View Full Version : 07 Imprint Sharpie
I was told the sharpies hatched, so off I went to collect my bird. All the birds in the nest my friend found were around 5 days old and under so they were perfect for imprinting. There were 5 chicks all together in the nest, and they all were very healthy. I picked the second from the smallest chick, I am hoping its a male but at this age you cant tell unless you DNA it, I will wait. It ate right off the bat and hasnt stopped since, I am feeding it a diet of whole birds that I have plucked and removed the heads and intestines then I ran them threw a meat grinder, the bird loves it. I will keep a post on its training I plan on using the recipe technic. Lee
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/nest.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpie07001-1.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpie07004.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpie07005.jpg
Takasho
06-10-2007, 03:44 AM
[smilie=icon_thumright.gif] Congrats! [smilie=banana.gif] [smilie=eusa_clap.gif] [smilie=icon_pidu.gif]
everetkhorton
06-10-2007, 10:01 AM
Lee: What was the area like that the nest was found in? Such a small bird to keep alive. Good luck and keep us posted.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/woods.jpg
This Stand of pines was surounded by hardwoods and had a small clearing nearby, classic sharpy habitat. LEE
kimmerar
06-10-2007, 10:40 AM
Congradulations Lee. [smilie=banana.gif] Thanks so much for keeping a log.
They are small. Can't wait to watch it grow.
Is this your first sharpie???
I hope someday to get a sharpie myself. Your logs will be a great help. I'm reading mikes book right now. My husband won a receiver at our club picnic yesterday [smilie=banana.gif] - that sure gets me closer.
Thanks again
Thanks, yes this my first sharpy I have been wanting to fly one since I got into the sport I love the little guys.
everetkhorton
06-10-2007, 11:36 AM
Lee: Thanks for the pictures. I know some spots just like the pictures. I banded some passage SSHA this spring. No big single daily flight this year. They strong out. I trapped 26 and missed a Rt. and Marsh Hawk.
After working with the bird all day it is now feeding itself off the food dish, It was neat watching it grab at its food with that little beak, now all it has to learn is how to use those feet.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/habitatpics035.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/habitatpics036.jpg
everetkhorton
06-10-2007, 08:27 PM
Lee: What are you useing for bedding. It looks like ground up egg cartons [smilie=dontknow.gif]
Its a type of bedding you buy from a petstore its called carefresh its made from recycled newspaper. It is very absorbant and masks odor very well it is also dust free and it doesnt harm the birds if they eat some accidently we have used it on harris hawks,falcons,kestrels, and owls with no problems it is also very soft and helps prevent splayed legs, I wont use anything else.
wesleyc6
06-10-2007, 11:09 PM
Lee,
I can't wait to hear all about the sharpie. I am a big fan too, but I have never even seen one be hunted. I have talked with some guys that I know are hard hunters and to hear them describe them is amazing! I hope you do really well with him!
everetkhorton
06-11-2007, 07:53 AM
Wes: I had a friend the flew a SSHA and said it was the hardest bird he ever flew and took the most time. These small bird are tough!
`Chris L.
06-11-2007, 05:11 PM
Lee,
Great job on the Sharpie [smilie=eusa_clap.gif] . Very nie. Thank you for taking the time to post a log. I know I will enjoy reading it.
Again congrats he looks great [smilie=icon_pidu.gif]
kimmerar
06-11-2007, 07:46 PM
Lee - thanks so much. Can you put a quarter next to it in the next set of pictures for a size comparison?
Keep up the good work.
Ev - the carefresh is used for cats that have been declawed - I use to use it for parrots too. Good stuff.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpylure001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpie07008.jpg
Here it is with the lure, the bottom shows hin standing on a Qtip for size compairson.
Grown a little bit today [smilie=icon_pidu.gif]
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday7001.jpg
Today the chick was taken out of the brooder it isnt shivering like it was the day before so I think the chick is now starting to thermo regulate, plus the extra down growing in is keeping it warmer. We did alot of socializing today the bird was around my wife and 2 year old all afternoon and tonight, it did great no fear at all towards them. I also have been touching its feet and body getting it use to my hands coming towards it, it loved it when I rubbed his back and under the chin the eyass started preening right away and nibbling at my fingers he loves it those new feathers coming in are sore..
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday8pic.jpg
Preening
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday8.jpg
Here it is playing with the bedding as I rub its back.
Jimmy
06-13-2007, 11:36 PM
How are you brooding it?
Its actually a converted a cat litter box. It has a plexy glass front for a door and in the back it has a ceramic heating element attatched. I plug that into a reptile thermostat so I can set the temp to what I want.
Today the bird is 9 -10 days old and it weighed 80 grams I am thinking its a female.
Jimmy
06-14-2007, 02:44 PM
How about a pic of the brooder? I'm sure someone besides me is interested in seeing it.
kimmerar
06-14-2007, 03:25 PM
I'd like to see the brooder. Sounds inexpensive.
`Chris L.
06-14-2007, 05:54 PM
Its actually a converted a cat litter box. It has a plexy glass front for a door and in the back it has a ceramic heating element attatched. I plug that into a reptile thermostat so I can set the temp to what I want.
Lee great Idea with the thermostat.. are you suing a Ranco or a proportional?
I will use that for sure when ever I get some chicks. [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
The sharpie is looking great. Were you hoping for a female?
I will snap some pics of the brooder soon. The thermo stat is made by big apple supple company.
