Who's totally new & what experience have you got?

[Saker-Clive]

Hopefully this thread wont turn into a slanging match but might help all of us to find out what members on here are learning from just books, here etc. or whether we've had any trainging, ongoing training, club member............................................ ......

I don't mind starting as i posted it.
I've always been interested in BOP but upto about 6 years ago, never really thought about owning and flying one. I started to go to various centres and fairs (probably like 90% did) and got the bug. I began to go on a very regular basis, helping out in displays and finding out as much as possible. I then joined our local club, and began to learn in more depth. I decided that I wanted to get a bird and started my planing. 18 months later, insight days, hawking days and constant visits to Huxley's, joining in the displays, I took the plunge and started to build my enclosure. I didn't want to rush it and as I was working full time, it took me a couple of months to complete.
When everything was complete, and the breeder was happy that I had the 'basic' know how and competence, he offered me one of his birds. Kier.
Since then, January 2003, I haven't looked back; constantly learning all the time, watching the birds reactions to different situations, attitudes and looking for different methods to try.

This is for mainly some of the newer members but anyone can join in and HONESTY is the key point!!!!

[GDN]

Something i have learned is to look on each bird as an individual. They all have their own personalities and little quirks. It is just a matter of watching them and learning. In the long run that can only mean a better / stronger partnership.

You can only learn so much from a book. Even if you read as many books as possible. Your true knowledge starts when you get your own bird. You watch the way it flies, how it deals with the wind, how confident is it on a kill, how it reacts when you give it food and how does it sit on it's perch. They are giving you information all the time. Admittedly some of this information can be very discreet but that is up to us to look for and learn from.

The bird is an athlete and should be treated in such away. Training and handling should be adapted to each birds strengths so that we can get the best from the bird

[Bubo]

How very true GDN. I have read an enormous amount on owls and studied them in the wild. After finding a falconer here in belgium I tagged on a little and learnt more about captive owls then just progressed until that memorable day of getting my own owl. As GDN so rightly said you can read as much as you like but since living with kadabra I have learned so much more than any book could ever teach me.
bubo

[Ben C]

A small section lifted straight out of my diary/book/articles section on my hardrive ss :) :)

To be fair, and being completely honest, we are very hands on people. So before we read anything we went on a hawking day arranged by Mid Wales Falconry. We felt this to be the best way to get acquainted with the concept of hawking and its realities, without the necessity of buying one. We craved the knowledge and experience of a good working hawk, without the improbable fact that we might actually own one.

On arrival Lucy and I had no preconceived ideas or knowledge about the variety of species and their different applications in the field. So we were able to experience each type of Raptor without any misguided prejudice. And although the Gyrs, Sakers, Lanners, Peregrines, and Owls were impressive, the hawks that suited our personalities and shone the brightest were the Harris’. I had never heard of them before, and we certainly had no idea they were a ‘beginner’s bird’, or that they had revolutionised the art of falconry. What we saw was a loud and rowdy charm, football hooligans with artistry, hunting machines dancing and screaming to be seen. Most exciting of all was their palpable, directed and focused intelligence. It was clear from an hour’s walk through the Welsh hills with these little hawks, that they were neither contained nor subservient towards their handlers.

In fact it seemed they actually went out of their way to included us in the hunting, allowing us to transcend the boundary between merely watching and controlling nature, to actually becoming nature. If we got any closer that day we would have had to sprout feathers!

Before all of this we had planned to move to Canada, but an afternoon with these animals changed all that. Instead of emigrating we decided stay in England to work alongside these clever raptors. This decision was the first in a long line of major changes needed to comfortably fit a hawk into our lives. Before we could start thinking about buying one we had to contemplate the kind of habitat it would need.

Above and beyond any other consideration was the physical and mental well being of our charge. It was patently obvious that a happy hawk was not a pet or trophy, but a finely tuned and magnificently evolved creature performing a particular job. Our aim was to therefore secure a minimum of three days hunting before even owning one (as it turns out we actually fly him seven days a week). To this end we had to find a totally new house and suitable land to hunt on.

