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MischievousRaven β Personal: Phoenix
Published: 2015-10-26 16:26:40 +0000 UTC; Views: 606; Favourites: 57; Downloads: 5
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Had a bit of fun manipulating this photo of Phoenix, a wild passage Red-Tailed Hawk I am training for utilization in falconry. Training is going well; first hop to the glove was yesterday.Β I don't think it is possible to ever tire of training a passage Red-Tailed. What a humbling joy.Also, in regards to this bird's coloration: I am not very voiced in the morphs and subspecies of Red-Tailed Hawks, but many of my falconry and bird-related friends have guessed all over the map on this bird's plumage. Some speculate this may be a light-morph, or a light-morph Harlans integrade, or a Kriders, or a EasternXHarlans or EasternXKriders integrade. This bird's plumage is rather typical, with the exception of its lighter/buffy cheeks/head, darker feathers along the nape of the neck (which, may be adult feathers grown in pre-maturely due to an injury or something when he was in the wild-- no one knows) and slightly mottled tail (barring near the bottom of the shafts, mottling near the top). Regardless of what exact subspecies/morph this Red-Tailed is, I am always amazed at the variety of colors found within this lovely, robust species!Β
**Please note that falconry is a highly regulated type of hunting in most countries, and here in the states, requires the licensed falconer to have passed an examination, inspection of facilities and equipment, partake in a two-year apprenticeship and so much more. These birds are not pets; they are hunting animals that we are privileged to work with. **
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Comments: 21
He's so pretty uwu it would be so rad to be able to do that, it sounds like fun.
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Beautiful creature
I'm a little bit curious have you hunted and caught something with any of your birds yet?
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Yes! With previous birds, I have successfully hunted cottontail rabbits, grey squirrels, fox squirrels, and avian quarry (house sparrows, Eurasian starlings, etc.). The quarry I have most abundant and have had the most success with his squirrels. My last Red-Tailed Hawk, a large female named Charm, and I successfully brought home several of them together.Β
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i just can't get over how beautiful Phoenix is ! perfectionΒ Β
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He's such a gorgeous animal. Can I ask, how exactly does falconry work? Like, the hunting part?
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Thanks!
As far as hunting goes, basically once he is finished with training (coming to me and to the lure), we head out into the woods/fields. I will let him fly up to a tree or other high location and will start seeking out quarry for him (usually squirrels, but sometimes rabbits). He may follow from tree to tree. Ive also used dogs in the past to help flush game. Once the game is flushed, the hawk will take off after it. If successful, I will help open up the kill and allow the hawk to eat before calling him back up to the fist and going home. The bird always gets a full meal after a kill, either on the kill itself or on the lure. Please keep in mind that weight management is crucial when hunting and training raptors.Β
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Wow, I LOVE the color of his head/neck! Will you be keeping him for a few seasons?
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Right?! So do I!
And, maybe. I want to, but I'm trying to stay realistic. As I'm applying for a master's program at a university seven hours away, I may not be able to house him where I'm going. If I can, I'll keep him. If I get accepted and cannot find a location to house him, I'll release him next spring.Β
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Well, I hope things work out. I would LOVE to see what he looks like after he molts! Good luck with him this season!Β
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To a certain degree. This is a wild animal, and that love will not be returned! They are much different than companion animals like dogs and cats.Β
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Really does look like he's posing for the picture. He's like."This is my good side."
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Question, can you pet him? I know full well that these birds are no pets but I've always wanted to know. Also, what are you going to hunt with him?
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Most birds of prey do not like being "petted," as touching to back of the neck/head area is more alarming than comforting to wild animals like this. He will tolerate it, to a certain degree!Β
All Red-Tailed Hawks I've flown have been used to hunt Grey Squirrels, Fox Squirrels, Cottontail Rabbits and Swamp Rabbits.
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oh cool! ill love to meet one that doesn't mind being touched.
id love to do falconry but finding someone to learn under is
hard in my state.
thank you for tell me ^^
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That coloration is so magnificent. While I was never a part of falconry I habe had the amazing honor with the location of my home to see several generations of hawks born and mature.
Our home has the perfect abundance of trees and a quiet habitat. For several years now we have seen hawks born, raised, and return to our land. I can say it was so absolutely thrilling when they nested closer to the home. Even had the 2 rare opportunitys of seeing them feast on a catch.
I can only imagine how thrilling it is to see such in a closer level.
Something about them really is humbling and you really feel so honored when you get a sneak look into their lives.
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That's pretty awesome! I also live in a location where we see multiple local birds-- it's such a blessing, isn't it? Thanks for sharing!Β
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