 'mighty Moth' weighed 10 1/2oz. Bitterly cold and rather windy, 20mph but as he was on the creance I thought it would be a good excersise for him. :shock:
We set up the creance on the spike so we had a good 60 yards for him to fly. I put a chick leg on the pad I made, (it weighs 1oz.) and the hood came off, before I had a chance to call him he was on his way; wings going ten to the dozen and about 3 feet of the ground; I threw the lure out on the ground and he went down on it just like yesterday. :D He does tend to try and take it away under cover but I guess that is natural! He came up to the fist for a wing, and we set off again. Another leg fixed to the lure but this time, I stood by the spike and took the lure away to see if he would turn. He went past about 15 yards and I called him; he started to turn to the left but was then flying with the wind. He got a litle flustered and sat to sort himself out. :roll: I moved back and called him again and he came again; I threw the lure up for him to catch and he did. :P Again he tried to fly away with it but I gently brought him down.
I put the head on the lure this time and got him just to come the double length again.
The hood came off, and he bobbed his little head and started his journey into the wind; he was definately struggling to get to me but I encouraged him and he eventually got there. He wolfed his reward down, and we just sat in the bloody cold for a good 5 minutes to let him rest a little and I decided on 1 last flight. This time I put the body of the chick on and we set off again. He zigg-zagged his way across this time and from 20 yards before me he climbed and waited for me the throw the lure up for him; this I did and he caught it again and came down nicely this time. 8) He tucked into it and I then gave him his mouse to finnish off before comming home. I cleaned his beak, and he was quite amicable about letting me do it today with out trying to bite. I hooded him and we came home for a warm up.
In total he has had 1 small mouse and 1 chick. I will slowly bring his weight down shortly, as Matt said he flew him at 9 1/4 - 9 1/2oz.

[Lloydparabuteo]

ok, well as vermint said that is still alot for a perlin, to then expect it to fly again in the afternoon

[Wightwings]

thats a good point about the lure stick Varmit made Clive. i think you may have seen mine i just weighted it with strips of lead flashing and taped it all up. that way if the bird does hit too hard and at speed i can let go knowing the weight will gradually slow the bird and not me keeping hold of the lure stick and risking ripping out a talon. :D

heres a quick question and dont laugh, (and i dont want to hijack your thread clive) do longwings have a faster matabolism than the short and broadwings? I ask looking at the food clive is giving to loco without him seeming to shoot up in weight. Carols HH is 1.71/4 ish most days and stays steady on between 2-3 chicks but every other day he has a mouse and his weight rockets???? Somedays he only needs one mouse and one chick.......the same as a 10oz Perlin :shock: :?: Surely a mouse a day would push a Perlin up faster.....or would it.

PS he is very nice bird.......a midnight visit to liberate him may be in order :wink: :roll:

[Lloydparabuteo]

The smaller longwings seem to burn of alot more food than some of the larger birds because they can be nervous and yes have faster motabilisms, it is the same with sparrow hawks which generally when flying need to be fed twice a day.

[Wightwings]

aahhh right thanks for that Luke........educated again :D

[Lloydparabuteo]

lol, i think we better let clive have his post back now. Where will no doubt hear wonderful things!!

[Saker-Clive]

:D

PORTION OF THIS THREEAD HAS BEEN EDITED AS MEMBERS HAVE BEEN MAN ENOUGH TO SORT IT THEMSELVES

[Varmint]

Calm Down!, Calm Down! It's kicking off?

I cant believe that you boys are having a dust up and havent invited me?

I am the first one to fly off the handle at stuff like this, but in reality there is some element of truth in all postings here, you have all got to agree to disagree on this one?

Clive, i have no doubt in my mind that you care deeply for all BOP especially Zarbu. And i know from your posts that you would never intentionally mishandle your bird. If she did get thrown off, then hey? its not the end of the world!

And as you've said, the RSPCA have given you the all clear accom wise, and that should be better than good for anyone here?

Llyod, you must learn to curb your temper a bit, and whilst you have the best interest of the birds at heart, realise that Clive is just beginning and diff people learn in diff ways? you cannot force your opinion onto people much as you might try (i do all the time! :lol: )

I prefer the "Told you so" attitude later? :lol: :twisted:

I have read most of your post's on Zarbu (as you know) and have spoke to Clive on more than one occasion on PM regarding her.

If we are being truthfull on this thread, i too feel that you cant really see the wood for tree's with Zarbu Clive and you are now starting to discover that the mentallity of a falcon is very diff to that of a HH?

Getting another bird is prob the best thing that could have happened for you Clive provided you now start to change your attitude toward the training techniques and temperament of a Falcon.

This one is already doing it, you just gotta keep it going?

Time has a great way of sorting things out and mistakes float to the surface with time, so lets allow time to heal this rift?

Clive, i know you dont want to effect Lloyds liveleyhood and career over this? and Lloyd you have apologised but should rem that as a prof Falconer, patience is your strongest tool? (and viagra is good too!)

Thats only my personal observation??

Please rem folks, before you fly off the handle! We are all here to help each other at the end of the day, so lets start doing that, shall we?

Lets get back to the thread on Loco Clive!

I was wondering? if Matt supplied you with flying weights for Loco and the bird was obviously trained and manned when you got him?
Why are you hanging around at higher weights messing? get his weight down and get him out there free flying, we've only got a couple of weeks left of the season??

Even dropping him slowly in this cold weather? it should only take a couple of days to get him somewhere near his original flying weight? he doesn't need to be intensivley manned, he has been and they are really friendly anyway, he needs the routine of flying and getting fit again.

From your past post's on Zarbu, i feel one of your biggest mistakes is trying to spend too much social time with the bird, You may feel that you are strengening a bond by manning but in actual fact it allows for lots of mixed messages , both ways and can often confuse the bird!

Pick up, hood, weigh equip and fly..... the bird will get the daily manning whilst in your company and whilst getting fed up after the flight, and thats all it really needs on a daily basis. I doesn't want to be a pet, it wants to do what it was born to do, fly and hunt.

I want to here about what he has nailed Clive, not what he had with his mouse for breakfast? :wink:

Come on Clive! Forgive Lloyd, in his own way he just wants to help but feels frustrated! rise above it all and show us what a little scorcher you really got on your hands!

[Miguel Gomez]

Someone is having a go, by the sounds of things lads?

They will only respond to a specific complaint, not just accusation so someones put them on to you?

And as Clive says, they must have specific knowledge of your name, address, birds in your care?

Who would have all of that specific knowledge?

Still, if you keep your standards high, there's nothing to worry about 8)

[Varmint]

Sorry guys, that last post was me? forgot to sign in :oops:

[Wightwings]

:D

[Shaun Byrne]

How is Loco anyway, Clive?

[ChicM]

It's Gino that shopped you all - gotta be! Fiendish revenge for being drummed out :D

[Saker-Clive]

He's fine, Snudz and I took the birds out today for about 4 hours. I've still got him on the creance which is definately holding him back BUT as I don't have a tranny for him, I am not pushing my luck setting him free.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Wightwings]

:D

[Snudz]

Just to get this thread back on line a bit...................

I joined Clive and Danni (his daughter, not mine........who's also called Danni so as to completely confuse you all :? ) for my initial flying session with the turbo budgie. :lol: He is everything and more than you'd expect. Flown out of the hood he was electric. Instant response and he flew his socks off in a light breeze to the lure. He flew low and hard, waiting on almost Kestrel fashion as he nailed the lure. Cant wait for him to go free and really see what he's capable of. Apparently Garlands aren't getting any Marshall stock until May so does anyone know of a UK dealer for Merlin telemetry gear?? We'll contact their website in the meantime.

Clives strategy of using large pieces on the lure with Zarbu also seems to be paying off. After an initial hesitation her responses and attention switched on when she saw the body being strapped on. She kept fairly close in and made several passes as Clive worked the lure. A deft catch and she wolfed her reward down. A repeat performance ensued and again she flew well if not to her breathtaking best. T'was bloody cold though and the wind chill must have been well below freezing. Hopefully the weather will help us out and she'll be able to work back to full fitness.

