Glad to see you back at 100%. Always tuning in to your new videos and showing whoever wants to learn. Thank you for your hard work for the falconry community.
I really like the respect Ben has for all kinds of raptor keepers. I was thrown out of a falconry forum for advocating affection with your hawk. My birds are very happy with me, with being touched and they respond favourably, because it's natural bonding that extends across species in the wild world all the time - the proof is out there! They're not machines, they're highly intelligent and usually sensitive. Being on good terms with a bird is imo a really important aspect of living with one. Different for hunters, I appreciate that - you might not agree. But it seems Ben advocates for best of both worlds and I really am glad to see him being so successful here.
Thank you, for your expertise, Ben, and the very important points, you make, about an adjustment period, with a new bird and recognition of human faces!! I enjoy learning how you train them, and your techniques/tips! 🥰👍🏻
This is my second Apprentice Season and the bird to bird and season to season difference is so crazy. Last year was a prey-collapse year and if you could get a trap under a bird, they were on it before you could get very far from it to observe. This year the prey base has really bounced back, and the numbers, size, and behavior of the birds is completely different. If something is unfamiliar in anyway, they're really cautious or just ignore it all together. This has definitely reinforced the need for apprentices to trap a new bird each season, because year to year and bird to bird can be a completely different experience.
Hi Ben, I'm happy to see you feeling well! You had us all worried for awhile there. I had a couple of health issues myself last year which set me back until November in my search for a passage red-tail, and my season ended without a bird. Thankfully, three weeks ago I trapped my bird, a beautiful female, 1,305 grs. trap weight with monster junkyard feet! She's responded well to training and she is very well mannered. I should be able to get her hunting by the end of next week. I'm really savoring the experience we are both sharing together, after all it's the first time for either of us. I'll never have another first ever experience with a bird like this, and that makes it very special! I want to thank you for your videos and instruction, without which, I'm sure I would not be at this point. Stay well, and enjoy your season!
Glad to hear you are back up and running. Healing is definitely a journey. Glad you are out in the field again. Sounds like you got a proper large hawk! Wishing you the best of luck with her.
TA! So, due to life I trapped a bird late this year and it has been slowly dawning on me that this late November trapping is a whole new world from the September/October game. The first indication was finding fields full of passage birds who completely ignored my traps. Once I did finally find a bird who was desperate enough to brave the strange metal thing 1. she wasn't starving and 2. even as soon as the first night with her I noticed she was going to be a tougher nut to crack. My sponsor taught me to "man birds down" in low light levels for the first several days. Cloak the negative influences of the scary human world and highlight the positives (the food). The theory is, if a bird has come to a trap that act alone is enough to show the bird is hungry and should want to eat. Every fresh bird I've ever worked with, from passage to chamber raised, we'd start in a dark room with just a light on the food in the glove. At some point in the night the bird would notice it is sitting on food, and slowly work up the courage to tear into it. This takes hours but with enough patience and stillness, i've always gotten birds to eat the first night. Except my new passage. She was open mouth/ defensive wings well into the wee hours of the morning. I had to give both of us a break, so I hooded her and let us both get some sleep. Now, I am wondering if through all the conversations you've had with all the great falconers out there if you've come up with your own tried and true methods for the first few days with a new bird? I know many people swear by waking/flooding and I am sure that works, staying up with the bird for several days seems like it would probably work. Are there down sides to this method? I feel pretty confident I can get this late-season bad bitch to eat some food tonight... I can even tell by her posture some of the trauma from trapping is fading... but wondering if you have any other things you've done in the beginning that work really well for you?
Glad you are recovering, Ben. My brother had a Stroke xmas day, and my sister in law had one the 3rd of January! Both otherwise healthy clean living individuals! I blame the Covid jab, there are so many individuals having them! Take care Ben stay safe,respect, and best wishes! As always happy hawking!
Dang man I didn't know that you were down. You have taught me a lot. One! I am not cut out to be a Falconer. Two! Y'all folks are very dedicated to the trade.
You have such a great channel here, your authenticity shines through and I enjoy learning. There are only a handful of channels that I always watch new videos and this is one for sure. Are Osprey used in falconry?
Ive never thought much about instances where a trained bird might be passed to a new falconer. Are those jesses and that glove new to Sundance, too, or are you using his old ones? If this gear is new to him, have you considered or have experience in whether there is merit in utilizng an inherited bird's old gear when and if possible as part of their acclimation?
Brother I had no idea you even HAD a stroke I'm happy to see you up and walking and training birds. I hope you're doing better.
Thank you for making this video.
I'm obsessed with Raptors, and I'm thinking of getting one. This video will help me out a lot. Thank you so much 🙏
You are very welcome
Glad to see you back at 100%. Always tuning in to your new videos and showing whoever wants to learn. Thank you for your hard work for the falconry community.
