Falconry: What is falconry really?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- This video defines what falconry actually is and talks about different fields that utilize falconry techniques and how to build bridges to promote raptor conservation and also how best to find which of these fields suits a persons needs.
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I know some falconers who need to watch this. They ridicule not only the other groups, but also other falconers if you are struggling to learn and be successful with your bird. It's turned potential apprentices away from the sport and is very disheartening to see. Great video!
I totally agree with you on this. I wanted to get into falconry but I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to do the hunting bit so I volunteered at a zoo and a wildlife rescue to get closer to raptors. I also tagged along on many hunts with other falconers. I did this for over a year and I realized I wanted more. I got a little tired of just seeing birds in mews and just holding them on my fist. I wanted that relationship and I wanted to see them do what they were born to do more often so I got my falconry licence. I am so much happier with my one hawk than I was with the dozens at the other facilities.
How did u find a place that would let u fly a bird
Great little video man. Ego being attached is the key word. So done with egos...
Ha! I hadn't seen any other comments yet but I said almost the same thing as you. It's all about letting go of the ego.
I can relate to this video hard. I remember the first time I talked to a falconer, he told me right away that it's about hunting, not looking cool with a bird on your fist. I'm so glad he told me this before I got into it as I had never hunted anything before. I have been a falconer for 12 years and I will say that I met really amazing falconers, good rehabbers, and horribly egotistical falconers. I steer clear of the latter. Any interaction I have had with big egos has been soooo negative. For example, I worked with a falconer who I was asked to train for bird abatement. He got mad at me for showing him some training I was doing with a hawk for abatement that would have been helpful to him. He proclaimed that he was a master falconer and didn't need training, so I stopped training him. Shortly after, he ended up losing one of the company's hawks for nearly a month because he did not properly manage the weight of the hawk. I ended up being the one who had to trap the fellah because the other falconer didn't even try to catch him. Being a master falconer is a huge milestone, don't get me wrong. However, being a master falconer does not mean you know everything and all you do is perfection. It's important to remain open-minded and remember that you are going to continue to learn each day no matter what your license says.
I worked in raptor and corvidae rehab before I started falconry (because I wanted to be close to these birds). And I have learned that almost all rehabers have some kind of mental condition 😂
They all have been very passionate about it and did a good job. Most of them didn't actually have enough funds nor space but did it anyway. They gave up 95% of a normal life to do the rehabilitation work. I guess it takes a certain type of sickness to do so. Probably the same for falconers...
What always impressed me was how they all fought each other. They all hated the other ones. They reported each other to the officials for animal cruelty on a regular basis. And most importantly, they all thought they were the only ones doing it right 🙂
And I would be very interested in more content about the body language of hawks. I would like to understand how experienced falconers can tell if a bird is in yarak state by looking at it.
Wow great video man. I'm just getting started on this journey and I love the perspective you bring. Since we all play a role in conservation and we all respect these beautiful creatures in our own way, there really is no reason why we couldn't work together. I would venture to guess that no matter what group one participates in, the mantra is always "do what's best for the bird". If we all hold that belief, then we should set aside our egos and work together as a community to help preserve birds of prey. As you pointed out, bird banders could come across an injured bird and take it to a rehabilitator who nurses it physical health. Then a Falconer would retrain it and make sure it is in condition to return to the wild. It's an incredibly powerful circle that, along with the regulators, could really turn around some of these endangered species. The lynch pin is the ego though. Remove the ego and wonderful things can happen. Keep up your great work my friend.
As a first year apprentice, I totally understand where you are coming from with this video, recently I attended my states falconry picnic, and I met some people that were just what you described in this video. As a very independent and secluded person, I am almost afraid to let anyone see me with my bird just because I dont like talking to new people, and because I dont want to be judged or ridiculed for trapping a wild animal.