And lastly, but definately not least, we took out Kier. We worked a bank of scrub brambles interspersed with small trees and tall bushes. Flying from our fists to the trees and posts at the top he covered a lot of ground. We also saw/flushed four or five rabbits as we wondered along but Kier managed to be in the wrong tree at the time, every time. Apart from the one time when he was perched on a post and this bloody great bunny scuttled off not four feet from him.............didn't even see him. :shock: So much for the fairytale ending............ :?

Another thoroughly enjoyable day though and as ever I'm grateful to be allowed to tag along. Cheers mate. :lol:

Andy

[Bod]

Not wishing to add fuel to the fire have you thought about the Freedom of Information Act, Clive.
I'm not sure if the RSPCA will be included in the Act, but if it is you should be able to get details regarding anything that is held on you by them.

[Varmint]

Clive if your looking for Merlin Transmitter i use a Falconry electronics FMV-5 in favour of the Marshall transmitter.

15 mile range, Truly tiny and in my opinion superb at £115

Eddie has them in stock now on both 126 and 173mhz and you can order them by calling him on 01422 376127

I have been very happy with mine!

[Shaun Byrne]

I've still got him on the creance which is definately holding him back BUT as I don't have a tranny for him, I am not pushing my luck

Clive, if you still have the Biotrack system, they do the FT-1 tag for birds less than 12oz. I would say they are off the shelf. HTH

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks for the responses guys.
Bod; I really couldn't care who, what or why people want to act in such a fashion; if they get their kicks being childish that's upto them. (there's more than one way to skin a cat!!)

I've spoke to Brian Cresswell at Bio Track but he feels, unless I put one of there 'wildlife' trackers on, (a fully enclosed unit, which lasts for x months, they have nothing that would really suit).

I will give Falconry Electronics a ring over the next 24 hours.

Snudz, thanks for that; you know you're always welcome, lets just hope what you see or dare I say it learn, will help you and not hinder you in any way! but most of all, enjoy it.

[Varmint]

and he flew his socks off in a light breeze to the lure

I thought he wasnt flying free Clive?

[Saker-Clive]

He isn't; what I think Snudz is saying is that he flew eagerly and worked hard in the 15mph wind.
My creance is about 60/65 yards double out (I use a dog teathering spike to give me double length). He flew strong in the conditions.

[Shaun Byrne]

The only problem I can see with this Clive (and its not a dig) is if the wind carries him or he gets spooked for any reason he's going to get his little legs ripped off.

[Snudz]

Unfortunately, or fortunately, the creance drags on the ground, acting with a braking effect on Locos speed and his tiny weight means he doesn't create a lot of inertia. He'll be free soon when Clives sorted out the electrics but if he was flown and got buzzed by one of the local kessies we'd never see him again.

[Saker-Clive]

This is one of my major concerns; this is why I have got to sort out the new tag.

[Miguel Gomez]

I Think you may be quite surprized at how he deals with your local Kestrel? :o

[Shaun Byrne]

Just what I was thinking! You might get a surprise Clive but not as big a surprise as the Kessie gets!

[Saker-Clive]

I have just ordered my tag for him and hopefully it should be here tomorrw; thanks Varmint, i spoke to Eddie and it's all sorted. So all I need now is the weather to clear up and lower him down to 9 1/4 - 9 1/2oz. This is what Matt said he flew his best at!!!

sorry for taking so long to get back but i've been trying to set up this new pc and broadband. :rolleyes:

[Shaun Byrne]

Now your pc will be as fast as your Perlin, Clive lol!!
Get him out there nailing mate!

[Varmint]

well done clive! now well hear how good your lure swinging is eh? :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

FMV5 has arrived...................but looks like the weather is not going to be kind this weekend!!! typical :rolleyes:

[Saker-Clive]

02/02/'05.

He weighed in at just on 10oz and decided to go for a play. We made 2 passes on the creance then I SET HIM LOOSE :D

He was really eager for the lure and he tied me up in knotts :oops: he twisted and turned, and came in so fast compared to Zarbu that Danni was in hysterics :!: I hid the lure and he waited on directly above me then dropped as soon as I got the lure out again. He went around again but this time I lost him...............................he was hanging onto my trousers :shock: He obviously anticipated my move and locked onto me. I dropped the lure out and he was there. We completed 3 flights in all free, and the last one he decided to chase a magpie. They both headed towards the houses and road, so all I could do was shout 'Ho' and he either decided it wasn't for him and turned back at took his reward.
I clipped his swivel onto his jesses and let him have the rest of his feed.
Exhilerating doesn't describe it.
Matt if you're reading this; you did a great job with him; you said he was fun. An understatement if ever there was one.
Matt said he flew him at around 9 1/2oz so he still has to come down a little.

[Shaun Byrne]

Sounds like great fun Clive, well done. You're going to have to watch him now mate, thats no display bird you've got there, first sight of prey and he's going to be off to nail it. Cant wait for the low down on your first hunting trip.

[Snudz]

You just couldn't wait could you!!!!!

Bloody cat, at least I've got an excuse to kick it now............ :twisted: :twisted:










Oh yeah, well done mate, see ya tomorrow. :lol:

[Saker-Clive]

I don't think it will be too long before he switches off to the lure and goes after something. There are a couple of places I can't wait to take him that have partridge and plenty of open land.

I guess the video will have to come out :rolleyes:

[Shaun Byrne]

Now THAT would be worth watching!!

[Saker-Clive]

If we can get some, I'll try at put it on a DVD, something to play with in the evenings when I'm not out with the night vision!

[Shaun Byrne]

Night Vision?? What you doing, perving at the neighbours? lmao!

[Saker-Clive]

03/02/'05.

He weighed in at 10oz. again, but didn't feel as sharp as yesteday. I put a little peice of beef on the lure and the hood came off; without the need of any coaxing, he was on his way and started his barrage of flying abuse at me :shock:
He stooped and stooped for a good 15 minutes but his 'speciallity' seems to be, waiting on directly above, then dropping down on top of me just missing me. This got both Snudz and Danni in fits of laughter :D He carried on buzzing the lure and he seems to pre-determing where the lure is going to be next. On several occaisions, he flew between my head and the lure, twisting and turning on a 'sixpence' (for the younger members, it's an old coin about the size of a 5p).
My arm was begining to tingle through its workout so I gave in to his superior agility and let him have it.
Snudz was totally gobsmacked at the little birds speed and tenacity, he was also still giggling about Loco's antics. We set up again and like before, he was bombing about living up to his name. On one occaision, he litterally bombed the floor and skidded a couple of feet along the ground. I didn't see it but the others did. I miss alot of the close stuff as I have to concentrate on the lure. He worked really hard again for the time he was in the air then he caught me out and clipped the lure. I laid it out for him to come back in and take.
In all the excitement and adrenalin rush, we put him up again and although he worked hard again, we all thought he was a little tired. He sat for a couple of seconds twice so I gave him the lure and he hit it with one hell of a thud, I thought he'd knock himself senseless. He caught it really well and came down nicely; I got him back on the fist and clipped his leash back on, then gave him a whole chick.
We sorted out all the gear and came home just as the rain started :roll:

I'm sure Snudz will put up his version but we were all on a high; the difference in flying styles from a 2lb. Saker and a tiny little 10oz. Perlin is amazing. Zarbu although fast and agile, we compare her to a B52 bomber compared to Loco's 'acrobatic' buzz bomb flying :!:

[Shaun Byrne]

Sounds great mate, watch out partridge (next season). You putting him up to moult Clive?

[Saker-Clive]

I've been told that neither of them will moult until next year. If I can hold them off until next autumn I will. I could try and feed them up soon and see if that makes a difference.

[Shaun Byrne]

Sorry mate your right, if they were late 2004 birds they probably wont moult.

[Snudz]

03/02/'05.

he was also still giggling about Loco's antics.

Moi?? Giggle?? :lol: :lol:

Clive said it all really. Loco flew his heart out and his flying ability is incredible. The nearest thing to a feathered dragonfly I've seen. And boy does he hit hard!! On one of his many verticle stoops he came down so hard that he grounded, skidded on his belly for a couple of feet and then took off again, straight back into the fight!! Amazing stuff. :shock: :lol: If he carries on in this vein then we're gonna have some serious fun this year.

Andy

[Saker-Clive]

07/02/'05.