It had to be an area with plenty of rabbits, pheasant, partridge, and other types of fur and feather. Most importantly access had to be easy, guaranteeing at least two hours flying time even in the depths of a cold dark winter. After a day at work the last thing we needed was a long and arduous car journey, or worst of all leaving a hawk in the weathering without flying it. A weekend hawk this was not!

I waffle on a bit more but you get the jist :) :) :) Like the old adage 'measure twice cut once'. Think about buying a hawk, put it off for a year, think about it again, put it off and then see how you feel and what you'll sacrifice.

However one of the best bits for me is the pride I take cooking my food. I have got about 40 different receipes for rabbit, some of which date back to the earliest trappers in the USA and some UK ones from even earlier. :) :)

[BFC 007]

i started with bop when i was a youngster,Tawny owls,Barn owls,Eagle owls & Kestrels all of which was imprinted by my father. The owls were breeders & the Kestrel was a flyer. When i reached 18 my parents split up so that meant the birds went as i couldnt manage them all as i enjoyed pubs & clubs too much to devote my time to the birds.
10 years on & ive got myself a nice home & garden & a good business but there was something missing from my life-BIRDS lol
That was when i decided to take up falconry & 5 years on im loving it more than ever. For the newbies to this sport it is not a case of buying a bird & flying it,everything in your life needs to be in place first-hope that makes sense :wink:

[OhMyGod]

007
"For the newbies to this sport it is not a case of buying a bird & flying it,everything in your life needs to be in place first-hope that makes sense"

This is so true.

[The New Kid]

I know very little, to be honest - need to find some books... any advice? =o)
Might be getting a bit o' a crash course this summer, too!

[Moses]

I have learned so much more than any book could ever teach me.
bubo

Have you tried the Kama Sutra :oops: :lol: :lol:


lol now u talking :D



sorry bubo


im new, learning via books and reading and asking advice and reading about in this forum from the experts and their threads

as most of u know, i jumped in the deep end i liked a falcon and went and got it :D but guy was good enuff he took it back and then brian bought it but the guy let me keep it for a week which was good for experience and then i knew i needed patience and jumped too fast.

and yes i no nothing yet coz im still learning, just waiting to sell and move to my new house and then start training and theirs a falconry nearby i can help out their i spoke to the guy and he said he will teach me and if im ready God willing then will start building the mews and go for a hawk but try to get as much training possible first and read alot more about it.

[Malcolm Edgar]

I can't honestly recall when I became interested in BOP, I just know I've been interested for a long time. Didn't think I could ever afford to get into the 'Art' and maybe that was a blessing in disguise as I don't think I could have dedicated the necessary time way back then.
Anyway in October/November last year I made up my mind to explore the possibilities - I joined this forum, read some books (including Varmint's)- I then decided as a test I would attempt to build my own mews weathering to a similar standard to those that I had seen on the forum. After 6 months (yes 6 months) and some very welcome advice from Varmint the project is all but complete. Varmint has agreed to sell me a MHH due for collection mid-September. What do I know? Compared to most of you guy's - very little. What have I learned? - that I know very little and that there is much to learn. The unending journey begins !!!!

M

[Hawkmaster]

inappropriate Threads Removed

[OakMoss]

I have read some books but have gained much more knowledge from talking to people who have birds both in person and on here. I guess books are ok but anyone is going to gain more from actual interaction.

I have spent a fair while learning and it will be another six weeks before I get my rock eagle owl chick. Between then I have two days booked for practical hands on experience with owls and to learn the basics such as training, making anklets and jesses etc.