Greg......It's not easy , but you must be an ambassador .....as a falconer...your job, is to educate people , to make them aware of what falconry really is, and that is a noble task......a worthwhile task, a responsibility you have as a falconer.......Do not be afraid to talk to people you encounter , as you fly your bird.......Most people are very curious , and intrigued by seeing a person with a bird...Some people are always going to be what we falconers call the "warm fuzzy bunny" folks, who feel sorry for the bunnies hunted and killed by a bird, etc....but, even those people can be educated by you too...and you must do this for the sake of falconry itself, and for the people, for the birds......Everyone needs to know, to be "made aware" of the truth, the balance of nature, the predator-prey relationships that all life and evolution on the Earth centers upon.....You, as a falconer, have the unique position, to be right in the middle of such a special relationship......It is a great thing, that most people don't even get a glimpse of their entire lives....except on TV watching a nature documentary...YOU are a falconer, so do not be afraid to tell people all about what you do ...They will be thankful to you for that.......Explain to them how falconry, helps the wild populations of raptors to survive...Tell them how the species like the magnificent Peregrine Falcon, and the California Condor, were brought back from the verge of extinction in the wild, by the breeding methods developed by falconers...".Falconry", as I like to say "is for the BIRDS".....Tell them, how a wild raptor has to struggle for survival in the wild in it's first years especially, with many dying, in their first year, before they get a chance to be breeding adults...Tell them how, trapping them, training them, hunting with them, and then releasing them later to breed , is a way of ensuring the wild population's survival.........You need to talk to people.....tell them the real truth, of what it is you doing , being a falconer.......You are "hunting partner" , to a "wild" bird......They will be grateful to understand the true beauty of that relationship......if you explain it to them.....
@@timmccarthy3034 This is exactly why I'm interested in falconry. I obviously have a captive bred macaw (see avatar) whom is a pet. But I'm interested in falconry to be a part of the natural relationship between these beautiful predators and their noble prey. Besides the fact that I love all birds, there really isn't any other way for humans to actually become a part of the cycle of life. You don't see big cat people going on hunts with their tigers. Fish people don't take their sharks out to do what they do naturally, nor would the reptile guy take his python out to the Everglades to help it hunt for their dinner. But the Falconer can be an active participant in nature. It's such a unique opportunity and one that I'm so excited to get started on. I'm like a sponge right now reading and watching videos every spare minute I have. If anyone knows of any hunts in SW FL that I can go observe, I would be very appreciative if you let me know. And thanks again Tim for your poignant comment. I don't know if you meant it to be inspirational but it definitely had that effect on me. I'm even more charged to learn as much as I can! 🤯
i guess Im kinda off topic but do anyone know of a good place to watch new series online?
Hi Dakari, there's a new series of videos right here. You'll find at least a few videos a week. This guy's got tons of amazing Falconry content! There's always something different to see! Hopefully what you're talking about doesn't rhyme with sticks throne!
Thank you for the great videos. Very good information in every single one. You were recently saying how there is probably all kinds of things available now, but there isn't. Short of purchasing books from Western Sporting, your channel is the best thing for someone interested in Falconry.
I was an apprentice in 2002 here in Utah. I am trying to get back into the sport now, and just passed the test again. I have recently been denied sponsorship because I don't have a facebook oddly enough.
Thanks for reminding that it's about the bird hunting in the end. Not about what we think of ourselves.
I know absolutely nothing about falconry but this was a fantastic video about how people's egos can get in the way of building community, especially in niche hobbies. Your advice about not attaching your self-worth to your skill and clout is salient for everyone.
Hey Ben, this video was needed in the community and partly covers a portion of a suggestion I gave a while back!
I know you said you have a lot of film and projects but, It’s OCTOBER! Get out with your birds and show us some super action and the beauty of your state!! Want to see Ben, the “True Falconer” Love the channel ( the only channel I receive notifications from!)
I LOVE YOUR VIDS BEN....MAKE MORE VIDS......YOU ARE VALUABLE TO ALL POTENTIAL AND EXISTING FALCONERS..THANKS SO MUCH..
Totally new to even the idea of falconry and have really enjoyed your channel. Thanks and keep up the good work! Love the pearls of wisdom counseling respect, tolerance and “niceness” towards other viewpoints. We could probably use more of that for life in general.
Nice overview on the Macro/ Micro paradigms and dynamics of the time honored, Sport/Art/Lifestyle that we know as Falconry.🦅🦉🕊 I enjoy your videos🎥 Ben. Your a natural educator and a credit to the Fellowship of Falconry Community. Thanks brah for all your vids and just keep up the good work your doing. From a Fellow Falconer!👍
So spot on! My exposure began with my grandfathers remnant of a zoo that he owned but had shut down by the time I was born. However, he still had many different wild and exotic animals; of which one was a golden eagle. I have been hooked on wildlife and animals of all sorts ever since. That lead me through bird banding, interacting with some falconers and getting a degree in wildlife biology. Working and interacting with these different groups it has been amazingly sad how much animosity there is between them. Thank you for building bridges. Thank you for your wise words. BTW I would be interested in hearing your journey into and through wildlife education. I would appreciate a video or videos talking about that subject. It seems several falconers have made their living doing that profession.