10oz. Today was our official first day out hunting. He has shown that he is more than happy to fly to the lure so I wanted to see if he would chase anything. We went to where we take Kier out; a small bank full of bushes with a variety of birds from wagtails, blackbirds magpies, crows wood-peckers etc.
We could hear lots of birds singing away in the bushes, so as we approached I un-hooded him and let him have a look. I raised my arm and it wasn't long before he took flight..................................and sat on a post 60 yards away :roll: I walked away and then got the lure out; he came straight away and started his usual assault on me and the lure. I hid the lure and he waited on above us. I saw a green wood-pecker about 80 yards away on a post and as we got nearer it took flight. Closely followed by Loco. The adrenalin was really kicking in now and we watched both birds go over the top of the bank. We legged it after then and by the time that we got to the top, neither bird was nowhere to be seen. :cry:
We saw a couple of crows semi stooping something about 150 yards away but couldn't see what. I got the lure out and called his name.........and he was flying back towards me :D I let him have the lure and we all settled down before going again. We headed for the next plateau and bush line. There were several wood pigeons in the trees but he didn't show any interest. I got him stooping again as he was just floating about aimlessly :!: We then saw a kessie comming our way a few hundred yards away, so I called him in and let him have a good crop full of food. We got him dressed and came home. He had in total, 3/4oz. of steak, 2 chick legs and a head.

[Saker-Clive]

16/02/'05.

9 3/4oz. At last a break in the weather; cold, overcast but the wind had subsided a little, only about 10mph. I was on my own and decided to see if he would chase anything. I could hear lots of birds in the bushes but as we approached things went very quiet :roll: , he started to bob his head like a loony so I held my arm up ready for him to go but he just roused and settled back down.
He hadn't moved from the fist for a good 8 minutes, so I showed him the lure and he was off. He stooped to the lure for a few minutes, then I put it away and carried on walking along the bushes trying to put something up but nothing moved and he kept on stooping down around me then waiting on above :wink:
I decided to get the lure out again and he worked for a few minutes before I hid it again but this time he decided to fly and cling onto me back :shock: I put the lure onto the ground and let him have his little bit of steak. I checked him over to make sure he hadn't hurt himself and he seemed fine. I got him back on the fist and we moved up onto the next open level; again all the birds went silent. I put him up and he followed on for a bit then went and sat on a post, 80 yards away. I could hear a blackbird in the bushes not too far from him, so I let him sit to see if anything would happen but nothing did :evil:
I got the lure out again and he came over and stooped again for a while until I put it away and again he waited on then came and flew into my back again :? I managed to get him on the fist and looked him over again and he seemed Ok! I tried to explain that this was not the game and put him up again. A women with 5 working Springers was watching and asked if she could have a closer look. I got him down and we chatted for a while and Loco didn't seem to be bothered by the dogs nosing about. She said that the dogs were working dogs and I asked if a couple of them would go through the bushes and maybe flush something out to see if he would chase but nothing was put up for him. I gave him another 5 minutes stooping the lure then fed him up and we came home.
Apart from his 'kamikaze' flights, he was fun to fly albeit at no quarry and the few on lookers enjoyed his antics. My main concern at the moment is this flyingt into me when the lure has been hid; maybe when the weather brightens up a little and the birds are feeling more brave, he might concentrate more on the task in hand :lol:

[Shaun Byrne]

Thats the only thing with a hunting bird Clive, they dont know the game. He has been trained as a falconry bird rather than for display. Once the lure is brought out he expects to get it rather than be stooped. Added to this the fact that he hasn't been served will make him a tad agressive and hypo.

[Saker-Clive]

If I can get him out tomorrow, I will only use the lure to get him back and see how he goes with that.

[Shaun Byrne]

I think thats your best bet mate. Let him nail it without garnish, then pick him up with a tiny tid bit, then let him have another go but choose your slip carefully.

Good luck mate

[Wightwings]

good read Clive look forward to the post 2morrow and the piccy of him on a least a blacky. :D

good points H4 im sure C will have "el loco" catching his own din dins verrrry soon

[Saker-Clive]

17/02/'05.

9 3/4oz. We took him out first today but the turn of events was just bloody typical :?

We started off in the same place as yesterday as the golf course was a bit too busy; on arrival, we could hear loads of birds singing and as we approached the brow of the 'hill' what was 70 yards in front of us...............................................6 rabbits 20 yards out in the open :twisted: a few maggies were in the bushes then all went silent :? He started bobbing so I let the jesses go and we carried on walking slowly. He roused and took off and flew about 100 yards and turned back and circled above me. I resisted getting the lure out and we carried on walking. He went out and back several times then shot off about 300 yards and perched on a large ten foot metal fence. As we could see him there was no panick and we carried on walking. Then 4 crows came over to him and started to 'bomb' him. We watched for a short time then I had to get the lure out. I called and swung the lure and he came straight away closely followed by the crows. As they 'stooped' him in flight he showed great courage and twice he grabbed at one of them. As he got to within 100 yards they dispersed and he came straight down to an empty lure. I offered him a little peice of chick leg and he jumped up for it eagerly.
He saw a blackbird swiftly nipping from one bush to another so I let the jesses go and he took flight again; after flying over where the bird was he gained height and circled for a short time before comming back and waiting on again. We carried on walking and he went and perched on a nicely placed post. There were a couple of magpies sitting within 50 yards of him but he showed no interest in them :( I called him back to the lure and gave him another tid bit on the glove. As we walked along the hedgerow, I saw several blue tits jumping about the bush and he saw them also. I let him go again and a blackbird went up as well................
he didn't even look at them. We carried on for about an hour like this and he just didn't want to chase anything.
As we got back into the open area, I let him stoop the lure for a few minutes before comming home. Although uneventful as a 'hunting trip', it was a very enjoyable hour and three-quarters.
I might have to get him a few shot birds to help get him switched on.

[Wightwings]

I might have to get him a few shot birds to help get him switched on.
Good idea Clive, might be worth making a small winged lure from one of them to. It does tend to increase their aggression slightly flying at the feathers.

[Saker-Clive]

He might be a tad heavy; Matt said he flew him at 9 1/4- 9 1/2oz. but he is very sharp at 9 3/4oz!!!!!!!!!

[Afshimo]

lovely pic!

[GoneHawking]

Sounds a little bit like he is getting confused with what you want him to do, is he going to stoop nicely to a lure or hunt birds (with a license - not blue tits).
A real feathered lure would certainly help, but the more you put him on the wing and produce no slips, and then call him into the lure for a reward is only going to confuse the little chap.
Lovely looking bird by the way.

[Saker-Clive]

Hi GH, basically, the guy I got him from, said that he hunted with the bird and he caught blackbirds, yellowhammers and partridge; he also said that he was spot on flying to the lure.
Apart from chasing a woodpecker the other week, he hasn't shown to me any indication that he wants to hunt. Birds have been around whilst he's been on the wing, starlings, woodpigeon etc. but even with the lure hidden he has stayed overhead!!!
I also have a valid game licence and have this last week been in contact with DEFRA and received all the relevant paperwork regarding obtaining licences for 'Blackbird, Skylark, Song Thrush, Meadow pipit etc.' just incase he does go after them. (this way I cover my own back).

[GoneHawking]

Saker-sucker, sounds like you have got it sorted then, I must admit I didn't realise you could obtain a license to fly Pipits and song thrushes as these are dropping in numbers as are yellowhammers.
Back to the bird, maybe just a weight thing or change of owner etc, if he was previously flying blackbirds and pigeons I see no real reason for him to switch off with you, Just keep serving him lots of easy slips and with the right weight and CONDITION he will surely get back into the swing of things.

All the best
Gonehawking

[Saker-Clive]

19/02/'05.

9 3/40z. I felt a little guilty taking him out this morning; although it was gloriously sunny, the wind had got up again and was a bit stiff. 13mph. according to the weather map.

He had 3 golden opportunities at the same blackbird, all within 40 yards of us and the second time, he was on a post 10 yards away. The bird flew in front on him and crossed him but he took no notice. I flushed it out again and still nothing.
As soon as I got the lure out , he was there. I put a tid bit (pick up) on the glove and tried again but this time from the fist but again nothing :(
He was waiting on above me to show him the lure but I walked towards the hedge and 'beated' around it, hoping that something would take flight all to no evail. After about three quarters of an hour trying, I decided to get him going to the lure, which he seemed happy to do :!:
Perciverence and it will happen. He showed a great deal of interest in a herring gull in next doors garden before we went out :?
He did struggle a bit in the wind and his bells were whistling like crazy; a guy I see regularly over there said he could hear them whistling nearly a hundred yards away.