I really like the respect Ben has for all kinds of raptor keepers. I was thrown out of a falconry forum for advocating affection with your hawk. My birds are very happy with me, with being touched and they respond favourably, because it's natural bonding that extends across species in the wild world all the time - the proof is out there! They're not machines, they're highly intelligent and usually sensitive. Being on good terms with a bird is imo a really important aspect of living with one. Different for hunters, I appreciate that - you might not agree. But it seems Ben advocates for best of both worlds and I really am glad to see him being so successful here.
Thank you, for your expertise, Ben, and the very important points, you make, about an adjustment period, with a new bird and recognition of human faces!! I enjoy learning how you train them, and your techniques/tips! 🥰👍🏻
Perfect timing with this video
This is my second Apprentice Season and the bird to bird and season to season difference is so crazy. Last year was a prey-collapse year and if you could get a trap under a bird, they were on it before you could get very far from it to observe. This year the prey base has really bounced back, and the numbers, size, and behavior of the birds is completely different. If something is unfamiliar in anyway, they're really cautious or just ignore it all together. This has definitely reinforced the need for apprentices to trap a new bird each season, because year to year and bird to bird can be a completely different experience.
The fact this video keeps reminding you to be patient is perfect.
Haven't even gotten past the intro yet but I know it's gonna be a good one as always. Can't wait to get my mews built!
Great to see you back in the saddle Ben, wishing you continued good health from the Republic of Ireland.
Hi Ben, I'm happy to see you feeling well! You had us all worried for awhile there. I had a couple of health issues myself last year which set me back until November in my search for a passage red-tail, and my season ended without a bird. Thankfully, three weeks ago I trapped my bird, a beautiful female, 1,305 grs. trap weight with monster junkyard feet! She's responded well to training and she is very well mannered. I should be able to get her hunting by the end of next week. I'm really savoring the experience we are both sharing together, after all it's the first time for either of us. I'll never have another first ever experience with a bird like this, and that makes it very special! I want to thank you for your videos and instruction, without which, I'm sure I would not be at this point. Stay well, and enjoy your season!
Glad to hear you are back up and running. Healing is definitely a journey. Glad you are out in the field again. Sounds like you got a proper large hawk! Wishing you the best of luck with her.
@@benwoodrufffalconry❤
Amazing video and point of view.
That’s a nice looking Harris, great video as usual we always enjoy, glad all going well .
TA! So, due to life I trapped a bird late this year and it has been slowly dawning on me that this late November trapping is a whole new world from the September/October game. The first indication was finding fields full of passage birds who completely ignored my traps. Once I did finally find a bird who was desperate enough to brave the strange metal thing 1. she wasn't starving and 2. even as soon as the first night with her I noticed she was going to be a tougher nut to crack. My sponsor taught me to "man birds down" in low light levels for the first several days. Cloak the negative influences of the scary human world and highlight the positives (the food). The theory is, if a bird has come to a trap that act alone is enough to show the bird is hungry and should want to eat. Every fresh bird I've ever worked with, from passage to chamber raised, we'd start in a dark room with just a light on the food in the glove. At some point in the night the bird would notice it is sitting on food, and slowly work up the courage to tear into it. This takes hours but with enough patience and stillness, i've always gotten birds to eat the first night. Except my new passage. She was open mouth/ defensive wings well into the wee hours of the morning. I had to give both of us a break, so I hooded her and let us both get some sleep. Now, I am wondering if through all the conversations you've had with all the great falconers out there if you've come up with your own tried and true methods for the first few days with a new bird? I know many people swear by waking/flooding and I am sure that works, staying up with the bird for several days seems like it would probably work. Are there down sides to this method? I feel pretty confident I can get this late-season bad bitch to eat some food tonight... I can even tell by her posture some of the trauma from trapping is fading... but wondering if you have any other things you've done in the beginning that work really well for you?
Great Video! 😊
Glad you are recovering, Ben. My brother had a Stroke xmas day, and my sister in law had one the 3rd of January! Both otherwise healthy clean living individuals! I blame the Covid jab, there are so many individuals having them! Take care Ben stay safe,respect, and best wishes! As always happy hawking!
I think that’s what it is too. I’m just grateful to still be alive. I hope your brother and sister-in-law recover well. Happy hawking!
Dang man I didn't know that you were down. You have taught me a lot. One! I am not cut out to be a Falconer. Two! Y'all folks are very dedicated to the trade.
You have such a great channel here, your authenticity shines through and I enjoy learning. There are only a handful of channels that I always watch new videos and this is one for sure. Are Osprey used in falconry?
Thankyou for making all the videos they help me
Great video thanks 👍👍
Found my sponsor, about to begin my first season.
YEEEESSSS! Congratulations! So excited for you!
Ive never thought much about instances where a trained bird might be passed to a new falconer. Are those jesses and that glove new to Sundance, too, or are you using his old ones? If this gear is new to him, have you considered or have experience in whether there is merit in utilizng an inherited bird's old gear when and if possible as part of their acclimation?
Yep new equipment on him. But he has adapted well
👍