The Chase the on-line newsletter of the UK Falconry Club - September 2010
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CONTENTS
Editors note Welcome to the latest version of THE CHASE. Well September is now upon us and everyone will be busy getting their hawks fiit for the season ahead. Some have already started off the season well with their hawks and the luck few have caught their first Grouse of the 2010 season. Meanwhile, the UK Falconry Club continues to grow and we will be at the Midland Game fair in Weston Park, Shropshire on the 18th & 19th of September. I do hope you will be able to make it it should be a good show. Good hawking for all Neil Davies - Editor
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Features
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The Haggard - Charlie Heap
10 The Great Lakes Falconers Association 14 Blair Drummond Falconry Festival - Neil Davies 18 Penny my Imprint Sparrowhawk - Jen Wise 20 Orla - Female Golden Eagle - Stewart Robertson 26 Product Review - Pineo Gloves & Noble Bells 28 Competition Page - Win a pair of Noble Bells 32 Club News
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The Chase is the online newsletter of the UK Falconry Club. No article, photograph, or part of this publication maybe reproduced without written consent. The Editor and the UKFC Committee reserves the right to approve or refuse any advertisement or contribution for any reason. Cover picture - 窶連merican Kestrel ﾂｩ David Rampling
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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THE HAGGARD
the ha
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THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
THE HAGGARD
aggard I have just learnt an important lesson. Recently, on the UKFC forum I mentioned I had a new bird. This is a risky subject to carelessly post about. In double quick time a certain Neil Davies, Editor for the CHASE collared me for an article! I have flown birds since I was a lad. Though recently a break from falconry allowed work, houses and a new baby to occupy my mind, I have always been a falconer at heart. Over the years I have flown falcons to the lure but have always done my hunting with shortwings, broadwings and hawk-eagles. However, in April of this year I was at the International Centre for Birds of Prey (ICBP) in Newent. Sitting in Jemima’s hospital area was a haggard female Peregrine. She was the breeding female from Symonds Yat, a local RSPB watched eyrie. She had been viciously attacked by an incoming female peregrine: grabbed round the head and a talon had gone into her right ear and punctured the back of her eye. The bird was in such severe shock she couldn’t be taken to see Neil Forbes for a few days. Eventually she was well enough to travel to Swindon. On arrival at Great Western Referrals the shock returned - to the extent of her feet turning blue. The prognosis wasn’t good with the high risk of loss of sight to her right eye - even if she survived. Fortunately she started to improve. Antibiotics kept any infections at bay and her cuts and bruises healed, her sight seemed to be recovering. In late April Neil pronounced her sight to be at least 75% in her damaged eye.
It was at this point I first saw this bird sat serenely in her night quarter. She had remained feather perfect in spite of her repeated man handling. Mima mentioned that it would be great if she could find someone to lure fly her for the summer and, if her vision proved good enough, to release her in the late summer. Needless to say I volunteered to fly her and I picked her up at the Falconer’s Fair. Whilst at the Fair I also invested in the new 434 Marshall telemetry set (absolutely awesome by the way). I never named this bird; I didn’t want to feel that she was mine. As it turned out she proved that she belonged to no one! She took to training very well. She fed on the fist on the second day and was coming to the lure within a few days. I was more than a little concerned that this falcon would disappear the moment I let her loose, so I kept her on the creance longer than strictly necessary. I was flying her at a local farm just down the hill from my house. The reason was that up the hill from my house is the largest game farm in northern England. I could only imagine the carnage a haggard peregrine could cause! Eventually she was flown free and I started to fly her in the field at my house - largely so my other half could watch. She wasn’t a great lure bird to be honest. She flew with her brakes on and her tail fanned whilst she chased the lure it was obvious that she regarded it as a chore. Then one day I put her on the fence post in preparation for a spot of lure flying and she tightened her feathers and shot off after a green woodpecker.