I have learned that some falconers seem to look down on beginners, aren’t prepared to help them and are quick to patronise what they consider to be stupid questions. Some seem to care only how many birds/animals their bird can kill in one day, how big their bird is etc :rolleyes:

Conversely many of them are absolutely FAB :heart: and are only too happy to help beginners to ensure the continuance of their sport and the welfare birds. To those people I am really grateful and as for the others they are best avoided!

[vandreo]

I to am very new to the ART. I have had dealings with Hawkman69uk, Meredown Falconry and others on this site. I can't speak highly enough of the support we get from others on here. The only book I have read over and over is Emma Ford, and just waiting for Mind of a Raven to come through the post.
I just cant wait till I can have more hands on with BOP's.

[PenelopeP]

I have read some books but have gained much more knowledge from talking to people who have birds both in person and on here. I guess books are ok but anyone is going to gain more from actual interaction.

I have spent a fair while learning and it will be another six weeks before I get my rock eagle owl chick. Between then I have two days booked for practical hands on experience with owls and to learn the basics such as training, making anklets and jesses etc.

I have learned that some falconers seem to look down on beginners, aren’t prepared to help them and are quick to patronise what they consider to be stupid questions. Some seem to care only how many birds/animals their bird can kill in one day, how big their bird is etc :rolleyes:

Conversely many of them are absolutely FAB :heart: and are only too happy to help beginners to ensure the continuance of their sport and the welfare birds. To those people I am really grateful and as for the others they are best avoided!

I think some people think "give the newbies a hard time, if they are serious they wont give up regardless of what ***** they are given"

In a few years when you have had a bird for a while you may start to get a little of this "attitude" yourself. There are newbies that come into the sport who arent all that serious about it. (trust me dealt with some) How are people meant to know the difference without testing their mustard?

I know this seems harsh, but Id rather give out to someone and make them think seriously about what they are doing than leave them to it, and them kill a bird, which happens more often than Id care to think about.

JMHO

[Owls-Eye]

iv been working at devon bird of prey centre for about 18 months and am getting on well. iv got a owl recentaly (( the one in my pisplay pic )) he wasnt the best of bahaved owls but hes defonaltly improved and is still getting better. so yh thats me ........................

[Pitbull]

Im more a vocational person.

[Sean D]

I jumped in feet first, no course, built a mew, got a hh but I did have a mentor and I have kept birds most of my life

[Jackson]

cool thread ss! interesting to read!

my bit well...
well when i was ten my nan took me to a centre in chichester (where i now live lol). from then i was hooked reading bird books in school and watching any bird that flew by the window.
from then i found a centre closer to home, visited it a few times and was even more hooked. i began to volunteer there two years later once i was old enough (14). i learnt the basics - cleaning, food prep, equipment, etc etc before i finally held a bird under strict supervision from then on a began training a tawny owl moving onto other owls and eventually hawks, kites a falcon, a buzzard and now with limited time a rt (partly training due to being at uni). i took on my own hh around two years ago for a year dur to a damged wing - i got him going at home on my own for the centre. he went back in sept and i went to uni!
in some ways i now regret starting uni cos i now miss the birds and all that goes with it. luckily i have an understanding mentor and centre (my family i call them lol) so i go back when i can and they help me out loads!

i just cant wait to finishe uni so i can get back to full time falconry!

atb
sarah
xx

[Barrold]

I'm totally new & the only experience I have got is when a young misbehaved eagle landed on my head at a display in Paddock wood some years ago. But I've had the bug for many years. I used to drive my own truck all over Europe so never had the time, but now I get much more time. I've been reading books & visiting centres etc.. And through this forum Somebody has agreed to give me some of there time once the season starts again to help retrain there birds to free flight. I intend to learn from this & this will be the stepping stone for me to get my own bop.

