starter bird

[diezel1 0]

hi new to all this what in everyones opinion is an ideal starter bird for someone with no expierience but willing to learn just curious all replys welcome

[trappa 518]

The harris, but before anyone even thinks about getting one they should do loads of reading and get out and about with someone who has a bird to see what its all about-there are too many buy one who havent a clue then realise this isnt for them.

Emma fords art and practice is a great starter book.

[Kat 3]

Agree with Trappa:) Harris or Redtail.

[harrishawkblue 2]

Agree with Trappa:) Harris or Redtail.

 

Yeah its got to be the Harris.

But a fyew points all should take on first before buying a bird.

Do you have the time to put in.

Do you have permission on land to fly your bird.

Who will look after your bird when you are on holiday.

There are many Harrishawks about its worth travelling them xtra miles to get the right bird.

GOOD LUCK

HAPPY HAWKING

Tom.

[LJW 0]

Dont mean to patronise cos io dont know you or what you know but there are many people think buy a harris it be easy and we will go hunting. Wont happen. Get a mentor read everything you can over and over, join a club get a bird next year thats what im doin. We must learn first. There is no good starter bird for someone with no experience not even the relatively calm harris.

Lee

[Tiercel 6,986]

Dont mean to patronise cos io dont know you or what you know but there are many people think buy a harris it be easy and we will go hunting. Wont happen. Get a mentor read everything you can over and over, join a club get a bird next year thats what im doin. We must learn first. There is no good starter bird for someone with no experience not even the relatively calm harris.

Lee

 

Could not agree with you more. Before I had my first bird, I done three years just ferreting for my mentor asking questions and generally learning. It was a good thing that I did. Once I did get my first bird I had assumed that I would be able to go out with my mentor, But although he was there for advice, he did not want another bird flying when he was flying his M Harris.

 

If you are going to fly a bird you will need a ferret so if you do not have one get one now and offer your services to ferret for someone. You will learn a lot from it.

 

Tiercel

 

Just an after thought you might want to get more than one ferret if you are ferreting for strange hawks.

Edited November 10, 2008 by tiercel

[SPAR 2]

What's happened to all the Buzzards?

[trappa 518]

What's happened to all the Buzzards?

Crap starter bird in my opinion

[minty2008 0]

i agree with the harris hawks ive just got one myself its a male hes only small ideal for a new beginer put like they say read books and best to have a mentor

[diezel1 0]

thanks i'm not planning getting one soon its just good to know for the future thanks everyone it gives me more books to read good job i like it lol

Edited November 10, 2008 by diezel1

[Kat 3]

you could have a look in your area to see if theres a bird of prey centre that could do with a volunteer.. You'll learn lots & possibly get a contact for a mentor.

[graham01 1]

Id go for a redtail mate,i learned more from my common buzzard than i would with any Harris,they are just to easy going for me and you can pick up lots of bad or "slack" habits with them.To many people fail miserably with a second bird after a harris unless you have an experienced mentor or group to go out with,but there again you should have that before any bird really.Find a decent bloke who has flown a few species and ask to tag along

[NIGHTSHADOW 3]

Not looking to get into a row but sorry, I still say a kestral. Why? Having a kestral is learning all about wieght. Yes you don't have as much to play with as you do with a harris but that is what flying BOP is all about. Wieghing your bird ,knowing its wieght. To me, unless you have trained a small bird the size of a kestrel you should not own a harris or a redtail. That is why there are so many BOP out there F.. ed up

[jakk 6]

I started under a mentor around a month ago now he's let me start with a Common Buzzard 1lb 1 oz really aggressive, in 2 weeks i've had her bating in the opposite direction and now flying to me around 50 yards. taught me a lot to do with weighing and flying weights and i am happier to have started with a buzzard then harris

[trappa 518]

The fundamental problem with getting a buzzard (buteo buteo) or a kestrel is that once youve learned the basics you will want to get rid for a "better" bird, something you can hunt properly with. Getting a HH or Rt means you can learn together and carry on from that first season making progress as you go.

 

Before i get shouted down, yes you can hunt with a common buzzard but to nowhere near the quality of HH or RT.