[Saker-Clive]

25/02/'05.

9 1/2oz. This weight is what Matt told me that he hunted Loco at and flew his best at.
Either I'm doing something grossly wrong (which no doubt a few of you will probably agree with :!: ) or he is just not switched on to hunt.

He was flown from the fist at various species, starlings, blackbirds and magpies; all at close range about 25-35 yards away and in full view. He looked as if he was interested at first but when he started to fly, he flew past them and waited on :cry: even when they took flight he took no notice. I then tried him in the waiting on position; we managed to flush a few things but he just flew about as they took to the air.
As soon as the lure is out of my pocket, he comes in and makes passes (even with nothing on it!) he gets the lure and comes up to the fist for a tid bit /pick up piece. I have even let him fly about and then settle on a post and we beat the hedge line all to no avail.

On one occaision, he was in the air and a wagtail or something was 'chasing' him and he took no notice; if at the end of the day he doesn't hunt, then we will still have plenty of fun flying him in anticipation, just incase he does switch on but I will carry on until something changes.
I've used both winged lures and standard.

[Saker-Clive]

26/03/'05.

9 3/4oz. On his last 2 outings he has raised my hopes only to have them dashed at the last minute :wink:
Last Saturday and today, he did exactly the same thing .....................
after zooming about for a while he decided to go an upset a group of crows sitting on posts shouting at him. He headed fast and hard at them and litterally puched on straight off the post :lol: 8) ...............'go on my son' I thought but instead of following it down.........................................he sat on the bloody post, puffed himself up and had a look around. The crows got up and squawked a bit then moved on :oops:

I now have come to beleive that he will not hunt; I've tried his weight from 9 1/4oz upto 10oz. The lower weight to me was getting a bit too close to being dodgy for my liking but he is regularly flown at anything between 9 1/2 - 10oz max. The norm is 9 1/2- 9 3/4oz.
He's had blackbirds, larks etc. right in front of him and he takes no notice. He knows what to do though as, last Sunday, I gave him a quail and he went mental. He didn't eat much before his crop was near to bursting but he went at it with real vigour.

[OutFlying]

Most male perlins fly at around 9 oz, so at 9 1/4 I don't think its going to be too low (without seeing the bird that is). What was it's starting weight / lowest weight with the last owner. Is he waiting on or are you flying him off the fist ? How sharp is his keel at 9 1/4 oz ?

Outflying.

[Saker-Clive]

Matt flew him at between 9 1/4 - 9 1/2oz. At 9 1/4oz, he said he wasn't as good as 9 1/2oz.

I have been flying him in a manner of different ways, off the fist, waiting on and letting him perch up and wait............. he just shows no interest in chasing.
I will percivere and if he shows no interest come his moult then I will just fly him for fun.

[OutFlying]

Did he start at 9 1/4 and how sharp is he at this weight ?

[Saker-Clive]

I don't know much more than what i've said. His keel is very sharp at 9 1/2oz, you can just about pinch the breast bone. (obviously it depends on how fat a persons fingers are!!!)

When I know the weather is going to be bad for at least 3 days or more, I put him up a little so as not to depleat too much goodness out of him. He flies hard and by now, he should be putting on a little muscle, which in turn will put his weight up.

[Hawkmaster]

sOUNDS LIKE HE NEEDS TO BE DROPPED SLIGHTLY, BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO JUDGE FOR YOURSELF HERE, AS THIS IS A SMALL BIRD AND ONE NEEDS (sorry for shouting) to take extreme care.

Which you already know and therefore may be, being to careful.

I have enjoyed your preogress with him but feel you have been a bit on the up and down with the weight control, you need to work his weight finer to know for sure that he needs dropping.

Best way is to use a method I use, work out the hawk metabolism and gain knowledge from there.

[OutFlying]

Hawkmaster, A 10 oz perlin male is a large one, 9 oz the norm - I think it's overweight - best guess without seeing it. But if it was successfully hunted before it knows what to kill and how to kill, so why isn't chasing now ? I think he needs to speak to the last owner and find out exactly the methods used to fly him before. I ask before if it was imprinted or parent reared but Saker-Sucker didn't seem to be sure - more research into previous perlins history required.. :!:

[Hawkmaster]

I agree, but I too suspect it is too high for hunting.

[Adam Barrett]

just a thought saker-suker regarding what people are saying about his weight and what matt has told you maybe your scales or matts scales were weighing a fraction of a oz differant i know had bad digital scales can be for this.
Cheers

[Saker-Clive]

I will try and contact Matt later and have a chat with him.

As for scales, I now only use balance scales; I have got to get an 1/8oz even though I know the weights of a 1p, 2p etc.

[Saker-Clive]

Just been chatting with Matt on the phone before his went dead; Loco was parent reared by a pair of Barbary's; he flew him off the fist and he weighed 9 1/2oz. majority of the time.
He agrees that anything less than 9 1/4oz would put him in decline. I am gonna have to get several injured and shot birds for him. Only feed him on feather for a while and use them on the lure.

Matt says 'Hi' to everyone and is hoping to be back on line shortly once he gets his move sorted.

[Saker-Clive]

10/04/'05.

He weighed 9 1/2oz. today and I had to get him out as I haven't taken him out for about a fortnight now.
After taking Zarbu out, I got him ready and we left. I've been letting him feed on quail wings and plenty of feathered stuff; quail mainly and after he has a crop full, I move him out and let Zarbu feed on the rest of it.

I kept him hooded right up until we were close to several blackbirds and magpies, then took it off. Within 10 seconds he was off the fist but went over the hill and I lost sight of him :( I called and whistled but nothing..... I had fears that he might have gone for good for some reason but I got to the top of the hill and I could see him 100 yards away, sitting on the high metal fence. I swung the lure and he was heading back in his normal mental fashion :D I got him to do several passes before he went and sat on the post. I walked back down to where we usually fly and called to him. He came and made several more passes before I let him take his reward. A few dog walkers decided to sit on the bank and watch while we went through our feeble attempt to get him to chase or catch something. 3 larks ringed up around him while he was 150 feet up but he took no notice and he waited for me to show him the lure before starting his attack on me and it. 5 flights for chick legs and head and finish with the body on the fist before coming home.

[BFC 007]

hi ss,you tried any long luring with him yet mate?

[OutFlying]

SS, after reading all this thread - it's quite clear nothing is happening at 9 1/2, what is your plan of attack ? next. When you say sharp , are we talking the bone is like an empty chicken carcass or that you can feel the bone slightly. If it is very sharp at 9 1/2 then it is a VERY large male perlin.

[Saker-Clive]

Hi guys, Bigfish.... by long luring, I've been a good 400 yards away and he is spot on to the lure.

OF, his keel is very sharp; the breastbone is easily felt and you can feel about 1/8" from the point back before the ribcage is felt. Just like the keel of a boat. If by the end of the summer, he hasn't taken anything I might contemplate passing him on for display work and concentrate on the other 2 birds but that is a way off yet.
He is really fun to fly but it is getting a tad boring as I know what he is going to do and when he is going to do it!!!

[OutFlying]

SS, what different things are you going to try during the summer ?

[Saker-Clive]

The only thing that I can think of is to keep feeding him up on freshly shot feathered quarry and take him out to places where there are birds for him to fly at.

[Gaz]

Wasn"t the bird up and going when you got it??its the one i was interested in from Andy??

[Saker-Clive]

Hi Gaz,
I got him from Matt; he said that he had taken blackbirds, yellowhammers and a couple of partridge. He also told me recently how he got him into hunt mode but I wont go into that as it has been covered on other threads several times now :rolleyes:

[Lloydparabuteo]

outflying- from what i hear 9 1/2 oz is an average flying weight for an average size male perlin. I don't think weight is a problem with this bird as i believe clive has now got enough experience to know when the bird is too high in weight and when it is too thin, so really it is probably a case of finding ways to get Loco more interested in hunting, try tying a chick to something you want him to hunt and letting it go. lol :)

[OutFlying]

Since the original posting other facts have come to light, and agree their are other issues involved.