[MitchTalon]

well im new to forum but considerong my age 17 i been flying birds for most my life to start with just watched my dad then couldnt resit getting envolved learnt from mestakes no mater how much u read or do u goin to make them so might as well learn from experiance flow a very gd harris for a few years that would go after anything but to me the best was my male per since then ive read everything i could seen as many demonstrations as i have been able to but never gone on a corse but talked to alot of falconers now im training my first hybrid and im serprised how well shes doin but i think no book could ever make up for actule hands on experianse

[Saker-Clive]

cool thread ss! interesting to read!



The daft thing is, I started this thread 3 years ago and until yesterday, it had only received a few responses!!!!:rolleyes:

[Jackson]

The daft thing is, I started this thread 3 years ago and until yesterday, it had only received a few responses!!!!:rolleyes:

3 YEARS!!!!!! LOL i hadnt even realised lol wow!

[Haek]

New to the forum but far from new to the "art". Been involved with hawks for what at times seems like too many years and like most of my generation started with a common buzzard. Progressed to a ferrug, then as they say the world was my oyster and the only thing that held me back was costs. I have flown most of the hawks used in the U.K. and some oversees that I can only wish I could have brought back. There have been many beginners who have "passed" through the hands of my friends and my self, I am happy to say that most have progressed to be more than capable falconers. I am not blowing my own trumpet merely saying that we acted as the fertiliser for new plants. I think that as with most serious falconers one learns to see who will and who will not be able to live the "life" rather than simply give it a try. I would much rather put off 20 and succede with 1 than welcome all only to have a hawk suffer. It comes down to personal judgement at the end of the day.

[PenelopeP]

New to the forum but far from new to the "art". Been involved with hawks for what at times seems like too many years and like most of my generation started with a common buzzard. Progressed to a ferrug, then as they say the world was my oyster and the only thing that held me back was costs. I have flown most of the hawks used in the U.K. and some oversees that I can only wish I could have brought back. There have been many beginners who have "passed" through the hands of my friends and my self, I am happy to say that most have progressed to be more than capable falconers. I am not blowing my own trumpet merely saying that we acted as the fertiliser for new plants. I think that as with most serious falconers one learns to see who will and who will not be able to live the "life" rather than simply give it a try. I would much rather put off 20 and succede with 1 than welcome all only to have a hawk suffer. It comes down to personal judgement at the end of the day.

Very well put :)

[SharpTail]

I have read some books but have gained much more knowledge from talking to people who have birds both in person and on here. I guess books are ok but anyone is going to gain more from actual interaction.

I have spent a fair while learning and it will be another six weeks before I get my rock eagle owl chick. Between then I have two days booked for practical hands on experience with owls and to learn the basics such as training, making anklets and jesses etc.

I have learned that some falconers seem to look down on beginners, aren’t prepared to help them and are quick to patronise what they consider to be stupid questions. Some seem to care only how many birds/animals their bird can kill in one day, how big their bird is etc :rolleyes:

Conversely many of them are absolutely FAB :heart: and are only too happy to help beginners to ensure the continuance of their sport and the welfare birds. To those people I am really grateful and as for the others they are best avoided!
Well Clair,
In reading about your conflict with falconers, my thoughts ran along the lines of the definition of falconry(hunting wild quarry). My experience with owls and what I have read is that very few owls make good hunting birds in falconry and they are mainly just kept as pets or for display.

If you are just planning to "keep" birds of prey and not hunt with them, you should not expect a lot of respect from those who actually practice sport. If you are serious about sport you should nix your plan to get an owl and get something more suitable for a novice to learn to hunt with.

Your plan to fly an owl tells me that you are not likely to be serious about hunting and/or that you will not be suscessful in an attempt to enter one to quarry. This in turn leads me to believe that you will not actually become a falconer, but something less, to which end, I would not like to be a party.

[OakMoss]

Wow, is making sweeping assmptions a particular party trick of yours by any chance? Perhaps you are unintentionally rude and patronising or is it an art you have developed over the years?

I dont expect respect from anyone - respet is earned and not an automatic right. That works both ways.