Awesome presentation man, thank you Ben.
Hey ben, this video was enjoyable, must be real fun to work with all these birds. I admire your honesty and the way you give your own opinions about the whole game. Anyways can i get your opinion on roadside hawks.
Joshua Carter I have a dear friend (who sadly passed away about 5 years ago) who flew several roadside hawks while living in Mexico. Genetically speaking they are a neotropical broad winged hawk. I don’t think anyone has studied the gene sequence closely enough to know if broad wings evolved from roadside hawks or the other way around.
My friend said they weren’t very game driven, but with proper weight management they are similar in drive as an American kestrel. He had a fair amount of success and I always wished I could try one out. Some people will shoot you down, bringing up the legitimate point that they are not as spirited if hunters as other species. And though that may be true..... who cares! If you are passionate about a species and get it out hunting, more power to you! I have hunted harriers, screech owls, and rough legs. People gave me a hard time. But like I said, if you are out hunting your bird, just ignore the naysayers and enjoy yourself 👍👍👍
Good video Ben as always. Maybe you could do one with differences in techniques of training for different groups of raptors(long wings, short wings, broad wings). Also to point out what techniques are recommended for one group and not for the other and vice versa.
I wholeheartedly agree with your views in respect of the dynamics of Falconry.
I work as a Falconer in Ireland and have never come across another Falconer leaning on their Raptor for kudos.
Maybe that’s a cultural thing, I don’t know.
I was taught and I teach that Quiet professionalism, is the hallmark of a Falconer.
However there’s nothing wrong in bathing in the reflected glory of the Raptors we care for and work with.
Good man yourself. ☘️⚓️
Could you do a video on how to find a sponser?
Hi Ben, the culminating video as always. If you can, make a video about keeping predators. Aviaries, dark chambers, perches. Different types, advantages and disadvantages. When to use. Dimensions, not stated in the books, but which are good.
This was so funny! When I become a Falconer, I'll be like, "The hawk makes me feel epic because I'm holding a hawk!" But we are *both* epic! I'll always remember when you said "social awkwardness", which is exactly what I feel when talking to people! I would get along better with a raptor than another person, the reason being that a raptor will understand that I'm trying to help them! If hunting is going to help them, then that's what I'll do! I consider myself a terrible hunter, but I don't have to worry about that since the raptor is the one that's pursuing the prey! Even though I'm just following the raptor from one perch to another, I will also be using techniques that's going to exercise them so that they can build up their agility and strength to catch prey!
I love your videos so don’t take this the wrong way, I’m a professional camera man and this is just a small tip. Lower your camera just a bit so that your head is centered 1/3 of the way down in the frame. It will look so much better. Please keep your content coming. I have my apprentices watch them all.
John Hamrick thanks for the input. So you are saying have my head centered at the top third with two thirds showing below my head?
Yes. Compare with the tv newscaster when they shoot close ups. Same way you don’t put the horizon in the middle of the frame.
Rule of thirds😉
Hi Ben, love your take on Falconry. Wish you talked a little in depth about the bird abatement side of working with raptors. But good video nonetheless, thanks for sharing!
It's *good* preachy! ;-)
Interesting discussion of a broad range of points. To be a falconer means that you can't be a squeamish "city kid", because it's not always a pretty sight when a big goshawk tears into live prey.
Great discussion. As always.
Ok so I have question for any one to answer me I have a new redtail caught him a week ago and he still does not show any interest in jumping to my fist any one have any opinions on this for me do I need to drop his weight even more
Good, good, I like, Thanks.
Right on
I'm soneone that wants to work with raptors though I don't know what _my_ personal best field would be. I'm unfortunately extremely limited in what I can do in the first place; I don't drive. All I can do right now is learn, watch videos, and write stories to vicarious live some sort of lifestyle currently well beyond my means...