[Wightwings]

Hi Gaz,
I got him from Matt; he said that he had taken blackbirds, yellowhammers and a couple of partridge. He also told me recently how he got him into hunt mode but I wont go into that as it has been covered on other threads several times now :rolleyes:

if its good for the goose C. :wink:

[Hawkmaster]

Naaa, perlins are far too small for geese! :lol:

[OutFlying]

outflying- from what i hear 9 1/2 oz is an average flying weight for an average size male perlin. I don't think weight is a problem with this bird as i believe clive has now got enough experience to know when the bird is too high in weight and when it is too thin, so really it is probably a case of finding ways to get Loco more interested in hunting, try tying a chick to something you want him to hunt and letting it go. lol :)

If someone sold me a hawk and said it flew at 9 1/2 ounces, and at this weight it was killing regularly. I would take it it was both killing and being flown most days. Now if a hawk wasn't killing and wasn't being flown as much - I wouldn't expect it to be flown at the same weight. When initialy flown it must have been flown below 9 1/2 and survived.

From the above information I would say the perlin was overweight but it now appears it may not have had too many kills under its belt and is lure bound. As you said this will require a different approach.

[Wightwings]

its aint going to get flown any more often than with C.

its getting fitter by the day also so this is a weight consideration.
it flies well and keen but just is lure bound at the mo by all accounts.
interested to see any suggestions on this apart form th usual drop his weight comment.

[OutFlying]

WW, I was just going off the earlier post of him not being flown for 2 weeks. 10/04/2005.

Something doesn't add up with this perlin - either the first person hasn't explained exactly what he caught, how many it caught and how it caught them. Also what is the weight history from initial recall weight, entering weight and then onto it real hunting weight.

IF and that is an if, 9 1/2 ounces is its best hunting weight that surely it was flown lower to enter it.

From my limited experience with hawks, carrying is a sign of being flown overweight. I know small falcons such as merlins and perlins have a habit of carrying and it may not be weight dependant.

I think the whole episode illustrates why it is best to start with a fresh eyass, then you know exactly what your getting and rather than relying on someone accounts.

[Wightwings]

Something doesn't add up with this perlin - either the first person hasn't explained exactly what he caught, how many it caught and how it caught them. Also what is the weight history from initial recall weight, entering weight and then onto it real hunting weight.

I agree, the guy used to post on here but no longer does so (computer problems i believe)

Loco really is a stunning little bird and i understand from C, apart from the break he has just had he flies almost EVERY day. the little chap could not want more. but i also agree its not as simple as weight reduction (can be deadly at that weight too) there must be some other issues. i will hold my hands up as i have done before, i have never trained a longwing to hunt just to display, but still think perhaps Loco has not had as many (real) kills as clive was told.

[OutFlying]

WW, I think C, will have to start with a blank page and treat the perlin as an unentered falcon. And disregard the notion of 9 1/2 ounces hunting weight, just keep presenting easy chances, feed similar prey species (whole carcass) and maybe less leather lure pad work. It might fly at a higher or lower weight but at the moment - it definately isn't doing it at it's current weight.

Your last point regarding kills seems to ring true.......

[Wightwings]

i agree.

[Saker-Clive]

OK guys, lets put things into the right context. When I put up Loco's weight on the posts, that is with his bells and jesses; they weigh 1/4oz. (I weighed them prior to fitting); this means, when I say he's 9 1/2oz, HE is infact 9 1/4oz true weight.
I imagine everyone weigh's their birds the same, with bells and jesses.
To me, it is only a 'number' the weight issue, if he is responsive at 1lb. 5oz., I'd fly him at that but he is totally lure bound. When I fly him, it is usually from the fist; I find close quarry to fly at, blackbirds, woodies magpies etc. and wait until he see's them. I let his jesses go and he flies............................................. ....................................takes NO notice of the other birds either on posts, in trees or on the wing. He circles me looking for the lure but I leave him to cruise about. He then usually goes and finds somewhere to sit after a while and waits for me to show him the lure. As soon as I get the lure out he starts his attack on it. He is totally lure bound and until I can get some rifle shot birds for him to feed up on, I don't think he will hunt.
I really don't care if he doesn't hunt but I need to find out one way or the other.

[OutFlying]

SS, it problems like this that put the biggest smile on your face when you crack it. Keep trying various methods and see on you go on.

[Saker-Clive]

16/04/'05

He weighed 9 3/4oz. first thing but I didn't fly him until the afternoon when he weighed 9 1/2oz.
I took my boy Jake out with us today and we went somewhere different. As it was a nice warm day, we went to the cricket pitches which are about half a mile from where we usually fly the birds. There were sewveral crows, maggies and pigeons about and numerous sparrows and tits. I let him go from the fist and he had a good fly about before waiting on above me to show him the lure. :roll: I got the lure out and he started his usual assault on me :!: After a few minutes he went and sat on a telegraph pole 80 yards away. After a few seconds, he was in the air and on his way back towards me again. I stooped him for a few more minutes then let him take the lure.
I got him back on thw fist and we waited a while before letting him go again. This time he headed towards a crow in the tree and got it airbourne. After playing tag with it for a while he went and sat on top of the pavillion. He was soon being 'taking advantage of' by the crow he upset earlier and a squabble ensued. One of them gave out a shreik but I couldn't tell which one :shock: the crow soon left and Loco returned for some more lure work. After we finished we sat for a while and he fed up on 2 quail wings and a chunk from the carcase, about 1/2oz. in all.

[Peregrynne]

Sounds like a great time there Clive and an overall good flight. At least he is showing some interest in birds now. Hope it continues that way.

[Saker-Clive]

18/04/'05.

He weighed in at 9 1/2oz, and we thought that flying was going to be off today as the forecast said we were going to have heavy rain and thunderstorms :!: Well they got it wrong again :D It has been beautiful sunshine all beit a tad windy, 15-20mph.
Snudz came over today as he hadn't been out for a couple of months, holidays in Dubai, buying property etc. 8)
We'd already flown Zarbu and we took Loco out just to see what he'd do.
He flew really well considering the buffeting he got with the wind but he was able to pitch nicely and seemed to enjoy himself as well. There were many opportunities for him to put in at crows, magpies and woodies but he was happy to put on a good 'display' for us and a few onlookers.
So as not to bore you with my usual drivel :? I'll let Snudz say what he thought about todays outing and later I might post up some of the pictures he took with his new toy, once they have been sent over.

[Snudz]

Fresh from my travels and battles t'was good to be out and see the birds flying again. Zarbu is still serenely regal and Loco is still a lunatic. Nothing changes............well almost. When I first saw Loco fly we could have exercised him in Clives lounge. His flying was so tight that you'd have thought he was tied to him with elastic. Now, Loco seems to have relaxed just that single notch, ranging over the terrain and enjoying himself before he streaks back and nails the lure. Wicked to watch, bugga to photograph............. :roll:

Happy Birthday mate.

[Bash]

[quote="Snudz"]Wicked to watch, bugga to photograph............. :roll:
quote]

LOL...... looking forward to meeting him......

[Saker-Clive]

Another one of Snudz's prize winning pics..............................

[Hawkmaster]

Wow that boy is good? Love it, keep 'em coming!

[Saker-Clive]

Just for you HM.................................. :shock:

[Hawkmaster]

That what I am talking about! Well done!

[Saker-Clive]

21/04/'05

A little heavy today at 9 3/4oz. and it showed in his flying :( pretty non discript today but it was suprisingly windy.
He flew for a while then decided to go and sit in the girls playing field of the college next door; this got him a lot of 'female' attention 8) :roll: and he just sat there being admired for a good 5 minutes.
I called him in and he took the reward. I put him up again but this time he played Zarbu's game and played tag with a crow. The crow soon gave up as it just couldn't compete with his twisting and turning :lol:

A few passes at the 'lure' (my head) and I called it quits.