Thanks for your opinion which you are entitled to of course but it is of no relevence to me. I dont like ignorant, narrow minded people such as yourself - I have better things to expend energy on and so its of absolutely no relevence whether you (or people like you) will be a 'party' to my future falconry exploits or not :)

Claire (with an e by the way if you are talking about respect which includes getting someones name correct)

[SharpTail]

In my opinion, owls in falconry(hunting with humans) is a much better definition of 'party trick'. It was not my intent to offend you, just to tell the truth, if it seems rude and patronizing to you I cannot change that.

I missed the 'e', you missed the point.
Jeff Odell, Hulett Wyoming

[OakMoss]

you missed the point.
Jeff Odell, Hulett Wyoming

I think not.

Have a great day.

[Haek]

Sorry but I can only agree with sharptail ! falconry is by accepted definition hunting with hawks, falcons and eagles. Owls of whatever specie are not commonly hunted with as kestrels are not in the U.K. It is without doubt possible and has been done in the past as it will be in the future. "Party trick" may be an unfortunate choice of phrase but one which most of us can relate to and in some way agree with. I do however applaude your ambition and wish you the very best of luck in your endeavoures. Please keep us all abreast of your progress.

[Kennelre]

Wow, is making sweeping assmptions a particular party trick of yours by any chance? Perhaps you are unintentionally rude and patronising or is it an art you have developed over the years?

I dont expect respect from anyone - respet is earned and not an automatic right. That works both ways.

Thanks for your opinion which you are entitled to of course but it is of no relevence to me. I dont like ignorant, narrow minded people such as yourself - I have better things to expend energy on and so its of absolutely no relevence whether you (or people like you) will be a 'party' to my future falconry exploits or not :)

Claire (with an e by the way if you are talking about respect which includes getting someones name correct)


Claire...I think you're biting back a bit quickly here...honestly I do!!
I've learned alot since I've been on forums, and mostly what I've learned is that my 5years experience doesn't actually compare with those who have lived, breathed, eaten falconry for their whole lives. I listen to what they have to say, even if I don't always like the manner in which they say it.
It's not an insult to remind that an owl is not commonly considered to be a falconry bird..it's a fact that you must surely agree with even if you really love owls.
If a really serious falconer is going to take up a beginner to 'mentor' then they will never choose someone who intends to get an owl because, whichever way you look at it, it's just not falconry. So I suppose that, if you tell those people they are not respecting you as a beginner to the sport/art of falconry..they might get a bit peeved.


...Rene.

[OakMoss]

Claire...I think you're biting back a bit quickly here...honestly I do!!
I've learned alot since I've been on forums, and mostly what I've learned is that my 5years experience doesn't actually compare with those who have lived, breathed, eaten falconry for their whole lives. I listen to what they have to say, even if I don't always like the manner in which they say it.
It's not an insult to remind that an owl is not commonly considered to be a falconry bird..it's a fact that you must surely agree with even if you really love owls.
If a really serious falconer is going to take up a beginner to 'mentor' then they will never choose someone who intends to get an owl because, whichever way you look at it, it's just not falconry. So I suppose that, if you tell those people they are not respecting you as a beginner to the sport/art of falconry..they might get a bit peeved.


Hi Rene

I didnt say anyone was not respecting me. ALl I did was ask for my name to be spelled correctly :)

I am well aware of the fact that I am a beginner but I do not expect to be encompassed by sweeping statements made by people who know nothing of me or my intentions and ambitions towards falconry.

If someone hunts with an owl I do not comprehend the difference to that and hunting with a HH. Not all consider Owls not to be falconry birds as is readily demonstrated in other posts on this forum and elsewhere.