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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THE HAGGARD
She missed the woodpecker but spotted some rooks in the distance, in the direction of the game farm! - And was off at warp speed. Out came my new telemetry and off I went! Only to find her sitting on a rook within a mile; she was not pleased to see me! As I made into her she took off and landed on the ground 25m away. Fortunately I had brought a creance with me. I tied the rook to the line and threw it toward her - obligingly she hopped onto it and started to feed. The grass was short enough for me to wind her up with no problems. I walked back home grinning from ear to ear. Over the next few weeks she continued her occasional forays to the local rookery for some sport. After a few more kills she became easier to pick up off kills and I no longer needed to wind her up. One time I tracked her to a duck pen at the game farm containing several hundred young mallard. The grass in the pen was quite long so I couldn’t spot her to begin with. I was convinced she had caught a duck. All the ducks were crowded at one end of the pen and were peeping away like mad. Incredibly she had caught another rook and
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the moment I picked her up the incessant peeping of the ducks ceased instantly! Just a few days later she enabled me to have a “first”. The jackdaw she killed with her first stoop fell into a thick hedge so she immediately turned her attention to a passing crow, and caught it within 40m of where the jackdaw fell. A left and a right! Things came to a head a few weeks later - when she missed her first rook. As I feared she didn’t even think about coming to look for me - but instead went on the lookout for another rook. I hared off, on foot, after her. The crops were standing tall and the running was far from easy. I managed about a mile before a combination of a weakening telemetry signal; the many hedge crossings and a serious case of nettle stings and thistle scratches convinced me to return for the Jeep. By the time I got in the car I had reached the point of questioning my involvement in falconry in the first place. Whilst running back I had been poked in the eye with a twig and been attacked by yet more bloody nettles!
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
THE HAGGARD
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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THE HAGGARD
The scenario of her coming down every 40 minutes and me failing to get close enough to wind her up continued 3 further times. I was running out of ideas! I called Mima on my mobile and outlined my plan. I had decided that if I wound her up whilst sat in the Jeep, then she wouldn’t be so spooked. I thought I had worked out all the angles and I had convinced myself I had discovered a fabulous new technique. Jemima’s comment was “Do you really think that is going to work?” My confidence level dropped a peg or two! Mima reminded me that this was a wild bird and was meant to be released and suggested that if I didn’t get her back within an hour to leave her to it. I took her advice (who wouldn’t?!) but kept my fingers crossed that I could release her without any jesses on, and I wanted my new transmitter back! 40 minutes later she came down to her crow again and I started the engine. Round and round I drove - seemingly getting faster every time - but it was working. I jumped out and grabbed her as she tried to fly off - success!!
I roared off down the lane with the telemetry on the seat next to me. I got ahead of the signal within 20 minutes and pinned her down to a field behind a farmhouse. I knocked at the door of the farmhouse and explained my predicament to the farmer’s wife. She just said “I can see you are worried - go where ever you want”. The kindness of this stranger was much appreciated. The falcon was sat on the remains of a crow in the middle of a sheep field. I got within 10 feet of her before she took off and flew into a tree a few hundred yards away. Cursing myself for not just winding her up straight away I decided that since it was already 7pm, I might as well leave her and return in the morning.
As I was untangling a very angry falcon from the creance I turned to see the Jeep rolling off down the hill! I sprinted after it carrying a screaming falcon and dragging 20 metres of creance - I only just made it - next time Charlie; put it in Park not Neutral! A quick trip to see the farmer’s wife and to cheekily ask if I could come hawking there again (yes I could) and off home for bacon and eggs. I released the falcon a few days later. She went as planned - no jesses, no bells and no transmitter. As the ungrateful old cow flew off over the Yorkshire Wolds without a backward glance - I had an epiphany: I want another long wing!
After a sleepless night I returned at 5am to find that she had already nailed another crow! I tried winding her up on her kill but she was so twitchy I couldn’t get close and she flew into a tree for the next 40 minutes, she then returned to the kill and again I couldn’t get close enough to wind her up.