Here's a few pics of the chick trying to get its legs under itself. Came close too I might add.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/SHARPYDAY9006.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/SHARPYDAY9004.jpg
everetkhorton
06-15-2007, 10:46 AM
Lee:
Looking good!
10 days old weighed 90 grams its a female and her name is Minny.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpieday10006.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpieday10008.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpieday10005.jpg
11 days old
IMG]http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday11004.jpg[/IMG]
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday11001.jpg
kimmerar
06-17-2007, 12:39 PM
Yeah - there a pin feathers on the tail!!! Wow that was a young bird you got Lee. Doing great. Keep us posted.
A few more from yesterday.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday11003.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday11004.jpg
Jimmy
06-17-2007, 01:00 PM
She's looking good, Lee.
Still has the egg tooth too.
Thanks, the egg tooth is gone today I just looked.
Jimmy
06-17-2007, 05:25 PM
Betcha $5 you can't find it....... [smilie=eusa_think.gif]
Day 12
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday12001-2.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/sharpyday12002.jpg
Day 13
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday13005.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday13002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday13001.jpg
kimmerar
06-18-2007, 11:24 PM
Thanks for the update. So she's ripping it off for himself now? No more grindng up food or is this just to see how she's doing.
Jimmy
06-18-2007, 11:32 PM
So she's ripping it off for himself now?
hmmm....
kimmerar
06-18-2007, 11:44 PM
Sorry - I edited that once and missed it there LOL I know you think it's a girl at last post
Jimmy
06-19-2007, 07:39 AM
Just poking fun at you, Kim. [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
I still grind up her food for her, I just stick to sparrow wings between the grinded up meat so it looks more like a bird that way when I do start her on carcass feeding it will not look much different to her. She is almost standing now so it will not be long before she can tear at a carcass.
kimmerar
06-19-2007, 10:54 AM
I know Jimmy - thanks Lee sounds like a good idea - just checking what you're doing and the progress. Again - I will have one of these someday.
Day 14
She stood for the first time today!
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday13006.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday13007.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday13008.jpg
wesleyc6
06-20-2007, 05:41 AM
Hard to believe that little thing is a mighty female. [smilie=eusa_doh.gif] I can't wait to hear of some awesome hunting stories. With a sharpie, if I remember right, you are looking at hunting at like 45 days, right? I remember they fledge near 30 days. They grow like lightning!
everetkhorton
06-20-2007, 07:56 AM
Lee:
Thanks for the pic. all of us and had the chance to see an eyes grow. It is and has been fun to watch. She is one her way.
outhawkn
06-20-2007, 09:12 AM
I appreciate your posts. I hate to admit it but its kind of fun learning how others do things.
Thanks guys it has been a blast, as far as hunting goes I have heard they will catch game right as they fledge at 29-30 days I also heard from falconers that have flown sharpys there birds were taking wild game before there tails were fully grown, they are really neat birds I cant hardly wait to hit the fields with her riding on the fist looking for slips.
Day 15
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday15004.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday15002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday15001.jpg
everetkhorton
06-20-2007, 09:42 PM
Lee:
She is getting strong and big. Thanks for the post.
`Chris L.
06-20-2007, 10:00 PM
Lee, She is looking great. Thank you for the pictures
virdz
06-22-2007, 12:06 AM
Congrats!! I have only trained 2 passages but their nervousness was too great to have fun, some sharpys nest in norhtern part but for the most they pass here during migration but are already late passages and harder to mann.
regards
Day 16
Thanks again, I have heard the passage sharpys are very delicate and very hard to get going. She is standing alot better tonight.
Mid blink
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday16002.jpg
goshawks00
06-22-2007, 04:21 PM
Congrats Lee, looks like a female!!
Barry
goshawks00
06-22-2007, 04:29 PM
Sorry Lee, I quit looking at the June 9 photos and opted to hastily call it a female..., once all the photos had came in in became pretty well a non-issue as far as it's sex. Congrats on the great job of posting photos.
Barry
Day 17
Yeah its safe to say its a girl now, So Barry did you ever fly a female sharpy I know you have flown a lot of males? I just got permission to hunt a field that is loaded with quail I see them every time I go there so that might be fun to try, I know a coops is better suited for the job but she should hopefully connect with a few if I put up enough slips for her we will see.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday17003.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday17002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday17001.jpg
goshawks00
06-23-2007, 03:22 AM
Out of 9 sharpies only one was a female... her name was Twiggy. She was a very good but never as steady as any of the males. Given the chance if crowded she would carry some.
After flying several males then getting Twiggy it became very apparent early on, that there would be issues, the biggest being she was so heavy, that my carpul tunnel started acting up, soon she learned to ride on my head. That's when the problems started... she muted there to many times, hair started falling out then eventually she could see her reflections and being an imprint would foot at the other bird. Once she got it bleeding she wanted to eat it so drastic measures had to be taken. The rest is history and we parted ways after one season....... [smilie=icon_pidu.gif]
Oh well such are the tales of my falconry misadventures.
Barry
I will take note, always wear a hat! Thanks Lee
I will take note, always wear a hat! Thanks Lee
everetkhorton
06-23-2007, 12:34 PM
Barry:
I thought you was starting to loose you hair because of your age. Thank god is wasn't that, is it coming back. [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] LOL
goshawks00
06-23-2007, 01:47 PM
Unfortunately like everything else that comes into contact with hawk s--t, it's ruined, to much acid in it and I'm afraid the root bud has been permanently damaged . It's been 10 years now, and my worst fears are coming true... see I must have smeared it as they continue to wilt and disappear. [smilie=dontknow.gif] I guess it's a good thing that it was only on the top as the sides are fine, and I am still hopeful for a migration of sorts to replenish the barren and fertile fields of my head.