Kiki, not sure where you live..but if you live where raptors live and their prey is abundant, then you can be "a falconer" if you set your mind to truly dedicate yourself to it...."Driving" is not important ...as I was flying Red Tailed Hawks for 4 years... starting at age 12..........4 yrs before I could drive a car..or getting my falconry or driver's license..I got my falconry license at 16.... BEFORE I got my driver license..To me , it was way more important to get my falconry license..................I flew "illegally" , but I didn't care, I just wanted a bird so bad I could not wait till my 16th birthday, so I got one, at 12......after reading a few books, and with complete daily guidance from a great and very kind and caring master falconer that I met in my neighborhood...just a few houses down the street from me....I used to just walk my birds directly to the hunting fields right near my parent's house where I lived, in southern CA......where the birds got to fly great every day...after jackrabbits, cottontails, ground squirrels......I had a great time .....TRY to get a bird as soon as you can, but DO get a falconry license, FIRST though, do not do it "illegally" like I did, I just got lucky that I was never caught, and fined, and had my bird taken away , etc ......etc... etc.......
Found someone like that when just looking around to get some information around to get involved, and it was super off putting to be told I would be blacklisted in the community.
Cathy.....I need to tell you, that it is far more important to tell people "the truth" about falconry.....by showing them, by your own example, how truly remarkable and beautiful it really is, so they can truly understand the special relationship you have with a magnificent raptor....than it is just "to please" those, or to be "conforming" to those close-minded, judgmental people of the "community".... who choose to live in a state of myopic ignorance...You need to find some "new people" to hang out with too, cool people, NICE people .....if some other people want to "blacklist" you ....FUK THEM .....Just go your own way..... ENJOY YOUR LIFE ......FLY YOUR BIRDS......... JUST DO IT .....FOLLOW YOUR HEART'S SWEETEST DESIRE.....Falconry, if you are fortunate enough in your life to have the time and place, and money, and strength, and determination to do it, doesn't always make itself available to you "in life"......I KNOW that painful reality, firsthand....I am a dedicated falconer ....have been since 1972......but due to my life situation, I haven't been able to fly a bird in years...and believe me , THAT HURTS..........So..NEVER MIND .....what people of your "community" think, say , "gossip" about , or do, about what YOU do.... in YOUR life .......YOU MUST BE FREE AS A BIRD TO DO WTF YOU WANT....IN YOUR OWN LIFE......DO NOT LET ANY OTHERS DICTATE TO YOU ..IN ANY WAY...........WHAT YOU DO......YOU GO GIRL...YOU DO WTF YOU WANT..... If you want to fly a bird......YOU FLY.....
I just passed my test got everything inspected and I now have a sponsor I asked him about the use a of a red shoulder and he told me he downs know any one around that uses them and he knows no one in falconry that has any luck with them at all ,I am very interested in the breed of bird I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on them and or make a video that cover the red shoulder maybe my sponsors right they may be no good for falconry but one day I will be able to chose my own bird and would love to hear your thoughts on them if you have time that is and you the way you are so full of knowledge I wish I live in Utah so I could meet you in person and pick your brain on bird well keep high and let the prey die happy flying
Kevin........CONGRADS on passing your test and inspection...Now comes the hard part...AND the fun part............I am a falconer since 1972.......flown many birds.....and the 1 time I experienced flying the Red Shouldered Hawk, it was not a good one...... Just like your sponsor, I strongly recommend NOT trying a Red Shouldered Hawk.....at all........They are adapted and evolved naturally more for their special prey like lizards, mice, and their very favorite, "snakes", A LOT more than they are for rabbits, etc, that are hunted by falconry birds.....DO NOT TRY TO MAKE IT DO what it is "not adapted" to do, either.....It will be a total and complete disaster for you , and for the bird..You will end up loosing it....or it will get injured....SPARE YOURSELF the agony of that .......Go for a RED TAILED HAWK instead, as a "first bird", especially , because it IS THE BEST BIRD TO FLY............Try a male bird, if you don't want a big female.....They are very well mannered, very gentle birds, and fast too, and they will try to go, with gusto.. for a wide variety of prey, even to try hard to take some birds like teal, ducks, pheasants etc, "on the wing"....and they go after squirrels , bunnies (cottontails) NO PROBLEM........AMAZING BIRDS...Jackrabbits are "too big" for them however , so be careful .......The males are faster, more agile, on the wing, than the bigger females....I always preferred to fly a big female instead, because I just love the great power they have, and enjoy seeing them fly after big jacks, etc. I LOVE GOLDEN EAGLES....so , what else can I say?
