Falconry
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Falconry is a famous art form and a popular sport in which a bird, such as a hawk or more commonly falcons, are often trained to hunt for humans. Believed to have originated from Mesopotamia, falconry was mostly a sport indulged in by royalty. Royal blood has been associated with this game for long periods in its history. Kings of India and Britain have been known to popularize this game. Some of the popular ones are King Richard, King Fedrick of the Europe and the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar of India. Special staff was often appointed by the kings to take care of these birds and food of high quality was procured for them.
If you are looking to take up falconry as a hobby, then it is essential to understand that the birds involved in this game are aggressive, and it is essential that they be trained before getting them to participate in this game form. For beginners the Red-tailed Hawk, or the Harris hawk are the best birds. It is important to keep them fit and to establish a strong relationship between yourself and the bird. It is very essential that the bird learns not to become aggressive and excited. As the trainer you need to constantly touch and speak to the bird, to familiarize it, blindfolding the bird initially might help.
The next step involves unsealing the eyes of the bird and then taming it, this can be done using bait, usually a small bird, often a sparrow, and as soon as the raptor (bird being tamed) comes to catch it, remove the bait. Many innovative techniques can be used to train the bird, a bit of research should set you up. The birds need to be fed well after a training session ends, perhaps as an incentive for them to look forward to training. An important equipment is a radio tracking device, as beginners often lose their birds, and this will prove invaluable eventually.
Handling these birds requires great precision as these have the capacity to airlift cranes and herons. Lot of effort is also involved in choosing a raptor. Birds such as a hawk are often judged with the quality of their beak, eyes, feet etc. Many falconers make use of dogs in falconry as well, but this decision should be made after you have established the kind of quarry you are hunting as well as the terrain in which the hunt will take place. Pointers and spaniels are most common in falconry.
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If you are looking to take up falconry as a hobby, then it is essential to understand that the birds involved in this game are aggressive, and it is essential that they be trained before getting them to participate in this game form. For beginners the Red-tailed Hawk, or the Harris hawk are the best birds. It is important to keep them fit and to establish a strong relationship between yourself and the bird. It is very essential that the bird learns not to become aggressive and excited. As the trainer you need to constantly touch and speak to the bird, to familiarize it, blindfolding the bird initially might help.
The next step involves unsealing the eyes of the bird and then taming it, this can be done using bait, usually a small bird, often a sparrow, and as soon as the raptor (bird being tamed) comes to catch it, remove the bait. Many innovative techniques can be used to train the bird, a bit of research should set you up. The birds need to be fed well after a training session ends, perhaps as an incentive for them to look forward to training. An important equipment is a radio tracking device, as beginners often lose their birds, and this will prove invaluable eventually.
Handling these birds requires great precision as these have the capacity to airlift cranes and herons. Lot of effort is also involved in choosing a raptor. Birds such as a hawk are often judged with the quality of their beak, eyes, feet etc. Many falconers make use of dogs in falconry as well, but this decision should be made after you have established the kind of quarry you are hunting as well as the terrain in which the hunt will take place. Pointers and spaniels are most common in falconry.
<< Previous Birds | Back to Birds | Next >> Parrots