Barry
kimmerar
06-23-2007, 02:45 PM
Barry - LOL
[HOA]hawk
06-23-2007, 03:56 PM
I've heard that Imprints are aggresive and scream a lot is this true or just if you raise them the wrong way? Nice looking bird can't wait to here many great storys about her.
Imprints are a blank slate you mold them into what they become be it good or bad. My bird is silent and never screams and a I hope this behavoir follows threw the rest of the training, imprints tend to vocolize more as they hard penn and start hunting this is due to immachority and weight reduction but if you have done every thing correctly it will subside as the bird takes more game and devlops this can also apply to aggresion, for example if the bird runs over and hits your foot. You have to look at it things from the birds point of view, in the wild at this stage they are competing with there brothers and sisters for food so its only natural for them to be greedy and aggresive its compitition.
kimmerar
06-23-2007, 07:35 PM
Matt - haven't had a sharpy yet - but it's on my list. I've heard most people say that accipiters are different. Can't train them like other birds. They are very high strung and you have to hunt them. They are not for people that hunt only on weekends. You have to be able to get game for them or they get frustrated. (I guess that's a good word for it.) Again - many more people here know more than me on this subject. So - I'm just saying what I've read. There are certain things that will ruin an accipiter that most birds get around. But - if you get it right you will have a heck of a show. I watched a Coops one day tear apart a squirrel nest. And I mean plowed through it - ripping it to shreds to get those babies out. There was very little left of it when it was finished. Go look at previous post on these birds.
I'm real interested in Lee progress because I plan on using Mike's recipe also. I had a man tell me the other day there is no way to raise an imprint sharpy without them attacking your face. He says he's been practicing falconry for 25 years (he's only 37) and he's never had one that was not a face grabber. He had never heard of Mike's recipe so I just listened. Barry - have you had face grabbers? Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
goshawks00
06-23-2007, 09:02 PM
Kim,
I've heard that before also , in fact there is a guy that is on here sometimes, that created just such a bird -- in fact I think it was two. Of course that was years ago before there was much info or shared knowledge about raising them.... same goes for creating screamers.
Now then as far as flying accips just on weekends- I would discourage anyone from taking ANY falconry bird and just fly on weekends ... I think that is a crime... sorry just my .02.
Face grabbers---- none in over 30 imprints flown now... the best I did was have one sharpie .. Prozac... smack me twice square in the middle of the glasses. Both times he missed his slip was barreling back to the fist as he knew another slip was emminent and BAM!!! ... full speed contact.
In hindsight , and after talking to a couple other guys , it became apparent that on the way back he saw his reflect in my glasses and attacked 'that bird' that had stolen his falconer. The other two falconers that had that same experience with their hawks both also wore glasses.
Lee is right they are what you make them, your birds faults are your mistakes in training.... bad birds... nay... just bad trainers.
Barry
Shortwingn
06-23-2007, 09:49 PM
Well said Barry on all accounts!
Day 18
Its funny Barry I have heard similiar storys about sharpys going after reflections in glass the bad thing is it can be fatal if its a window or windsheild, a friend of mine said his female would be flying along and then see it own shadow and stoop down trying to catch it. I think they are just so geared up they react before they think, this gets them into lots of trouble I have heard crashing into things is the number one killer of these birds. This is the main reason I want to carhawk as least as possible and get into wide open fields to hunt I will carhawking to get her started and when she gets into slumps but field hawking is the main plan. Today she tore at a scored sparrow breast and started walking some, it is really neat how fast they mature you see something new every day sometimes its small and other times it is huge. So far I have enjoyed imprinting this bird, I am sure we are going to hit the rough spots when I drop her weight to keep her out the problem zone but so far so good.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday18001.jpg
kimmerar
06-24-2007, 12:32 AM
Love the updates Lee.
Barry - should have phrased that better. [smilie=iamwithstupid.gif] I hunt my bird almost every day. I agree - it's a crime to just be a weekend falconer - I should have said they are for people that hunt every day. Sound better.
Day 19
Jumped in and out of nest box today.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday19.jpg
everetkhorton
06-24-2007, 06:53 PM
Lee:
Sure is getting big! Thanks for the post.
Day 20
Some of her wing flaps made her get some air today. She is footing a lot more and tearing at sparrow carcass's better.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday20002.jpg
everetkhorton
06-26-2007, 08:08 AM
Lee:
I looked back 5 day. You sure can see the change. Great Pictures [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Day 21
Today she looks different to me I am starting to see the hunter in her and not the cute eyass she was running around footing things today and the look in her eyes was just different maybe I am just weird but its like a new bird. I am glad to see the change in her, raising a eyass if fun and all but I am getting the itch to see what she can do in the field.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday21004.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday21005.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday21001.jpg
everetkhorton
06-26-2007, 11:29 PM
Lee:
Are you going to hack her? It would be scary.
I have a pair of coops on chicks in the back of my property I dont think she would make it very long. I might try it with a tiercel gos next year.