@@timmccarthy3034 thank. You sir for the info well I am getting a red tail with my sponsor here in the next couple of weeks when my permit comes back to me I. The mail I will for sure take your advice on not getting a red shoulder I want to chase rabbits and squirrels and maybe some ducks since I live on a lake but I do know that I am just getting started into falconery but my long term goal is to do what I have to to get a golden eagle they are amazing animals so much power and will to hunt big game we don’t have any jack rabbits here in Kentucky and I do appreciate all of your advice sir I realy do thank you and I am going to listen to everything my sponsor says and I know to that every one has different experiences on everything from hunting to bird interests but one day the golden eagle will be the bird I go for some how some way I hope to find an eagle falconer to watch and hunt with one day if nothing else but to push brush for him/her thanks again well god bless and keep them flyin and keep the prey diein
@@timmccarthy3034 Man Tim I love your comments. Your perspective on falconry is exactly the way that I look at it. I really like how encouraging you are for us newcomers. Good on ya and keep commenting. I'm learning just by reading your feedback!
I was laughing my head off as I thought the harsh relationships between raptor rehabers and falconers only happen in Mainland China (where falconry is not fully understood and there is one certain rehaber that is famous for ripping of on other people who keeps raptors )
I am just so related to the last part.
Ben , I hate to tell you some Wildlife Centers believe the “ humans are toxic” point of view. If you love raptors it is painful. I got in trouble for looking at the raptors, both releaseable and permanent. Also for being meticulous in cage cleaning and spending to much time cleaning. No training available to handle birds as a volunteer. No place for raptor lovers.
Sheree.....then stop volunteering at the "centers".....Let them do their "rehab job" , etc, it is a worthy job, and needs to be done, but you need to become a "real falconer" yourself....Get with some REAL falconers.......masters of the art..... to show you the way...Learn all you can , study study study........then you GO FOR IT.....FLY YOUR OWN BIRDS.........Since you love them, make them a REAL PART OF YOUR LIFE.......by becoming a falconer....You will be happy forever, and never look back...Good luck......
When hunting with raptors, what would you say are some of the best methods for dispatching caught prey?
Let the raptor do what it does would be my guess, but I'm not the expert.
Greg Vanfleet
I only ask because I’ve seen people finish off rabbits by just squeezing the head with their gloved hand.
From my understanding, the reason being is if your raptor is holding onto a writhing animal, the last thing you want is for your bird to get injured amongst the commotion. So, I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to dispatch the prey if they were unable to by the time of your arrival.
Quickly dispatching the prey is the most humane way to handle the situation. There are a variety of good and safe methods depending on the quarry.
Ice pick
Plz I need a vid on red shouldered hawks
This problem is also in Central Europe. 99% of rehabilitation workers are against falconry.
If a young person wants to be a falconer, he must run for 1 year and take a test. The rehabilitation worker does nothing but submit an application and gets consent to keep the predators. He doesn't have to have practice or knowledge, just to say that he loves birds of prey. Hence the hostility between these groups.
This is one of the reasons I'm getting into falconry. I actually like that there is an apprenticeship process. It has integrity which is seriously lacking in a lot of things these days. I really love that you can't buy your way into it either!
@@CaptBirdBrain Hi. Your opinion is very correct. There is no substitute for apprenticeship. You can't learn this by reading text or watching a video. It is only after completing the apprenticeship that the texts and videos make sense to you. Lots of success in falconry.
Watching this video reminded me of some vicious lady called " Eagle owl" on some forums... LoL 🤣
hello ben Id love to make some content with your sometime. we live quite close. what do ya think?
Yes I thing that would be fun to collaborate together
Ben Woodruff what’s the best way to contact you?
Great great video I 100% AGREE! But also, bird banders are annoying 😒 lol jk
England has a lion as a symbol
Excellent point!
Are the lions sitting on top of a flag pole?
Falconry is extreem bird watching.
Ben luv your channel, but this one was a lot of piddle puddles 🙁
Thanks for the input. We are starting to get into the game hawking season now so I’ll be able to do a lot more about training and hunting. So thanks for your patience 👍👍👍
@@benwoodrufffalconry Ben I’m flying a home bred ferrutail x Harris 20 weeks old flying at 3 lb 1 1/2 oz , keep up the good work 👍