[Saker-Clive]

25/04/'05

He weighed 10oz. this morning but as the weather was supposed to be poor I didn't mind too much. This evening I decided to take him out and he flew suprisingly well considering.
He did tend to sit after a few minutes bombing about or if I hid the lure but I just put that down to him being slightly 'heavy' even though he was very sharp.
At one point whilst I was re-loading the lure, he took flight and I could see him heading away on the tail of a magpie :D 8) I saw the magpie drop and I think it went into a hedge and sat tight but Loco circled around once then came back over and waited for me to give him the lure. I got him to stoop numerous times before finishing off and letting him feed. " chick legs cut into 4 pices and a small mouse to finish up.

[BFC 007]

when are you putting your birds up for the moult ss?
just curious as ive still got my saker going & im debating when to put her up
cheers, paul

[Saker-Clive]

I was hoping they wouldn't until later on but Zarbu has dropped 3 primaries over the week end and Loco dropped 4 last week.

I am hoping to hold them off for a while but if they start moulting properly I will have to put them down :cry:

[Shaun Byrne]

I am hoping to hold them off for a while but if they start moulting properly I will have to put them down :cry:

Thats a bit drastic C :D :D

[Saker-Clive]

:roll: :D :wink:

[Snudz]

As I said the other day mate..........imp the buggas back!!!! :shock: :D :wink:

[RabbitHawker]

Pity you don't know much about imping, if the feathers have dropped there will be no broken shaft to imp into, just a new feather stub coming down.

[Saker-Clive]

Snudz was just cracking a joke, nothing to do with not knowing anything about imping :rolleyes:

[Snudz]

It's me fishing background.............use the right bait and you always get a bite............ :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

Just ordered loads of Araldite just incase :wink: :mrgreen:

[Pete Smith]

SS,
Ref getting your Perlin going, if you've missed the 1st season without consistent performance / kills etc you've got your work cut out.

It's difficult to diagnose problems over the web, as the information you present is "your" interpretation of what's wrong, you could be missing something....have you successfully flown a similar small hawk falcon before?
I have a friend who had big problems with a male Perlin 2 years ago, basically through lack of planning on setups etc he effectively untrained an efficient hunting bird.
Fortunately this was recoverable because the foundations were "sound"

The best advice i would offer, is get out with someone in your area who is flying one with consistent results in the style of hunting you want to pursue. Join a bigger club etc if your not in one, The BFC has several members who are experienced enough to give good advice.
And remember you will only get out what you put in....little effort = small rewards. I hope it works out Pete.

[Saker-Clive]

Hi Pete,
to save going over 'old ground' I'll PM you later.

[Saker-Clive]

27/04/'05

He weighed in at 9 3/8oz. The wind was very strong, about 25mph. but we took him to the usual place and let him stretch his wings. On arrival there were 4 or 5 woodies 100 yards away on the ground and he headed straight towards them; they all took to the air as he approached and they all climbed up together. A small flock of starlings also went across and he got distractd and didn't know what to do. He circled around then came back up to us. Snudz was with us taking pictures and Loco was flying really well considering the wind.
All of a sudden, a resident male Kestral decided to come and 'play'. after chasing Loco for a bit, he got fed up with the un-invited attentions being showed to him so he retaliated and a dog-fight ensued. It was really exciting to watch but I didn't want either bird to get damaged or hurt :oops: We watched for a while and I shouted encouragement to him :? then he broke away and came in for a well earned reward. He seemed really confident in this wind and was not having any problems coping 8)
Each time he came down to the lure or on the fist, the birds were singing, but as soon as he was airbourne, everything went quiet :roll: We only flew for about half an hour but he worked very hard in that time. Ringing up, stooping, tying me up in knotts :oops: and having a good time.
Even after his 2 chick legs, 1 head and a small mouse, he was still up for more flying. Lets hope some of the photo's Snudz took come out well :D

[GoneHawking]

Pete Smith, Having flown Perlins very well recently what would you say is happening here? is it as you say a case of a good hunting bird being untrained by not quite understanding the species and what is required.
No direspect intended to saker sucker but I think in the hands of an experienced long winger this bird should have been hunting well by now, I am no longwing expert but it seems to me that this bird is becoming very lure bound. Maybe this is just highlighting how hard it is to fly two totally different falcon species and obtain good results, ie: kills.
As I said no slur on SS intended, I would just love to hear about this little bird killing and moving forward in progress, So Pete can you help, also can you discuss on the forum not via PM, that way others can learn a long the way.

[Pete Smith]

Saker S (Clive),
If i owned the Perlin i would suggest the following, (Not facts...just guidelines.)
The 1st thing you need to do is to create a reason for your hawk to want to "try" and hunt....initially weight reduction will provide the motivation, as the hawk becomes successfull the act of hunting it'self will act as a strong motivator....too strong in some cases!

The issues you need to consider are: Ideal weight
Recognition of quarry
Reduce interest in lure
Initial (simple) hunts
Advanced hunts

Note: This is aimed toward waiting on type flights.

1) You need to determine the following weights for your bird: under weight, hunting weight, and response weight.
Starting with "under weight" your current program of flying at the lure will be fine to determine this, (you will also need a gram scale...no fatalities please).

Basically reduce your birds weight until you see a reduction in effort at the lure. As a guide my male Perlins were typically as follows: Low = 217g response = 280g Hunting Autumn = 235g Hunting winter = 250g
The % differences will give you a guide for your bird. (This weight includes anklets, thin jesses, a tail mount and that's it.)

If you imagine my bird was experiencing the situation you are facing and i knew his effective weight range i would be looking for his weight to be around 230g.

Next up: Recognition of quarry, better assume he's totally inexperienced,
I would personally avoid corvids of any description to begin with, (personally i think they can do more harm than good to an inexperienced hawk).
Assuming your hawks at his "new hunting weight" take him to a very open venue (no trees bushes etc) have with you a fresh killed Quail, (...Wait for it!!) have a friend carry your bird away from you, ideally when your bird's facing you it will be into the wind.

Next wait for him to fly towards you, (Attract his attention if required) as he approaches pitch the Quail up in front of him. If he takes it, open it up and let him feed, if not call him down to the lure for a small reward, and while still on the floor substitute the quail, allow him to take his ration (Don't gorge).
If his weight is OK this should be easily achieved.

This is also having the effect of reducing the birds interest in the lure.

Over the next few days repeat the same program, but look for a venue that can provide some natural lift, or a venue that slopes away from you.(You need to be below your bird). As he becomes focused on what's going on you can extend the period before pitching up the Quail, but more importantly look for increased height when coming over you.
Clive to save you and anyone else going to sleep reading this, let me know when your getting consistent results with the above, and i will try and help when you need to start hunting. (PS: Don't hold the bird back, if it can advance faster go with it.).

[GoneHawking]

Pete, Sound advice there mate, that should see some results starting to happen.
SS, hope this advice from pete helps you out, Let us all know how he gets on.

[Saker-Clive]

Thanks guy's I'll see what happens...................may see you at the fair on Monday!!!!

[Hawkmaster]

Good pics!

[Bash]

Snudz should be a professional! There bloomin' good arn't they?

[GoneHawking]

lovely pics snudz, very good with the camera, very professional.

[Saker-Clive]

05/05/'05

Haven't updated for a while as I wanted to try out some of Pete's ideas.
Saturday was a peach of a day in the fact that he took a female blackbird on the ground :cry: There was no spectacular chase or anything; in fact he'd been cruising around in the waiting on position (probably for the lure) then decided to go and sit on a fence post where there are several magpies and blackbirds nesting in the bushes. A male blackbird started making loads of noise and kept on 'badgering' him, flying to and fro infront of him. Loco started to bob his head then 'plopped' off the post down to the ground :? I heard a blackbird making quite a din then I made my way down to where he was, as he didn't come when I called and got the lure out. Once I got close enough to see what was going on, I saw him huddle towards the base of the bush. I was talking to him and eventually got to where he was and managed just to get hold of his jesses. He began to squawk at bate but I managed to ease him out with the female blackbird minus her head. He wasn't very happy with me taking it away but he soon calmed down after I hooded him up and we came home. I let him finish his kill in the enclosure and he sat on his block looking proud of himself.
He weighed 9 1/2oz. (262g) I didn't get a chance to get him out on Sunday as we had a session with Zarbu but that is another time. Away on Monday at the fair and Tuesday we had rain :evil: Wednesday and today, he weighed 9 3/16oz. (254.7g) both days he was too weak to do anything. He managed to fly about 100 yards to a post then on his way back just kept sitting on the ground. Today Snudz was with me so he will be able to verify the BIG difference in him. He was willing and wanted to fly but just didn't have his usual zing. We tried him several times but he kept sitting on the floor. This weight is definately too low for him; I've given him a good feed up of 1 chick, and some quail and will probably rest him tomorrow unless his weight is slightly up.
Snudz also took some more pictures so he might post something up later this evening.
He has also started to moult but nothing too major yet.