Day 22
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday22003.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday22002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday22001.jpg
Day 23
Major Branching
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharoyday23002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharoyday23004.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharoyday23003.jpg
Day 24
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday24001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday24002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday24004.jpg
everetkhorton
06-29-2007, 04:44 PM
Lee:
Would you mind takeing a picture from back aways so we can see how small the SSHA is.. She is coming along, it will not be long. Are you going to hack her out at all?
I will snap a pic to show her size tommorow, I am not going to hack her if she was a coops then I would try but there is too much that can happen to a bird that small.
outhawkn
06-29-2007, 07:37 PM
Very nice looking bird. makes me plum envious!
Jimmy
06-29-2007, 09:13 PM
Those legs look SO fragile...
Day 25
Today we tried our first baggie I offered her a house sparrow but she just sat there and stared at it not ready yet, so I put it away and offered her one with the breast opened she dove in and was tearing well at the breast I would say she will take baggies in the next few days hopefully. I am going to attach her anklets and jesses tommorow.
here she is guarding the porch
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday25001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday25003.jpg
everetkhorton
06-30-2007, 07:47 PM
Lee:
Looked like her tail feathers grew an inch over night. It will not be long.
Day 26
New equipment was attached today it went very smoothly, also she is flying a lot better she was all over the place. I will try another baggie tommorow so we will see if she goes for this one.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday26001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday26003.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday26004.jpg
everetkhorton
07-01-2007, 07:35 PM
Lee:
Nice pictures, all that down make her look different. How long before her eye turn yellow.
Not real sure they are a lot lighter now then before?
Day 27
Took first baggie today it was a very easy one but she ran over and footed and killed it with some help by me.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday27001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday27002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/Sharpyday27003.jpg
kimmerar
07-03-2007, 06:33 AM
Lee Thanks for the pics. What kind of baggie was it? How much does she weight? Does she make any noises? Does she show any fear at all? Sorry - just a few questions.
everetkhorton
07-03-2007, 07:24 AM
Lee:
Thanks for the picture. Looks like she is well on her way to becoming a hunting SSHA.
It was a tethered starling, she is silent for the most part a few sqeakes here and there but nothing major this will change when I begin to lower her weight I am sure, I am not weighing her yet when I will start decreasing her meals to a few times daily then I will start weighing her. As far a fear goes she is really tame, my 2 year old can run screaming around her while she is eating and she could care less she did show some fear towards cars about 4 days ago but I started taking her with me in the car more and increased the socialiation and now that fear has diminished. All in all everything has gone smoothly no big bumps in the road, now when we start lowering the weight and begin hunting I am sure a few problems wil arise but hopefully nothing big.
kimmerar
07-03-2007, 10:40 AM
Thanks Lee - glad it's going so well.
Day 28
The baggie today was taken with more gusto it was really funny watching her she flew at it with her mouth wide open and all puffed up (soo small yet so fierce) I am starting her on a twice a day feeding schedule now that should get her even more geared up on the bags.
everetkhorton
07-04-2007, 10:52 AM
Lee:
Have you had any trouble with the Starling trying to poke her. I flew a merlin and the starling would alway try and poke her in her eyes when caught. When we trap SSHA for banding we use Starlilng, and they fight back.
A little tape on the beak and feet helps it go alot smoother.
everetkhorton
07-04-2007, 04:49 PM
[smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Day 29
I gave her a bag again this mourning she killed it better then the last too I think she is catching on now, I also did some lure work today which went great she responded very well.
everetkhorton
07-04-2007, 11:27 PM
Lee:
She has come a long way in 29 days.. Outstanding [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Day 30
Thanks
I repeated yesterday training schedule but today was better she was more aggresive towards game so we are almost there I would guess in about 10-15 days we will be hunting hopefully.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday30001.jpg
everetkhorton
07-06-2007, 10:56 AM
Lee:
What a difference a day makes. [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] Isn't that some old song? [smilie=banana.gif]
goshawks00
07-06-2007, 09:58 PM
Might be Ev , you're older than me , and I've never heard it. [smilie=dontknow.gif]
Barry
everetkhorton
07-06-2007, 11:03 PM
Barry:
The first thing to go is the mind.<G> [smilie=eusa_doh.gif]
Day 31 and 32
Took 2 baggies both days, I have also been doing lure sessions in the middle of the day followed by a carcass feeding in the evening. I was wondering Barry when would you start to lower her weight I have heard two different things one is to cut slowly before they penn and the other is weight after? Any thoughts out there?
Day 33 34 35 36
I have been slowly lowering her weight she is at 178 grams now and I will hold her there for one more day them lower it slightly again. She is still killing bags once every day and is doing great with that, she is slow in going for them but once she commits too it she doesnt stop she does what she is made for. The lure training is also moving along well, she is flying about 10 yards now for the lure, she is still showing a slow response but again this is from being hog fat. Her mannors are good she is still a sweet heart but she is getting more vocal but I was exspecting this with the weight coming off I just want to make sure I dont drop it too fast and get into the problem zone. So far so good I am starting tro see the fourth tail band so she should be close to penning I would guess in about 9 days maybe less.
Day 37
177 grams I offered her a cotunix quail baggy in the mourning she flew in as soon as she saw it and bound to it, the fight was fierce but she held on. Later that evening she weighed 181 grams I flew her to the lure she was slow in coming to the lure and didn't want to come over 15 yards she is still too fat.