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THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
THE HAGGARD
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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UKFC AFFLIATED CLUBS
The Great Lakes Falconers Association The Great Lakes Falconers Association (GLFA) was founded in 1962 by a handful of local Illinois falconers. GLFA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to our native birds of prey and to the sport of falconry. Our officers draw no salaries and we operate on volunteer energy. GLFA is very active in falconry legislative efforts at not only the state level but also in cities and municipalities across Illinois. Our club sponsors picnics, flight demos, a game dinner and group hunting parties. We are involved in educating the public by manning booths at fairs, conducting lectures for interested groups such as scouts,bird groups, schools, or others. We accept interviews for news publications and magazines in order to educate people about falconry. All GLFA activities are family oriented, as many families are directly involved in the sport of falconry. For newcomers serious about the sport, GLFA offers much in the way of assistance to the education needed, the equipment required and through our club sponsored activities, an opportunity to meet and mingle with other falconers who may be open to sponsorship. Please check the Links page for more information. GLFA has supported the Chicago Peregrine Release program and in 1988 donated a Peregrine Falcon named Jess-A-Belle in the
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hope that someday there would be a sustainable wild population of birds breeding right here in the Chicagoland area and she would be one of them. She has since raised a number of downtown Peregrines!. We are affiliated with the American Falconry Conservancy (AFC) and the UK FFalconry Club Membership Information Membership is open to any interested party at least 14 years of age. But only licensed falconers from Illinois are considered voting members. The membership dues are: $25 per year for individual US residents, $30 for US families, $35 per year for individual International membership, $40 International family. If you would like to join, please fill out an application and mail it along with a check or money order to:
Great Lakes Falconers' Association PO BOX 127 Batavia, IL 60510 For more information, please contact us at info@greatlakesfalconers.org or via the website: www.greatlakesfalconers.org
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
UKFC AFFLIATED CLUBS
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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THE BLAIR DRUMMOND FALCONRY FESTIVAL
stival Falconry Fe20 10 7th August
Clubs • liers • Falconry Equipment Supp roduction Project • ays • Falconry Reint • Falconry Displ Coast Sea Eagle Festival. n on the East charge for the • Presentatio
THE UK FAL AT THE BLA FALCONRY
, no additional 5.30pm. prices apply at Park admission at 10.00am and will close Normal Safari open 456 The park will Tel: 01786 841 ond.com www.blairdrumm
Having been invited by Ross Bibby, the organiser of the Blair Drummond Falconry Festival several months ago to sell some of my American Hoods & Bells, I decided that I would help promote the UK Falconry Club over the border. So, on Friday evening with my son and ‘Loki’ my PR Goshawk loaded safely in his box and with a selection of equipment I was hoping to sell, along copies of THE CHASE and membership forms I headed north from South Wales to Scotland. After, a long 9 hour drive I arrived at UKFC club member, Alec May’s house at 5am to be welcomed with a hot cup of coffee and a Scottish breakfast. So after a long chat and unloading ‘Loki’ and placing him in Alec’s mews. We headed from Lauder to Blair Drummond Safari Park which was about an hour’s drive away. On arriving at Blair Drumond we were greeted by Ross at the gate and directed to our pitch between the RSPB & Falconry Electronics. Taking a few minutes to mock up some repairs to the pop up marquee - ‘remember to carry duck tape for all eventualities!’ The marquee was erected and the tables laid out with copies of the CHASE and falconry equipment from Ben Crance & Salman Ali along with my American Hoods & Bells.
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The Festival area had a selection of stands such as Galloway Falconry, Falconry Electronics, RSPB, The Independent Bird Register, Rhuallan Raptors, Countryside Alliance, The British Falconers Club and the Scottish Hawking Club with their Chairman Andrew Knowles-Brown with his magnificent hybrid Ornate x Goldie. Even though the ‘Festival’ was small it did give the visiting falconers to opportunity to catch up and discuss the season ahead over a few beers and a venison burger or two. I met up with several forum members and a few UKFC members and hopefully converted a few over to the UKFC in the coming months. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the falconry displays given by the team at Blair Drummond but was given some favourable reports by the club members and Ross Bibby’s Sakeret receiving high praise from several falconers. Throughout the day, I had a steady stream of customers and even managed to extract a few pounds out of ‘Mickey Dredd’s’ wallet! But, it was an enjoyable little fair and a great day out for the family being set in the Safari Park and I for one will be heading north again next August to support the Blair Drummond Falconry Festival. Well done, Ross & all the Blair Drummond team!