[Snudz]

For a bird too weak to fly he's still a bugga to photograph........... :lol: :lol: :lol:

In all seriousness though he definately wasn't flying on a full tank today.

[OutFlying]

For a bird too weak to fly he's still a bugga to photograph........... :lol: :lol: :lol:

In all seriousness though he definately wasn't flying on a full tank today.

maybe it the half a ton underneath him.................................. :shock:

[Goldie]

SS, two questions if you dont mind me asking, The bells look pretty big so why have two on such a small bird? and also, as you have had difficulty
getting him killing, why when he has killed a blackie did you take it from him only to give it back later. As you were not going to fly him again that day should you not have let him take his fill there and then. I know it wasn't the kill you were looking for but it may have meant more to him than feeding later. Not criticism mate just an observation as I am enjoying
your diaries.

[GoneHawking]

Goldie, good point, does seem to be some serious undercarriage there, and a very true point about the kill, birds don't see it as a nice stylish kill they just see success and failure.


I can almost hear the handbags being drawn now :P :P

[Snudz]

I can almost hear the handbags being drawn now :P :P

You obviously haven't been to Brighton lately........Handbags are SO yesterday.......... :wink:

[Saker-Clive]

No worries Goldie, the bells are Dave Noble's size 0, they are about the same as what was on him when I got him. the jesses, anklets and bells weigh about 1/4oz. (I weighed them prior to fitting). The transmitter weighs 3.5g

The only reason I took the bird away was he just kept on trying to get away with it. He will not eat 'whole food' on the fist when he is out in the field! I didn't want him to go and hide and that is the only reason. Perhaps in hindsight, I could have had him leashed up then left him on the ground to eat but it took him about an hour once we got home.
As it was common land, which I have permission to fly on, I didn't want some dog walker or someone seeing him tuck into a song bird!!!

[GoneHawking]

:P :P :P

[GoneHawking]

:P :P :P

[ScarletFever]

Great pics you two.

[OutFlying]

There was an article in the last issue of International Falconry regarding the effect of mounting the transmitter on the leg of a perlin, and how the footing ability was reduced. I think 2 bells and a transmitter on such a small falcon is too much. Maybe one leg bell and neck mount the transmitter.

[Saker-Clive]

I was saying today that next season, maybe I will try a tail mount or something. I may even lose the bells as they don't make enough sound to make that much of a difference.

[Pete Smith]

SS,
I would agree with some of the comments above, i only ever flew with a single tail mounted transmitter, don't want anything interfereing with the business end of things.
Pete.

[Snudz]

The neck mount seems to be a popular method with these small falcons.........anyone got any experience with these?? Is it just a rubber band that'll snap before the birds neck does?? :shock:

[James_Falconry1]

Yes it is, the elastic band is the thin coloured type, i have seen them with large falcons since i started falconry and i think they work well.

[Snudz]

Ahhh........seen bags of them in our local newsagent.........does the transmitter hang medallion style or is it lain down the back?

[OutFlying]

medallian style

[Saker-Clive]

I've just been looking at the new Track-pack from Marshall's; the only thing I dislike is the way they recomend the fitting..........................

www.marshallradio.com

[Saker-Clive]

Any one used them yet?

[OutFlying]

Any one used them yet?

I doubt it, they've only just come into the country and most people had finished flying 2 / 3 months previously.

As discussed earlier on the back pack thread, the leather plectrum mounted using the teflon ribbon worked well and doesn't require the hawk to be drugged to fit it - either cast it or some people have managed to fit it to a hooded falcon.

[Saker-Clive]

07/05/'05.

got him stabilised at 9 1/2oz. and just got in from our little session. He flew much more stronger and he foolishly put in at a crow :!: he chased it and tussled in air with it then both went down out of site.
I heard a shreik butcouldn't make out what one made the noise but it seemed far too deep compared to his usual disgruntled noise. Another 2 crows moved in and they went down so I rushed to the brow and saw the crows taking off, swiftly followed by Loco :shock: :? 8)
All 4 birds twisted and turned and then the crows split up and disappeared. I called and whistled but nothing. I headed in the direction calling him but nothing :cry: I got about 300 yards and called again and swung the lure then he came up and I let him have his reward. On closer inspection of him, I noticed the feathers around the alula were all out of place so even now, I'm not sure who got the better of who :!:
He seemed to change his 'attitude' and didn't want to come up to the glove and flew off and circled around then sat on a post watching another one in the middle of the field. There were also about a dozen rabbits playing 80 yards away so I just let him sit and I watched to see what he would do next. He took off and went over the rabbits and upset a crow that was sitting in a tree that I hadn't seen :roll: He went around a few times then took off back over the brow at speed :? I lost sight of him again and couldn't find him with the bino's. I carried on walking towards where I saw him go but nothing.
I heard a few larks ringing up and looked to see if he was anywhere near. I got the lure out and called, then I heard the whistle of his bells moving in rapidly but by the time I pinpointed the direction he was coming up over the bushes 15 yards away. All I could do was duck and recompose myself while he waited on above. I let him take the lure and let him rest. He was panting a fair bit but he had also been flying hard. The wind was fairly stiff and it was trying to rain. A few dog walkers started to arrive so I called it quits for today. He has definately changed since his kill last week and his ruck with the corvids; perhaps this has kicked him back into kill mode. The next few session should tell.

[Saker-Clive]

I am in the process of making a back pack similar to the Marshalls one; once completed, I'll post up a picture.

[Snudz]

A change of undercarriage could be a unanimous vote............

[Saker-Clive]

here are the pics. I romised; this is only a proto type but some of you guys can let me know what you think...........................

Dimensions = 37mm long x 18mm wide x 1.8mm thick. (leather backing is 1.2mm and the curved plastic is 0.6mm)
The ribbon is just that for the time being ribbon.

Weight wise, it doesn't even register on my scales.

[Bash]

AAaaarrrgghhhh................Don't do it Clive!

[Kevin Massey]

isnt a tail mount an option for you?

kev

[Saker-Clive]

It is but I will try one thing at a time. the general consensous is that a back pack is the way to go especially for a little bird!!!!!!!

[Saker-Clive]

08/05/'05.

He weighed 9 1/2oz. after fitting our newly made 'back-pack this morning, he's had several hours to play with it if he wanted and it was still there an hour ago. I decided to cable tie the transmitter on as it is a leg mount and we set off. Mainly to see how he would fly and to see if it was going to fall off ormove about much :!:

He flew like his old self but he ranged out considerably more and popped back every now and then to make sure i was still on the ball 8) I just let him fly about chosing where he went and only called him in if he went abit too far. In for a chicks foot on the lure and a wing as a pick up and off again. I re-loaded the lure with another foot and put it away; this time he started ringing up and got about 200 feet, then zipped off down and low over the bushes and went around a few times, before ringing up again :P I was really pleased with our effort today and if this back pack gives him a bit more freedom then who am I to stand in his way.
There were loads of rabbits in the usual place and he flew over them but I wouldn't expect him to chase ground game.
Another few more packs to be made this week but this time using different and stronger material than plain old ribbon :oops: i will leave it now to see how he and it gets on.

[Bash]

Any one used them yet?

I would never recommend them. I've seen a peregrine get tangled in Heather and a Sparrowhawk with a talon trapped probably all night and very distressed when found in the morning unable to stand through exhaustion.

[Saker-Clive]

Duely noted Bash, a very close eye and ear will be on him and at the first sign of trouble, it will be removed.

[Wightwings]

back pack?............gotta ask why Clive?..........were you having trouble with the leg mount? what happens if he puts in at something and gets tangled?...........not my cup of tea i have to say but hey...

[OutFlying]

why can't a hawk not get tangle on its legs or tailmount ?

[OutFlying]

why can't a hawk not get tangled on its legs or tailmount ?

