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MischievousRaven β Molt's End
Published: 2016-09-10 01:47:11 +0000 UTC; Views: 766; Favourites: 68; Downloads: 7
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Description
Back into training we go! He's officiallyΒ ended his molt (time during summer when feathers are dropped and new ones are grown in their place) and we're gearing up for our second and last season together. I'll be releasing him next spring back to the wild, hopefully as a well-experienced hunter and potential breeding member of his population.
I'm a licensed master falconer in the USA; please note that the birds of prey pictured are utilized for hunting. They are not pets. Falconry is a highly regulated type of hunting that requires applicants to pass an examination, an inspection of facilities and equipment, complete a two-year apprenticeship with a more experienced falconer, and so much more.
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Comments: 55
Most RTHs will acquire darker eyes within their first few years, but some retain lighter eyes, such as my guy! His are still significantly warmer/darker than in his first season.
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Have y'all started your season yet? I know a few falconers who already have out here. Lots of fun! 
Anyways, I hope you have a great season this year!!
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Not yet! Phoenix is still growing in some primaries and secondaries. Tail is all the way down. It's still way too hot here(90F+) and leaves are on the trees anyway. Been dropping his weight slowly and working with him when the sun's on the horizon. Hoping to get out there by mid-October.
And that sounds awesome! Longwings are fun to watch and fly-- Might want to bring some binoculars! Some of the best birds are Peregrines that stick high and tight above you, 1500+ feet up.
And thank you! Good luck on your journey getting your license!Β
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Awesome! That's when most falconers start their season, from what I hear (and I'd even prefer it mid-October as well).
Gah, I can't imagine myself ever being a longwinger. I prefer to be able to see my hawk. XD
Thanks!!
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What a wonderful bird! Good luck with your hunting!
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Thank you dear!
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I hope he is a happy bird and that you see him again! QwQ
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I just found out u were a falconer...
HOW MUCH MORE EPIC CANU GET!?
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Oh pish posh I'm not that epic
xD
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Thank you!
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Don't they all!
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all hawk stare into my soul???? *sweats nervously*Β
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I am sorry but that bird looks like he is silently judging you
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He does every day
"did she bring the mouse bitsΒ I like"
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Lol
If only they could talk XD
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Right?! I've never had a red-tail with such a white head before.
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MMMM, I wouldn't be able to say. At the end of April next year I will finally be old enough to take my apprenticeship test and find a mentor CX How much does this boy weigh?
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Nice! Good luck if/when you go for it.
And this boy flew at 1030-1070g last season. Expecting him to fly higher (1050 to 1100+) this year, we will see
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Thanks! And I wish you luck with him, he's quite a handsome bird!
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He so so beautiful!! I love his feathers!!
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You're welcome ^^
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My uncle was a falconer for many years. Β At one point there was a wildfire in his town and he had to move his birds to our house in another town for a time until he could safely take the red-tail he was working with home. Β Eventually, she was released back into the wild. He generally got hawks to rehabilitateΒ as young hawks. Β I remember coming home and he had his red-tail in a quite small room of our house in a cage with a fan for her that was covered. Β It was horribly tempting to go near the hawk but he was very clear we could not touch her. Β I truly have a lot of respect for people who work with hawks and other birds of prey and my Uncle instilled a healthy respect for them very quickly while he was staying with us. Β You have a beautiful male here and you are quite lucky. Β I wish you the best of luck releasing him.
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Wow, that sounds like quite the experience for you! Although I don't know of falconers who keep their birds in "cages" (we utilize mews, weathering areas/yards, giant hoods and portable/stakable perches here), but I can imagine how tempting it'd be to go over and have a looksee. Birds of prey are fascinating!
And thank you, this is my sixth falconry bird and he's been a joy to fly.
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He generally didn't put her in a cage. Β It was merely because he had to transport her safely from two hours away. Β It was just simply to protect her in the travel and while she was going to be around small children. Β He had the kinds of setups you mention but he just didn't want to risk anything. Β They really are quite fascinating and beautiful. Β You are quite lucky.
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Interesting! I use a giant hood, which is a type of transport box, for my birds. Never heard of people using a cage for transportation of raptors due to potential feather breakage, etc
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Thank you!
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Thanks dear!
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My pleasure!
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aww look at him he look so strong and beautiful!
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You're welcome!
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So, in falconry, you release the bird back? That's awesome! How do you acquire them?
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