As I said, respect is something that is earned - it is not an automatic right for anyone regardless of how much experience they may have, how old they are etc etc. If you show someone respect thats what you usually get back. There is no excuse for patronisation or downright bad manners, whoever a person may be :)

[Saker-Clive]

Claire, it is possiblt to get an owl hunting BUT and this is the big BUT.................................few people here in the UK have really done it successfully. In the states it is more widespread and they tend to use Great Horned owls. It is not impossible to hunt with an owl but their make up in the way they hunt is totally different to the way a HH etc. is flown.
I think any centre or mentor worth his salt will tell you the same. I have a Bengal which I rescued just over ayear ago; fantastic bird to look at and 'fly' in the garden but as yet I still haven't got him free!! Circumstances are obviously going to be different as you are going to imprint yours yourself etc. I wish you all the luck in getting your's hunting but it will take considerable time and more patience, and a great deal of 'hunting stimulation' to fully succeed in hunting him. Good luck8-)

[OakMoss]

Claire, it is possiblt to get an owl hunting BUT and this is the big BUT.................................few people here in the UK have really done it successfully. In the states it is more widespread and they tend to use Great Horned owls. It is not impossible to hunt with an owl but their make up in the way they hunt is totally different to the way a HH etc. is flown.
I think any centre or mentor worth his salt will tell you the same. I have a Bengal which I rescued just over ayear ago; fantastic bird to look at and 'fly' in the garden but as yet I still haven't got him free!! Circumstances are obviously going to be different as you are going to imprint yours yourself etc. I wish you all the luck in getting your's hunting but it will take considerable time and more patience, and a great deal of 'hunting stimulation' to fully succeed in hunting him. Good luck8-)


I do understand that it is different with owls. I have been told they have the concentration span of a block of wood and that I will need lots of patience. I love a challenge :)

Thank you for your positive words :)

[Haek]

Claire I really am sorry but you speak glibly of respect and yet you offer no respect to "falconers" who may not present their knowledge in language that you like but that knowledge is there to be gathered in and acted upon. If you choose to negate that advise before you assimilate it then please do not "bite the hand that is trying to feed you". Many years ago someone much wiser than me said listen to what is being said not the way it is said. What is being said is offered for your education not as a personal criticism, many years of experience from many people is being passed on to one who has asked for it. No one is attacking anyone else ! To be honest if anyone gets my name wrong, who cares ? so long as what they tell me is good or answers the questions I ask honestly.
Safe flights

[John M]

Having read through this thread a couple of times now and basically being in the same position as Claire, even though I dont have a bird... yet, I thought I would throw my six pennyworth in...

"yet you offer no respect to "falconers" - why should any newcomer to this site/sport/hobby/lifestyle or whatever term you decide to use, have to initally approach 'Falconers' on bended knee and doffed cap? Sounds like some people have a 'God' complex.... :rolleyes:

We are all equal, and I understand that there are a lot of people on here who have been working with birds a darn sight longer and massively are more knowledgeable... that I acknowledge.

I agree with Claire in that the attitude of SOME on here can be patronising, blinkered and negative beyond belief, regardless of whichever country / continent they come from. But thats all part and parcel of the fabric of humanity - everyone is different... can you imagine if we were all the same?

But also there are a LOT, and I emphasise this, of people on here who are friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, patient and have a sense of humour and humility too - these (in my book) are the ones who will end up being respected and not because they are part of a subgroup.

Anyway... my usual caveat applies here... Im NOT having a pop at anyone in particular, more so an objective view of attitudes....

Right off to get me tea now!


John

[StephanieS]

i am totally new, I can't have a bird yet I'm too young. MY dad has a red-tail so I go out hunting with him. . . This is his first year too, so his first season was good! I am excited for when I CAN get a bird though . . . :D

[Eagle Owl]

"yet you offer no respect to "falconers" - why should any newcomer to this site/sport/hobby/lifestyle or whatever term you decide to use, have to initally approach 'Falconers' on bended knee and doffed cap? Sounds like some people have a 'God' complex.... :rolleyes:

Some falconers do have a God complex! But when you ask falconers on a falconry forum about using owls for falconry, then you have to expect to get negative feedback and criticism. There is a reason why owls are not used for falconry. I am not saying it can't be done, but it is not worth it, in my opinion. And that is all people are giving you...their opinions. You can take it or leave it. ;)

I agree with Claire in that the attitude of SOME on here can be patronising, blinkered and negative beyond belief, regardless of whichever country / continent they come from. But thats all part and parcel of the fabric of humanity - everyone is different... can you imagine if we were all the same?