Day 38
176 grams I gave her another quail baggy this mourning I had it 15 yards away from her she was perched on a fence post. She finally went after it and nailed it, once she commits too it she will kill it but her response time today wasn't good, still too fat I am going to reduce her more tomorrow to keep the ball moving, I don't want to drop her too fast due to the fact she isn't hard penned and I don't want to create a aggression issue so I will just drop her slightly again and let that weight stabilize for a few days. Most female sharpy's fly at or around 140-145 grams and this is almost a sure bet from what I have heard, so it gives you a ideas of what I will have to lower her too more then likely.
everetkhorton
07-13-2007, 07:48 PM
Lee:
Sounds like thing are moving along fine. It takes time,this is all new to them.
Once she know the game watch out it will be party time [smilie=banana.gif]
She was 177 grams at 8.00 this afternoon so I did another baggy I did the setup a little different this time, I pre placed the baggie in the field and then loaded up Minnie in my truck she was on a creance which was in the back of the truck with the appropriate string let out for the flight, I then held her on the hand as I drove up to the baggie she went after it as soon as it started flapping, I used another quail by the way, well she went in held on and killed her price. I then cropped her up to 194 grams this should lower her weight by mourning I am going to drop her hopefully 5 or 6 grams to get more of a response out of her she is not exactly where I want her yet. The 4th tail bar is barely visible so she should be real close to penning I would guess in 6 days so she is ready to begin weight loss, this I hope will avoid the unnecessary fear imprints develop when they are close to penning, they absorb the blood from there feathers which causes them to get a sugar rush from all that protein intake they then loose there hungry edge and devlop bad habits this all can be worked threw as the weight comes off but if you lower slightly before they penn you can save time and a lot of unessary problems from what I have read. We will see, so far I am happy with how things are going no big problems yet.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday38001-2.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday38002.jpg
Day 39 and 40
Yesterday she weighed 175 grams her response to the lure and to the baggie was slow but she did go for it and kill it.
Today I lowered her weight too 173 grams I flew her to the lure a few times and to a baggy her response wasnt that good again she was slow in coming to both, I was checking her feathers out last night and I believe she is just about hard penned if not already so I am sure that has a lot to do with it. I need to keep taking this weight off too get her keen again. In hindsight I waited too long to drop her weight but I dont want to cut her back too fast soo I will keep lowering her weight slowly untill she is keen again.
This afternoon she weighed 170 grams so I gave her another baggy she flew a lot better then this mourning so I was pleased, she was more vocal today then ever before but nothing I am worried about. When she is out catching game that should deminish.e
Lee,
It has taken me a few visits to the forum to get caught up to today, but I have to say WOW! What a great thread. Anyway, just wanted to say how much I have been enjoying your posts. Looks like you are well on your way with this sweet girl!
Best Regards,
Thanks Kory
Day 41
She weighed 170 grams this mourning and wouldnt even go for the lure at 10 yards, this is due to the fact she is hardpenned now so I am not worried, I let her drop another 2 grams and then flew her at 167 grams she did slightly better but her response was still horrible this is going to be the norm for about another 3 days then she should be back on track hopefully. She is more vocal today then ever before which is just another part of her penning I will be glad when we will be out hunting and killing some birds and done with the baby stuff it was fun but now its time for business.
Saluqi
07-16-2007, 04:58 PM
..... they absorb the blood from there feathers which causes them to get a sugar rush from all that protein intake they then loose there hungry edge and devlop bad habits this all can be worked threw as the weight comes off but if you lower slightly before they penn you can save time and a lot of unessary problems from what I have read. We will see, so far I am happy with how things are going no big problems yet.
I've heard this explanation before many times but is it just an urban legend or is it true? How much blood is actually left in the tail when they hardpen? It's not as if the entire feather shaft is filled with blood right? Just the very end of the shaft? Wouldn't all eyasses, as they grow and harden off feathers, be constantly supplied with additional blood? I don't know, I'm justing playing devils advocate here, but there are so many little "facts" that we take as truths in falconry I wonder if don't just get caught up in bunch of crap sometimes.
Lee - Beautiful bird by the way, looks like she's doing great!
Paul
goshawks00
07-16-2007, 05:56 PM
Good question Paul, my understanding is the feather begins to harden, the blood begins to leave the shaft area as it begins to seal off and become a completed feather,at the same time, the pressure required to pump blood into the once growing shaft begins to lessen. There is a time when there is still more pressure than is required and I had it explained to me as being like a pounding headache type pressure and someone else thought it like a finger that had been smashed with a hammer. You know, that throbbing, pounding presure. During that period little things are magnified in intensity and become extreme to the hawk causing them to be overly sensitive to small things. Noises are magnified, movement hurts as well, and possibly the eyes which have many vessels are senitive to movement which it sees. Couple that with a phenomena which the hawk has never experienced and it's little wonder they can become frightened and monsters over night. Given a few days of stresslessness and they will become what they were before this freaky thing attacked them.
.02
Barry
I have also heard when they absorb the blood back into there body they get a form of a sugar rush from all the proteins? I am just going by what I have been told its more then likely i think its a combination of things, all I know is most birds go threw some kind of change and its not much fun. Barry how fast do you lower a sharpys weight? I need to be out hawking now I know that, but I dont want to drop her too fast and develop a hot bird, basically her response to baggys and the lure at this stage can be best described as slow. Thanks Lee
goshawks00
07-17-2007, 07:14 AM
2-3 grams max per day. Right now a bunch of exercise will take weight off about as fast as anything.
