Harris Hawk Training Me!!!!

[Barn Owl]

I have just taken charge of a 3 year old Male Harris Hawk for a couple of weeks. The hawk has done nothing but hunt and the task set by my instructor (for the want of a better word) is to get the hawk to a flying weight of 1lb 5oz and to get him used to the fist.
As you have probably guessed I am very new to falconry although I have been photographing it for a good few years.
The reason for this post is that I am amazed how intelligent the hawk is, the little problems or bad habits the hawk had, have been ironed out within 24 hours by me a complete novice. Of course this could all back fire and the hawk could be a lot cleverer than me and just be blagging, but I don't think so (unless he's REALLY clever).

[Shaun Byrne]

False sense of security mate :D

If HH had fingers he would have the middle one up behind your back :D :D

Seriously though mate, good luck. They really are cracking birds and yes, very intelligent, so dont get caught out :D

[Goldie]

Hi Bob, what were/are the little problems and bad habits ?

[ColdZero]

yeah they soon learn the fastest method of getting food, be it scare it out of you, or what mine did and come to the fist before being called....but she was a tad underweight so lesson learned.

[Wightwings]

VERY clever birds and will always know the best way to get what they want from you :shock:

[Barn Owl]

Hi Bob, what were/are the little problems and bad habits ?
Not being handled much, just hunted, but he's ok on the fist now