[Wightwings]

not as easy in my humble opinion and if they do there is a better chnce of them freeing up.......i do however bend to your superior knowledge :rolleyes: some peeps prefer diff things just my opinion....also just my opinion that you shouldnt be taking song birds this time of year either.....but hey....... :D :D :D

[OutFlying]

WW, have you seen a properly fitted back pack used in the field ? I seen plenty of hawks caught in cover with tailmounts and unable to free themselves, leg mounts or jesses or anklets all present opportunities to tangle. I don't think the back pack increases these chances but decreases them as the transmitter sits flusher to the hawks body.

No comment on flying songbirds during nesting time or summer flying :oops:

No need to bend to superior knowledge, just my observations might differ from yourself - different land, different hawking etc.

[Wightwings]

WW, have you seen a properly fitted back pack used in the field ? no :D thats my point but in truth i,ve only seen a couple and they werent the best. Just seems yo be one of these gimmicky things tht latch on and have no REAL benefit. Anyway back on thread its Clives Diary :D

[OutFlying]

WW, I'll post a reply in the back pack section.

[Snudz]

...also just my opinion that you shouldnt be taking song birds this time of year either

Don't worry Chris, we've given Loco a citation and put three points on his flying licence. Amazing how he couldn't resist dropping from his perch onto the bird in the undergrowth...........but hey, 12 points and he's grounded. :roll:

[Wightwings]

Snudz old boy not looking for anyone to justify actions, just my own opinion :D

[Saker-Clive]

As someone who obviously hasn't got a clue on what he's doing, I for some reason can't do right for doing wrong in some peoples eye.
I have been critisisd just lately because Loco hadn't taken any quarry since I got him.....................................now that he's broken his duck, I get p***ed on because he got a blackbird and why am I flying him through the summer?
If he'd got a partridge...................that would be wrong as they are out of season; if he'd got a starling, that would probably have been wrong telling me to check him for frounce :!:
I'm flying him through the summer as he was a late hatcher and he is not showing any real signs of starting to moult out properly. If like some say, I'm flying him far too heavy, he would have started to moult naturally :!:

Kev, a tail mount is a possibility but as he should beging to moult shortly, I didn't want to put any more stress on the feather than necessary.

I am prepared to try any method which might be a better way to help with the flying or management of the birds but at the end of the day it is going to be my choice.
Now that he has 'earnt his wings' under my regime, I think that the diary can now be closed unless something happens that I think might be of interest or help to others.

[Bash]

I find it concerning that anyone on a forum thinks they are experineced enough to be able to give advice on a birds weight without ever seeing it? Even worse with a bird the size of a Perlin.

Their are always other factors involved and a birds performance is never just based on weight.

Anyway, Loco sounds like a diamond bird Clive and by the way you describe the way he flies is a credit to you.

[Wightwings]

no one is critisising you Clive? No one mentioned summer flying (i dont think ) i did it for years with variuos birds for variuos reasons nothing wrong with that.

As for the songbird situation i was only passing my own opinions like most do on the forum, it was not a critisism as stated. You have worked hard with the bird and fair play to you considering you were told diff about him.

thats the problem with a place like this peeps tend to take all and sundry personal.........i stopped doing that months ago its not worth the stress.

[Bash]

no one is critisising you Clive? No one mentioned summer flying (i dont think ) i did it for years with variuos birds for variuos reasons nothing wrong with that.

As for the songbird situation i was only passing my own opinions like most do on the forum, it was not a critisism as stated. You have worked hard with the bird and fair play to you considering you were told diff about him.

thats the problem with a place like this peeps tend to take all and sundry personal.........i stopped doing that months ago its not worth the stress.

Very wise words WW. Totally agree. You ol' pro you! :D

[Kevin Massey]

I think that the diary can now be closed

now that would be a shame......

kev

[Snudz]

Snudz old boy not looking for anyone to justify actions, just my own opinion :D

No worries Chris, just wait 'til you see the little bugga fly........... :D :D :D

I for one hope that this diary flourishes and we all get to see or hear how he progresses towards the undoubted potential he has...........

[Ed]

Just another note to say it'd be a shame if your diary stops, I for one enjoyed the flying stories!

[ScarletFever]

Yeah me too. and the photos have been something else as well.

[Wightwings]

my apologies Clive, keep up the diaries mate they are a good read i'll keep me gob shut didnt intent to upset peeps :oops: ....

[Saker-Clive]

11/05/'05

He weighed 9 1/2oz. this morning but I didn't get him out to fly until this evening as it was our 'Clubs' longwing meet.
This was our first time flying in a different place and considerably later than I've ever flown him. After putting Zarbu up, Lloydparabuteo flew his Sakeret Bailey then I went to get Loco. When I opened the car, he was fast asleep, head turned backwards :? I got him up and let him have a good look around but I forgot to weigh him prior to going out.
He was a little unsure of his surroundings and he seemed to struggle a bit on the wing. I guess that he was a tad low and went and sat on a post. I gave Julian a chick leg and he went and got him. Loco jumped up to his fist, ate the leg then came and had a little fly about. He was not his usual self and only managed a couple of passes before coming in to finish.
Unfortunately he didn't shine today but he also had a lot to follow after Zarbu.
Julian and Steph put a few of their birds up then he went and got his suprise; not a long wing but Mara, a 5 year old, female Bateleur eagle. She had only flown free last week end for the first time since he had her a few months ago and she flew to several of us from glove to glove.
Everyone who went commented on how much they'd enjoyed the evening especially as we adjorned to the pub a few yards down the road.

[Snudz]

And here we have Loco modellling this seasons must have............

[Ed]

Amazing pics Snudz, what camera setup do you have out of interest ?

[Dave Whitt]

Brilliant pics, does anyone know of anybody who is breeding perlins and may not be overrun with orders ?

[Snudz]

Hi Ed, Many thanks for the comments mate.............

I use a Canon 20d with a 70-300mm III USM lens mate. An amazing camera, almost takes the shots for you if you want it to. Trouble is now I've seen what the camera can do i'd like one of Canons 'L' series of lenses to go with it...........mucha lira!!!!! :?

[Snudz]

Brilliant pics, does anyone know of anybody who is breeding perlins and may not be overrun with orders ?

Cheers mate,

I think Pete Smith was selling one a couple of weeks ago, dunno if it's gone yet..........

[Snudz]

Gotta be worth ringing him.............Web Page Name (http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=3689)

[Saker-Clive]

16/05/'05

9 3/4oz. Didn't get him out til just now as we had the RSPCA back up; not about the birds just a home visit for our 'new' dog that is coming tomorrow :D

As we got to our field, it started raining so i stayed in the car for about 20 minutes before it stopped. He didn't seem to want to fly too much and kept sitting on a post.
Then he just took off and flew 100 yards then a young starling went up and seemed very confused as to what to do :lol: for the excitement side, it carried on flying and it was being closely followed by my little Loco. The chase seemed to go on for an age but in real terms it was only 30 seconds.
Loco followed and turned but the starling got into cover and he sat on a nearby post watching. I decided to leave him and just took a back seat to see what would transpire but unfortunately nothing moved. After a few minutes, I called him back to the lure and tried to get him back on the fist and leash. He wasn't having any of it and before I was able to get his jesses he was off again :roll: I got close and offered him a tid bit on the glove and this time he decided to 'fly and grab' and was off again. I had visions of me trapsing all over to get him back but he returned to the lure and jumped up to the fist nicely :wink: We had another walk along the tree line but everything stayed quiet. I ended up giving him his rations on the ground and as soon as he was tucking in....................the birds started singing and flying about again :!: :evil: :!:
The weather is supposed to be pretty poor for most of this week but I'll have to just keep an eye on things.

[Saker-Clive]

18/05/'05.

In memory of our lovely little LOCO the Perlin, (peregrine x merlin hybrid).

05/06/2004 - 18/05/2005. Few people saw how much love and affection you were given, and the pleasure you gave to those who saw you buzzing about, bombing me and the lure; even the occasional chase of various 'quarry'.
I already miss your quirky little chirping when I enter the enclosure, your running up and down like 'Corporal Jones' once you had your chick or mouse, trying to hide from what ever you thought was going to take it away.

You will always be remembered, especially when we are flying over our ground.