But also there are a LOT, and I emphasise this, of people on here who are friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, patient and have a sense of humour and humility too - these (in my book) are the ones who will end up being respected and not because they are part of a subgroup.

I agree with this, too! As with anything in life, you are going to have good and bad falconers. And this goes for everyone...please try to ignore those that are trying to bate you or talk down to you. You have free will to pick and chose who you listen to on here. For those that are not nice...if we all just ignored them and refused to debate with them, they would eventually either go away and find something else to do, or start being nicer to get the attention they are seeking. And I know more than anyone how hard this is, but it works!!!;)

[Haek]

Last comment from me on this subject as I have no desire to enter any more into a pointless debate. If anyone ask for help or information then you either ask honestly and "respect" the people who bother to answer you or I would suggest that you are making a subjective comment, that you only want to hear "your" answer". If that is the case then I would respectfully suggest that you not ask the question in the first place. Oh by the way I am of an age where we respected our elders if only for their "experience" and I believe that if you ask a question then you are looking for experience to provide an answer.

[OakMoss]

please try to ignore those that are trying to bate you or talk down to you. You have free will to pick and chose who you listen to on here. For those that are not nice...if we all just ignored them and refused to debate with them, they would eventually either go away and find something else to do, or start being nicer to get the attention they are seeking. And I know more than anyone how hard this is, but it works!!!;)

Brilliant advice which I will take, thank you. I have allot of respect and time for the genuine, helpful people I have met here so far and as for the rest I will ignore them as they are just not worth it. I still remain disapointed that adult discussion only seems to go one way with many people - downwards in to a childish tit for tat argument. Hey ho, as you said that life and you live and learn and I cant say I wasnt warned many times about some on this forum :)

[OakMoss]

Haek

Just to remind you of my original statement:

I have learned that some falconers seem to look down on beginners, aren’t prepared to help them and are quick to patronise what they consider to be stupid questions. Some seem to care only how many birds/animals their bird can kill in one day, how big their bird is etc http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/images/smilies/icon_eyes.gif Conversely many of them are absolutely FAB :heart: and are only too happy to help beginners to ensure the continuance of their sport and the welfare birds. To those people I am really grateful and as for the others they are best avoided!


Why exactly I am being continually attacked for making this statement when others have been on here to say that famconers generally dont seem like nice people etc etc, without so much as a whisper from anyone else is beyond me.

Respect in life is earned and not an entitlement. I dont care who the person is. If you show me rudeness and bad manners (not just takling about people on here but in life in general) then that is what I will relect back to you. Its as simple as that really.

Anyway, am off out to play in the snow as I have promised to keep my temper and not rise to people who arent worth it (bearing in mind that some of these people find an owl being wacked hard on to the floor by a dressed up chimp funny...........) so I wont worry too much :)

TTFN.

[MitchTalon]

replying to an earlier comment we are not all equal most far from it somone who has worked with a bird for a month is not equal to somone who has been involved in falconry for years im only 17 yet ive been doin falconry for 10 years for my age thats a long time many ppl speak from experiance here and i would lisent to the ppl that have more than me i find owls not only to have short atention span but hard to train compared to hawks and falcons and other bop there lovly birds that im happy to see interactive with but alot of ppl seem to think they are great to fly i belive othere wise if u want to become a falconery start with a hawk or falcon altho some ppl have hunted them succesfully alot havent this should show u that it is very difficult to do and in my eyes not worth the trouble