Barry
Day 42
This mourning she weighed in at 167 grams so I took her out and gave her a baggy she flew 20 yards over to it and nailed it, the flight wasnt much to witness she was in no hurry to get there. When she was traded off for a preskinned carcass she just wanted to lay there and protect it she wasnt interested in eating at all still to fat. This afternnon I dropped her to 164 grams and did some lure flights and the results were much better she actually looked like a sharpy flying to lure not a lazy eyass she has been, her mannors also were a lot better then this mourning, I got about 9 calls out of her before she started to loose interest so I called it a day. I will lower her again slightly and see if she does better on the baggys I would say we are real close to hunting thank god! I was surprised at the amount of weight I had to take off to get her going and she still isnt dialed in where I want her but we are almost there.
everetkhorton
07-17-2007, 10:09 PM
Lee:
You have dropped her about 14g or so sense you started cutting her
weight, am I right. Getting close. I have my fingers crossed.
Day 43
160- grams BINGO!!
I found the response I was looking for, today she flew great to the lure I had her flying the length of the creance and from atop my patio roof which is about 10 feet tall, her behavoir on the lure was a little aggresive at first but it calmed down after about 4 calls to the lure. She is intent on me and the lure and is down to bussiness soo tommorow if all goes well I will fly her to the lure a few times then do a free flight to a tethered baggie and if that goes well we should be out hunting by this weekend.
everetkhorton
07-18-2007, 08:18 PM
Lee:
Good luck tomorrow, hope all goes well.
Sounds exciting. Anyway we could get pictures??? [smilie=eusa_pray.gif]
Day 44
160 grams
I flew her free today too a tethered baggie, she left the fist after it and flew to it ever so slowly and then hovered for a bit and dropped down on it. I made in and hooked her up she didn't try to carry, she was too busy mantling and screaming to worry about that. I traded her off for a pre skinned carcass and then had to sit there for 45 minutes while she screamed, mantled, and layed down on the food, finally she ate and I put her up. I can only attribute these actions as being still to fat, I guess she will need to be lowered again. It wasn't a bad day but it wasn't good either I just have to be patient until she is ready.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday44001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday44002.jpg
She is gorgeous. Thanks for the pictures.
everetkhorton
07-19-2007, 02:44 PM
Lee:
A real nice looking picture. Just look at those feet, theyare sparrow snatcher for sure [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Day 45
Flew to a baggie she weighed 157 grams she responded better
Day 46
Flew to another baggie at 156 grams response even better
Day 47
I took Minnie out hunting today she weighed 154 grams, we were driving around car hawking when we found her first slip at wild game it was a lone sparrow in a old parking lot, she shot out the window after a bit of hesitation and was all over that bird but it made it to cover, I walked over and picked her up and we were off agian, the next slip was another sparrow sitting under a tree she was off the fist quicker this time but the bird saw her coming and shot right up in a tree, Minnie followed twisting around the trunk and the branches after it, but she missed it and sat in the tree I got out and walked up to the tree and she flew too me with out me even pulling out the lure so that was good. Our third slip was at 2 starlings arguing over a peice of stale bread, Minnie shot out the window as we neared them and the starlings saw her coming and took off, she powered in behind one and nailed it 15 feet later, she held on and I made in and we had our first kill on our our first hunt . She traded off great and all went smoothly needless to say I was very pleased today with her! Also I wanted to add, you often hear how fast sharpys are and that if you blink you miss it well today I understand how true that really is!
everetkhorton
07-22-2007, 10:40 PM
Lee:
Congratulations! Outstanding account of the days hunt [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] I am sure there are more to come. I have only
see a few SSHA hunt, and you are right, keep a keen eye open or you will
miss the flight.
goshawks00
07-23-2007, 07:07 AM
[smilie=icon_thumright.gif] Best kept secret in falconry...imprint sharpies!!
Barry
everetkhorton
07-23-2007, 08:20 AM
Barry:
Are there any other secrets we should know about. [smilie=dontknow.gif]
goshawks00
07-23-2007, 10:04 AM
yea but I can't tell ya or I'd have to ... well... you don't want to know!! [smilie=eusa_naughty.gif]
Jimmy
07-23-2007, 11:13 AM
Congrats, Lee!
Sounds like you're gonna have a great season!
chamokane
07-23-2007, 12:22 PM
Congratulations Lee. I've never seen a trained Sharpie fly but I've watched wild ones hunt. They are awesome. I talked with a guy who flew an imprint female for nine years. She made a believer out of him, catching everything from sparrows to doves and quail. I think you are in for a lot of fun.
`Chris L.
07-23-2007, 12:42 PM
Lee,
Congrats [smilie=eusa_clap.gif] .. I know you are excited. keep us posted and try to get some video... [smilie=icon_hang.gif]
wesleyc6
07-23-2007, 01:43 PM
Just awesome!!!! Glad to hear it is working out well!!!! I loved my imprint accipter, she just got mean. If your bird keeps a good temperament, you are going to have so much fun, it should be outlawed [smilie=banana.gif]
everetkhorton
07-23-2007, 02:21 PM
Just awesome!!!! Glad to hear it is working out well!!!! I loved my imprint accipter, she just got mean. If your bird keeps a good temperament, you are going to have so much fun, it should be outlawed [smilie=banana.gif]
Wes:
What do you think changed her temperament?
wesleyc6
07-23-2007, 11:34 PM
handler error! [smilie=eusa_doh.gif]
everetkhorton
07-24-2007, 10:16 AM
handler error! [smilie=eusa_doh.gif]
Wes:
Just what did you do to change it temperment or was it a lot of different
thing you did.
