Back Pack Telemetry Mounts?

[Bird_Dog]

How many plan on using back pack telemetry mounts?

They seem to be the new thing, but I haven't heard of any possible negatives associated with its use. One possible negative; for example, the Marshall kit uses materials that will never deteriorate. What happens if the transmitter fails and the bird is lost?? It seems like the mounting system is on the bird for life.

A captive raised bird may not survive on its own for long, but what if you're flying a passage bird? Is it a good idea for the back pack to never come off the bird in the wild?

-- BIRD_DOG

[ColdZero]

i am hoping to learn more about it tomorrow, and hopefully pick one up. Does anyone have a link?

[HawkMan69UK]

bird dog a lot of people over your side of the pond uses them but you have thousands of miles of open ground are little island has far to much cover and trees i personly wouldent use one and definatly not on anything apart from a long wing cz

[Bird_Dog]

In the Western States like Montana, Wyoming, etc. most falconers are using 1 or 2 leg mounts. In Texas the most commonly used mounting sytem is the tail mount. Mainly because of the risk of electricution as powerlines are everywhere. Body mounts seem to a viable option but I think I might make my own mount out of leather and use a tail mount as well.

-- BIRD_DOG

[Dave Whitt]

I have used them for the past 4 years on smaller birds ie Spars however if possible I would use a tail mount, as they are easier to use and to put onto the bird, if using a back pack you must make sure it fits propally and is in the right place this is not always as easy as it sounds.

[Hawkmaster]

Been using them since 1999 and always will. Even on a Male Kessie. There are no negatives really and they do not get caught up as they are preened away under the feathers.

[SakerYZF]

Do all birds have to be drugged in order to fit them? im going from the marshall site here, not sure im interested in drugging my bird or casting him for that matter , is it possible to fit them with the bird just hooded?

[Hawkmaster]

There is a link or thread I did somewhere, but I having a tough time finding it. Maybe someone will see where I hid it? :lol: It was on a falcon called Quinn.

I have not drugged any hawks to do it, but I would say it is a 50/50 thing about having to cast them. My male HH though will not even wear one he just goes ballistic and does break dancing to get it off him, but then he even rips tail feathers out if I tail bell him :?:

[HarrisHawk.1.]

ive heard that the back packs mold into them wen the bird is plucking itself 'n' prooning itself

[Hawkmaster]

Yip with my PowerMax you can't even see it is there. I had a Gyr/Saker on hack last year, that was lured down and the tail mounted transmitter was removed and sort of taken as a bpounty and the bird was still tracked to a mans mews where we had to call the police!

Good old invisible Backpack Mounting!

[Hawkmaster]

http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=888

[Saker-Clive]

Hi Andy, I have one I made if you want it. I'll get some pictures done shorty.

[SakerYZF]

where is it you get the straps from? can yoy buy it without much effort? , what about fitting, take it the bird has to be cast?

[Saker-Clive]

I didn't need to cast the bird I fitted it on, just hooded him and he stood still.
He moved about now and then but it was pretty stress free for both of us. i was more nervous about fitting it too tightly.

[Bird_Dog]

Very nice SS! One question on how you secured the brass to the leather pack. In thinking about how to make a backpack, I envisioned using a tail mount tube by spreading out and flatening the flanges (whatever you call the part that is normally crimped around the deck feather). Then sandwiching it between two pieces of leather. It appears that you've done the same thing. Did you simple glue it ? I thought about punching a small hole thru the leather at the top and bottom of the brass and running a thread thru the holes and thru the inside of the tube for extra security. What you've done appears very secure, but hard to see exactly how it's attached.

-- BIRD_DOG

[Saker-Clive]

I cut down a .22 rimfire cartridge case, bonded it to the plastic face with Araldite Rapid (epoxy resin)(don't know if you have Araldite over there) then I used a peice of extra strong cotton and tied it, and put the ends into the resin to set. I then bonded the leather backing to it. To make the holes or slits, I used a hot bbq, fork!!

[Bird_Dog]

Thanks for the tips. I'll get started on mine.

-- BIRD_DOG

[PeregrinesUK]

ive now fitted three to birds two on imprints and one on a p/r none needed to be cast, just hooded and stood still, i think it would be very difficult if they were to be cast. I have purchased the marshall ones each time i thought about making my own but the marshall one looks so safe compaired to the home made jobs which will go stiff etc remember you are going to leave this on your hawk for a number of seasons you cant grease leather while on the birds back or what if the leathers seperate through time and starts to dig in?? all i can see is infection and vets bills with the home made ones unless removed regularly and replaced. i dont know but for £35 its not really much... Is it really worth the risk???????

Michael

[HarrisHawk.1.]

i have a link mate
its at the cheshire falconry meeting railway pub near lymm
theres gonna be a man showing how to put them on for you and he will probably be selling them so if you have spare time pop down if you live close.

2nd tuesday of every month.