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
THE BLAIR DRUMMOND FALCONRY FESTIVAL
LCONRY CLUB AIR DRUMMOND FESTIVAL
Picture credits: Blair Drummond Safari Park, Aled Pennock,K Wallworth
BY NEIL DAVIES
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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NEW REPRINT First published 10 years ago and re-printed twice, this best-selling manual continues to be indispensable ‘A compelling and enduringly fascinating read … lives up to its boastful title.’ IBR ‘Everyone could benefit from this book.’ BFC Newsletter ‘This book should be compulsory reading for anyone flying or contemplating flying a Harris’ hawk’ International Falconer ‘Every stage of the bird’s training is carefully thought out.’ The Falconers Magazine ‘This is probably one of the most descriptive accounts of ferreting [to hawks] ever written.’ Hawk Chalk ‘All novice falconers should be made to read this chapter [Dealing With Kills] Countryman’s Weekly ‘This book is a must for all rabbit and hare hawking enthusiasts.’ Scottish Hawking Club
Available August £25.00 + £3.00 p&p SIGNED COPIES STRAIGHT FROM THE AUTHOR Hard Covers 240 pages
Telephone 01902 561075 or Email m.s.hollinshead@blueyonder.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Also available from The Fernhill Press
Martin Hollinshead, The Fernhill Press, PO Box 1682, Wolverhampton, WV1 4GQ Website: http://business.virgin.net/fernhill.press/index.htm
PENNY MY IMPRINT SPARROWHAWK
PENNY MY IMPRINT SPARROWHAWK BY JEN WISE Well as I write this I am reminiscing over the last couple of months. Penny is my first sparrowhawk, and a major success in my eyes. When I first got Penny I debated which way I was going to imprint her, to me aggression would not be an issue once she had matured but at the same time it was important that she could be well mannered and acceptable where possible, noise was also no real issue for me. As an imprint, Penny came anywhere and everywhere with me. She was handled by everyone possible, came on all the car journeys, met a large array of dogs, grew up with a friend’s imprint Peregrine falcon, cuddled up with cats, watched television whilst laid on my lap, slept on the arm of the sofas, attended BFC meets, sat and watched the world go by whilst growing into a big, noisy Sparrowhawk. Her continuous supply of food appeared from nowhere, making sure she didn’t associate me with food. As she grew older she flapped in and out of her nest, played with Piper the peregrine, covered the house in fluffy down, ended up on our bed numerous times and provided me with a full time job! She was great fun and very entertaining. She preened constantly and her appearance was changing every time we looked at her. Once she was nearly hard-penned I had her out in the garden and getting her flying to my fist, that lasted about two days and Rob had me taking her out on the creance. She lasted on the creance about 5 minutes and then we let her free. She had some flights
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from trees and it wasn’t long before she was chasing things. She entered at 47 days old on her first magpie which she chased after just before she grabbed it in a tree. The next day she took another in good style, rising from below it to catch it in the air. The next day I flew her at a crow which she nailed but I didn’t get to her in time so unfortunately she lost it and it’s affected her confidence on them but to be honest, I’d rather she left them alone. As I write this her current tally is 14 magpies. As for her behaviour, she’s a diamond in my opinion. I won’t deny that she can be noisy but what can you expect from an imprint sparrowhawk who wants to go out? She quietens down once she’s killed and been fed up. She also makes noise when she’s in your company but that’s what imprints do and I wouldn’t expect any less – it doesn’t bother me anyhow. She can be slightly aggressive sometimes, mainly when there’s food involved. She’ll try and launch herself at dogs and Rob if he’s taking photos of her if she is on a kill. She will occasionally be a bit grumpy if she’s eating, trying to make sure that no one steals her food by making plenty of noise and puffing herself up. When she’s on a kill she will be fine with me but gets defensive with Rob and other people/dogs but when she’s feeding on my glove she’ll get grumpy with me but will let Rob do anything to her. Penny is my first imprint Accipiter but she certainly won’t be my last!