Thanks Everyone
Day 48
Went carhawing again and she nailed a sparrow on her second slip of the day she took it in a 15 yard chase, I was worried about her carrying it,but I made in slow and didnt have any problems.
Day 49
Today we went carhawking yet again, I want to build up her confidence before we hit the fields, well she had 4 good flights at birds and came soo close on all, she even pulled some feathers on one she would fly back to the truck when she missed and she would either land on the tail gate or the roof which I thought was neat, the 5th slip was at a flock of starlings feeding about 10 yards off the road she was off in a flash as soon as she spotted them, they saw her coming but it didnt really matter she flew up the tail pipe of one and that was that. Her transfer went smoothly but after that she wants to lay down and scream on the food, I am going to bring her down a gram a day untill this subsides, she is still too heavey but at least now she is taking game. Three days hunting three head I am very pleased. I will go for the multiples after a few more head is taken.
That is awesome. Sounds like a blast.
goshawks00
07-24-2007, 01:51 PM
Lee,
Get the laying down business taken care of ( more weight off) before trying to try for multiplies. I know it's exciting to try for more , but the laying down and screaming act is a precursor to carrying.... she's basically trying to hide from you, and upon that not working coupled withn you taking her hard earned kills away... and you are ripe for carrying...
Barry
everetkhorton
07-24-2007, 03:12 PM
Lee:
Be carefull that she does not fly up on a transformer etc. when returning
to the truck. I was not paying any attention on day and my harris was
come back from a miss and I had a tid bit ready and dropped it and I
pulled my hand back in and she flew on on a pole and got killed. I just
never thought about it. It just happened so fast. If I had not dropped
the tid bite there would have been no problem. I just do not want this
to happen to you.
Ev.
chamokane
07-25-2007, 12:13 PM
Lee:
Be carefull that she does not fly up on a transformer etc. when returning
to the truck. I was not paying any attention on day and my harris was
come back from a miss and I had a tid bit ready and dropped it and I
pulled my hand back in and she flew on on a pole and got killed. I just
never thought about it. It just happened so fast. If I had not dropped
the tid bite there would have been no problem. I just do not want this
to happen to you.
Ev.
It's interesting how each style of hawking has it's own set of dangers, and you can't always know what they all are until you learn the hard way. I hate it that, when I make a mistake, it is usually the hawk or dog that pays for it.
everetkhorton
07-25-2007, 12:29 PM
Dave:
You can say that again!
I do try to sum up the situation when I slip her out the window alot can wrong in a short amount of time.
Day 50
Went out to the fields this mourning to try some flights off the fist. I was walking threw the field when a sparrow took off near me and the sharpy was off in a blink of a eye, the sparrow at first tried to sky up but Minnie was closing too fast on him so then it tried to bale out to cover, they both came down towards the ground twisting and turning every which way and at the last second the sparrow banked hard and skied up again the sharpy tried to follow for the second time but just couldnt manage to get a foot on it. After that she flew another sparrow but that one made it out the back of a bush and made its escape. The third flight was a little sluggish to a sparrow so I decided to give her some easy slips to keep her confidence level up. Soo we are off carhawking again she missed 2 different slips out the window at flocks of starlings both times there was at least 15 starlings on the ground, both times she kept changing her targets and ended up empty handed. She did come right back to the truck when she missed, and when we were out in the field she would fly right back to me she wouldnt land on the glove instead at my feet no worrys she will catch on. After that it took me about an hour to find another slip that was safe for her to fly, it was a lone starling feeding in the grass she saw the bird and took off out the window this starling tried to sky up but couldnt shake her soo he dove down to the ground with her hot on his heels and then he shot up again trying to pull away from her again he was forced to the ground, she nailed him 2 feet off the ground about 50 feet from where the flight started it was our best flight yet! She traded off and with her new weight at 150 grams she ate right away with no problems. I wish she would of connected to the flights out in the field but its still early and she did manage to catch something so I am happy.
everetkhorton
07-25-2007, 05:39 PM
Lee:
That is great. That is the first starling isn't it.
Jimmy
07-25-2007, 06:09 PM
Lee,
Are you tidbitting her throughout the hunts to keep some gas in the tank?
That is her third starling she caught a sparrow her second time out.
After a slip she eats a tidbit on the lure her weight doesnt drop as fast as you would think.
Day 51
Went to the field first thing this mourning but there was a coops hanging around so I decided not to risk it, I tried chasing it off but it would just fly to the other side of the field so that made me nervous. I jumped in the truck to look for some slips we had about 4 flights at sparrows each time she came sooo close to nailing one, there was one flight today that surprised me we found a sparrow in a back parking lot that was bordered by a swamp and a field, when Minnie took off after the sparrow it headed for the field and shot down inside a very thick brier bush Minnie folded up her wings and crashed in after it, I ran over and I actually had to dig around in this bush to open it up to allow Minnie to get out, it was really that thick of a bush, when she saw the hole I made for her she jumped out and onto my hand thats when I noticed the thorn stuck in her head next to her eye, I pulled it out and luckly she wasnt hurt. Our very next slip was at a lone sparrow feeding near a thicket that bordered a parking lot, she went out the window and took it in the air about 10 yards from where it flushed. Her mannors were perfect she started to plume the bird right away and she never budged from the spot, I was even able to trade her off with out the sparrow being killed. I will use it for merlin trapping this fall.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/sharpyday51002.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/sharpyday51003.jpg
That is awesome. Nice pictures. Glad to hear the thorn was harmless.
everetkhorton
07-26-2007, 05:37 PM
Lee: Looks like you are on a roll [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] Great
pictures. Keep them coming.
kimmerar
07-26-2007, 07:50 PM
WTG Lee. Awesome pics. I can't wait to try an imprint sharpy!!!!!