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
PENNY MY IMPRINT SPARROWHAWK
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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ORLA - GOLDEN EAGLE
ORLA FEMALE GOLDEN EAGLE BY STEWART ROBINSON When I was asked if I would write an article on ”Orla”, I thought for a long time before agreeing. The main reason being, there are many, many, “falconers” who have a vast amount of knowledge and experience with eagles, who would write more informative articles with more interesting content. What changed my mind was the fact that this is about my personal experience with one very special bird. I count myself privileged to be in the position of having such a magnificent raptor as a companion, when, under normal circumstances, I would be unlikely to be considered as a candidate by a breeder. I will not dwell on the circumstances surrounding the position I find myself in, I will only refer to those when they have a bearing on this story. Where to begin? I suppose I had better start at the time I first clapped eyes on a real live Golden Eagle. Orla was in her weathering, looking menacing, and me looking at her, thinking, “there is no way I am ever going near her”. My first physical contact was in early ’05. Brian, (the founder of the centre, and the person who was to prove my mentor), decided it would be a good idea for me to hold Orla and get an idea of how heavy and powerful she was. I had a stick under my wrist, a Martin Jones Eagle glove with a thick overlay on my hand, and Brian placed her on the glove. I held her at arm’s length. She gripped hard; the power I
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felt from her feet was unbelievable. Her crown was up, really hacked off. Then Brian removed the stick. The weight was totally unexpected. My first encounter. Another time I was involved, more closely, was giving Brian assistance to change her anklets. I was bricking it. Orla was on Brian’s glove, and he asked me to remove the old anklets and put on the new ones. Now, having experienced the power of the feet through the glove, the last thing I needed was a hacked off eagle with a free foot. Surprisingly, the operation was carried out without blood loss. I was simply in awe of such a powerful animal. My first regular contact with Orla was in July ’05. Brian, seriously ill, did not have the strength to lift her. And, having found out about the activities of his “centre manager”, who was told to leave, there was no one else there to handle her. The first time I went to enter the weathering; she dropped her wing, stared at me, and dared me to get close. I have never sweated so much. I had no idea what would happen. I marched in, quickly grabbed the jesses, got her on the glove, and lifted her out. Phew. Brian had always said, “don’t hesitate, and get straight in, if you don’t, she will pick up on it”. Thereafter, there were many more experiences. All the time, my confidence in handling her grew. She started to call when she saw me. She would rouse and preen on the glove, but all the time, she
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
ORLA - GOLDEN EAGLE
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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ORLA - FEMALE GOLDEN EAGLE
was more relaxed with Brian. This is understandable, as he was the one who she had initially bonded to. We now jump to Sep’ ’06. Brian had been told in June that he was terminally ill, 18 months at the most. In September, he had a morphine pump fitted. He knew then it would not be very long. The first night he was on the pump, high as a kite, he said he wanted to see “the bitch” fly. “Get her flying, I will tell you how, just get her flying”. So it started. I had dropped her weight to 9 _ lbs. Another thing Brian told me was, in the early stages, “keep your head level with hers, don’t let her think she is superior by being higher”. I started presenting food on the glove. She would pick it up and drop it on the ground. This went on for a week, all the time bringing her weight down. Bear in mind, Brian was present most of the time. It was as if she was looking to him for approval. On the Sunday, I tried something new, a rabbit’s leg. When I presented it, she turned her back to me, mantled, gripped, and I thought, “she is going to do me serious harm”. After five minutes, she was letting me hold the leg, turning it in the glove to let her tear small pieces of meat from the bone, and no sign of aggression. My thoughts on this now are that I was breaking into the relationship between Orla and Brian, she, in my mind, resented this. Because Brian was present, it made the process more difficult. The next part of the training was the “jumping” perch to perch. Brian had told me, “the bird must have the confidence in her ability to control her flight before she will fly to the fist, never start by getting them to jump to the glove”. I started with two perches, about six feet apart, placed the food on one, and tied to the creance, started to get her to jump. What a nightmare. She would call, drool, but simply would not jump. I started to drop her weight again, all the time, taking her out every day to gauge response. After about three days, using the rabbit leg again, she jumped to the perch. What a feeling. Brian was watching from the other side of the stream, I could see him laughing and giving the “thumbs up”.
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I gradually increased the distance between the perches until she was flying 50 yards, on command. Her weight at this time was 9lbs. The more exercise she got, the fitter she became, and the higher the weight she would respond at. At this time I was flying her on the creance, attached to the swivel by a strong clip. One day, I don’t know yet how it happened, the clip fractured. Orla landed on the perch, the jesses swung under the T-bar, and the clip flipped out. She was standing, totally free, ten yards from me. PANIC, I walked slowly over, grabbed her jesses, and tied her to the glove. Thereafter, it was the creance attached by a falconers’ knot. Then, the big test. Would she fly to the glove? I needn’t have worried. First call, straight to the glove. As my confidence grew, and the trust grew, the time came to fly her free. I prepared the food, put the bag over my shoulder, and took Orla into the flying field. This was the day. Brian was really ill at this time. This was the penultimate time he would be at the centre. It was a Wednesday. Brian was watching from the car park. I placed Orla on the perch, removed her equipment, walked across the field about 20 yards, food on glove, looked round, and whistled. Off the perch and straight to the glove. I walked her back to the perch and repeated the process a few times, increasing the distance. Next thing I knew, Brian was in the field, camera in hand, taking photos of everything. Lying on the ground, taking snaps of her flying over him. He was like a kid, smiling and laughing, there were a few f ’s in the sentences. I was grinning from ear to ear. As I carried Orla back to the centre, Brian was on the other side of the bridge over the stream. Orla had her head over my shoulder, the hook on her beak on my back, and her wings drooped around me. As I got to Brian, he said, “I’ve never f*****g seen anything like that before, she likes you”. Two days later, on the Friday, I think it was the 10th of October; it was Brian’s last day out of the house. He saw Orla fly free for the last time. He stood just outside the entrance to the centre, looking really down. He didn’t even venture to the bridge. I took Orla back in at the end of the session. Brian was
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
ORLA - FEMALE GOLDEN EAGLE
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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ORLA - FEMALE GOLDEN EAGLE
sitting in the office, one of the girls said that he was really cut up, sitting in the chair, breaking his heart. It was a very emotional day, I suppose I didn’t realise until a few weeks later, that there were a number of reasons for his emotions. For one, I think he realised he would not see the birds or the centre again. Secondly, he saw me flying Orla, something he had never managed to do. Third, he knew, because of the bond that was forming, I would never let her go to anyone else. Brian passed away on the 26th October 2006, aged 41 years and 6 months. One of the main problems I had from the beginning was my inability to manage a regular training regime. My work involved a lot of travelling, early starts, late finishes, and lots of miles. I always had to make sure I got into the centre every day to check the birds, feed, do a bit of cleaning etc. Not very often could I arrange for someone to cover for me. Weekends were easier, volunteers helped immensely. After Brian passed away, I would do as much work with Orla as possible. I had to watch her weight closely, as there were sometimes many days of inactivity. The heaviest I had her flying at was around 11lbs – 11lbs 4 oz. This was just casual flying, exercising, just to keep her relatively fresh. August 2007 was when Brian’s widow decided to sell up. It had been a difficult time, for me, it was being in the position of having to look after the centre the best I could, without having direct control over what should be done. Thankfully, I was given time to try and find some way of funding the purchase of the centre. January 2008. Early retirement, pensions cashed in, and a complete life change. The centre had become pretty run down over the previous eighteen months. The birds were healthy, but could have been in much better condition. Circumstances had dictated how much work had been done with the birds. With so much work required within the centre, a rough schedule was drafted with targets and timetables. Orla’s schedule
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was to leave her until after the moult, and start training in September / October 2008. In May 2008, our landlord advised us that we were being relocated. One of the main requirements put upon the landlord was access to our flying grounds. However, due to a long running dispute with the neighbouring farmer, the landlord was refused access, thereby removing any chance we had to fly birds adjacent to the centre. The farmer was good enough to come and explain his position. If I had gone to him myself, there would not have been a problem, as it had been the owner of the garden centre, it was a matter of principle. One with which I agreed with the farmer. I then had to speak to the other local farmers to get flying ground. We obtained permission to fly in one of the nearby woods, a short term solution, but not ideal. Eventually, I was told I could fly on one of the other farmer’s grounds, anytime, anywhere, hundreds of acres of open fields, rolling hillside, and copses, perfect. This happened in February 2010. I think I realised back in May 2008, with everything that was going on, the impending move etc, that I would be unlikely to get Orla fit, flying, and hunting much before September 2010. All the time, from January 2008, manning has been very much a never-ending routine. One of the things I started trying in early ’09, was “food interference”. I had noticed Orla’s reactions to different food. With recognisable “prey” food, she would take the food, mantle, and generally warn me off. If you have seen an Eagle mantled, chest out, head up and back, with it’s back towards you, you will recognise what an intimidating sight it is. I decided I had to try to get her to accept me in the weathering when she had this type of food. At first, I would stand just outside, and watch her eat. She never took her eyes off me. Through time, I would gradually get nearer to her, just to gauge her reaction. Over a few weeks, it got to the stage where I was right beside her perch. She would stand and eat, without any reaction. The next, and final phase, was to touch the food while she was eating. It started with throwing the food in, let her take it to the perch, walk in to the weathering and
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
ORLA - FEMALE GOLDEN EAGLE
stand beside the perch. I then crouched down and placed my hand on the edge of the perch. She reacted slightly at this, not as much as I expected. I gradually moved my hand closer to the food, watching her very closely. I put my hand on the rabbit, left it there for a few minutes, then walked out. The next night, I repeated the process, up to the point where my hand was resting on the food. This time, I moved the carcass, just a few inches. Orla watched the food being moved, then started eating again. I waited a few minutes, and moved it across to the other side of the perch. Again, she watched, then, started eating. The following night, she was eating small pieces from my thumb nail, even when most of the meat was still on the carcass. I have repeated this many times over the months, just to reinforce the idea that I am not a threat to her food. A development from the above process is assistance. Often, when she has finished the food she has been given, she will be on the ground, looking for small pieces to eat. Noticing this, I thought, “If I show I am willing to help, she should see me as assisting her. So, I would go into her weathering, get down on the ground, and look for tiny pieces of food for her. If I found any, I would put it on the perch, and she would eat it. I imagine it must have looked really strange. Me on my hands and knees, being followed by an Eagle, looking at the ground intensely for tiny bits of food, and her moaning away. There have been a few scary moments over the last few years. September ’07. I managed to get to the centre around lunch time. I did my normal walk round, checking the pens and aviaries. I walked up to Orla’s weathering, looked in, and almost bricked it. Her leash was on the ground, unattached. Double take. I calmly walked to the equipment shed, got the glove and a leash, walked calmly down and into the weathering, and secured her. She had obviously been free most of the night, and all morning. Yet, still standing on the perch. I still do not know to this day why the leash broke. I was just grateful she was still there.
Another time, May ‘08. We had a static display for the National Park nature week. As usual, Orla was the main attraction. I had gone to the van to eat my lunch. I had only been gone a few minutes when one of the volunteers banged on the window, shouting, Orla has gone. I jumped out of the van, went to the perch, everything had gone. Tethering ring, leash, and Golden Eagle. Everyone was saying, “She is over there”. At the far end of the car park, about three hundred yards away. I called her. She turned to face me, then waited while I walked over, picked her up, then carried her back. As we walked down, she hooked my back with her beak, dropped her wings, and whimpered all the way to the van. It seems what happened was. She started bating, looking for me. The bating broke the weld on the ring, and off she went. She had circled overhead, looking down, then decided to fly over to the car park and land. I can only assume, she was looking for me, couldn’t see me, then decided it would be better for me to find her, than the other way round. A scary moment indeed. I know I still have a long way to go with her. The hooding, fitness, and weight control. I have spoken to a few Eagle Hawkers, relating the relationship, experiences, training etc. Some say she is as near “bombproof” as you can get. Others would disagree. Still, one can never assume that nothing will go wrong. There is still much work to do. All I know is, I find myself in a privileged position, working with such a magnificent creature, and learning together. I do hope I will have many experiences to relate in the future. I will try to illustrate the relationship that can be formed between a person that tries to understand, and a creature that remains an enigma to many. Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre Stirling Road, Ballagan, Near Balloch, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire G83 8NB. Telephone : 07751-862416 www.lochlomondbirdofpreycentre.co.uk
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PRODUCT REVIEWS
As recomme Pineo Pendleton Glove Reviewed by Neil Davies
I purchased a Pendleton glove for my son last year at the Festival from Doug Pineo’s stand.
Kestrel and with my falcons and so far hasn’t suffered any damage or punctures from talons.
I was impressed by the quality and feel of the glove and I had heard plenty of favourable reports about these gloves on the forums.
So if you are looking for a simple single thickness glove I would recommend the Pendleton, especially for the longwinger and I will be purchasing another one for myself later this month when I see Carl Gamehawker at the Midland Game Fair.
Actually even had reports of someone copying these gloves and passing them off as Pineo’s flattery indeed! However, there is one minor niggle I would like to have on the glove an eyelet to attach the leash to the glove - OK I hear you say, do your own! but surely this should be addressed by the manufacturer, but I hasten to add, it is a minor niggle.
Price: £30.00 plus P&P The Pineo Pendleton Glove is available from Gamehawker Ltd - www.dogtran.co.uk or direct from Doug Pineo www.pineofalconry.com
I have had this glove for over a year now and it has shown little wear and my son uses it his American
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THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
PRODUCT REVIEWS
ended...
Coming up next month: Falcon Fabrications Hawk Box Gamehawker Loop Perch
Noble Bells Reviewed by Neil Davies I have to say from the off I have a vested interest in this review because I now sell Dave’s bells to the UK Falconry Club & Forum Members. But, I will be as objective as I can be.
But, don’t take my word for it ask your fellow falconers what they think of Noble bells and you will find many using and recommending them.
Having been a long time user of Ricardo Velarde bells and still use them on my female Gyr Saker. I came across Dave Noble’s bells at the Falconry Fair a couple of years ago and was impressed with their tone and manufacturer. So I purchased a couple of small bells and used one on a tiercel as a tail bell.
Price: £18.00 inc P&P
The tone was equal to the Velarde, but significantly cheaper, with a pair of the Velarde’s costing me £32.00 and a pair of Noble bells £18.00. The tiercel used the bell for the season and the bell was still in good condition after the season and I will use it again this season on my male Goshawk.
So if you are looking for Noble Bells they are readily available within the UK from various retailers including myself.
Noble Bells are available from Neil Davies. email: neil_davies@uk-falconryforum.co.uk or from the following please check with suppliers for prices and P&P: www.crownfalconry.co.uk www.westwealdfalconry.co.uk www.westernsporting.com
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010
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COMPETITION
WIN a pair of Dave Noble’s Falconry Bells Size 5
The UK Falconry Club & Forum and Neil Davies offers one forum/club member the opportunity of winning a pair of medium sized Dave Noble bells by simply answering the following question. Q. Who wrote the book ‘Kes’? Send your answers to neil_davies@ukfalconryforum.com The Winner* will be drawn from the entries received before the 25th September 2010 and will be notified by email and the results of the draw will feature in next month’s issue of THE CHASE. *T&C’s - The editor’s decision is final and the draw is only open to the UK Falconry Club and forum members. No other alternative prize will be offered to the winner. Only one entry per member. Competition closes midnight 25th September 2010.
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THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB -SEPTEMBER 2010
WWW.MASTERSOFTHEMEWS.CO.UK
Long Bow Perch
30 INFO@MASTERSOFTHEMEWS.CO.UK
High
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• Blocks, Baths & Perches • Travel Boxes & Hawking Bags • Jesses, Lures & Leashes • Gloves, Hoods, Tail guards • Swivels, Bells & Bewits • Lanyards & Casting Jackets Orders can be placed via email, phone or in person at our workshop (Appointment required) We cater for all sizes of bird from Merlins or Sparrowhawks and up to Golden Eagles. All enquires welcome and we look forward to doing business with you.
Masters of the Mews 41 Meadow Mills Industrial Estate Dixon Street, Kidderminster Worcestershire DY10 1HH Callers by appointment only Ring Perch
TELEPHONE: 01562 744379 31
CLUB NEWS
Club News UKFC at Midland Game Fair,Weston Park, Shropshire TF11 8LE The UK Falconry Club will at the Midland Game Fair, Falconry Village on the 18th and 19th September 2010. Hope to see you there. Remember to pre-book your tickets at the website address below and save ££££’s on the gate. www.countrymanfairs.co.uk/midland-game-fair
BBQ The UK Falconry Club will be holding a Summer BBQ in September 10th - 11th at Rhosllefain, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9ND. If any members wish to attend, please contact Ben Crane for further details ben_crane@ukfalconryforum.com We hope you can come along and meet the committee.
UK Falconry Club Committee President - Ben Crane, Vice-President - Neil Hunter, Chairman - Lee Featherstone, Vice-Chairman - Martin Whitley, Secretary - Steven Lambert, Treasurer - Tommy Miles, Membership Secretary - Jan Hart, Legal Officer - Mike Roberts, Events & Publicity - Charlie Heap, Newsletter Editor - Neil Davies, Field Meet Officer - Kevin Massey, Assistant Field Meet Officer - Joe Hatton,
Membership is now available online If you wish to join the UK Falconry Club you can now apply and pay online at the clubs forum www.ukfalconryforum.com Membership fees are per year and include Public Liability Insurance for Full & Associate Members: Full Members £32, Associate Members £32 and Supporter member £17
the uk falconry club supports the campaign for falconry
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THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2010