Thanks
Day 52
Today was short and sweet we left the house and going down my drive way which is fairly long I noticed a lone starling feeding in the grass, so I rolled down the window and Minnie was off she caught it about 5 feet from where it started, soo we were done in a grand total of maybe 60 seconds???? I should of traded her off and gone for a double but I thought it might of been too soon I was wrong. Today on the kill she was a bit possive of it, nothing major but there was a distinct difference in her behavoir I am almost sure this is from too many single kill hunts she has taken 6 head in 6 days and now she is catching on the first slip soo I think its time for doubles.
kimmerar
07-27-2007, 10:32 AM
Wow Lee - Great. Maybe you should start making the slips harder now? Is it too soon for that? On my kestrel last year I started making the slips longer. Making it more difficult for her but not with large groups of birds. It worked great. We started seeing some real flights. She started missing occasionally though. If she missed the first then she got the next one.
Again - might be too soon.
THANKS My main goal is too take birds in the field off of the fist so I am going to start working the fields more and see how that goes.
DAY 53
We started out this mourning field hunting but we started later in the mourning then we should it was getting hot as soon as we walked in the field. Regardless we had two slips the first one was a sparrow that shot into a bush and was never to be seen again, it was a small bush so I dont know what happened there?? The second flight in the field was very nice it was at a sparrow that tried to out climb Minnie but when it reliazed it couldnt it shot down twisting and turning it was a good flight even though she couldnt connect. After that it was too hot for me and the bird we both were melting in the sun and the field was getting barren of birds to fly, everything was heading for shade. So we ended up carhawking again. The first slip was at a flock of sparrows feeding under a picnic table Minnie shot in the middle of them but missed she then flew into the tree they all flew too and a few seconds later she came falling down threw the branches carrying a starling I guess he was in the tree when all this went down?? Hey it works for me. So I decided to go for a double today so I traded her off for a smaller reward and was off again. We found our next slip about 10 minutes later it was a flock right on the side of the road out the window she went and smacked into a bid feeding on the ground it never saw her coming untill the last minute not a great flight that I would of liked but it is building confidence and hopefully tommorow when I get into the fields early we will nail one. Her mannors were better today i lowered her weight slightly soo i think that helped. Good day!
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday53001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday53007.jpg
8 kills
kimmerar
07-28-2007, 10:21 PM
WTG Lee. You've got a great bird!!! Keep up the good work.
wesleyc6
07-29-2007, 03:25 PM
Looking great Lee! You are doing a wonderful job it appears.
Ev,
I think I dropped the weight too fast for one thing. Probably not far enough for another. Also had to go out of town for a few days and others trained for me. Each had an OOPS during each training session.
Day 54
We were in the fields first thing this mourning and had a flight as soon as we hit the field it wasnt nothing great she saw a sparrow in a bush about 40 yards away she took off she was flying low to the ground, it looked almost like a ambush flight except the bird saw her and took off before she was in striking distance. The next flight was much better we were walking down a hedgerow when she blasted off the fist after a sparrow the flight took her threw a tree and down into the thickest nastiest brier bush you have ever seen, I could hear her in there rustling around so I started to pick my way into it to retrieve her about 5 minutes and half a gallon of blood later she flew out and landed on a fence behind me, after picking my way back out the briers and a few choice words we were off again, we had a few other flights but nothing worth writing about, I think she just needs more practice she should turn on once she catches something out there. We had to end the day on a positve note so off we went carhawking the first slip was at 6 starlings feeding in a field, she flew out the window and took one in a 20 yard chase, the trade off went great and we were back out again, the very next slip was 2 starlings feeding in the grass next to a parking lot she took off and again caught the bird out about 20 yards, her mannors were perfect and so I called it a day.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday54004.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday54007.jpg
10 kills
Jimmy
07-29-2007, 10:37 PM
You two are off to a great start, Lee! [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
`Chris L.
07-29-2007, 10:37 PM
Lee great job man [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] .. she is doing great.
everetkhorton
07-29-2007, 11:18 PM
Lee:
Great Pictures [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] One more starling hits the dust. [smilie=icon_hang.gif]
Thanks everyone
Day 55
It was a raining on and off this mourning so I didnt hit the field we headed out carhawking instead, our first flight was a starling feeding in the grass she hit it within the first 10 feet, I traded her off and our next slip was at 2 starlings feeding behind a store she went out the window and flew the second one down in a a 30 yard chase, I decided to gp for 3 we had only been hunting for 30 minutes if that, we found a flock of starlings feeding behind a Walmart Minnie flew after one and the flight carried her around some trees, bales of cardboard, and finally ended with the starling flying under a pallat and then escaping out the other side, our next slip was at a flock in a parking lot she flew out the window and killed her 3rd bird of the mourning she took it again about 20 yards, I decided to go for one more so we traded of yet again and 15 minutes later we killed our 4th starling in a 30 yard chase after that I called it a day, I dont want to push my luck. Today was pretty fun I was letting her take longer slips to improve the flights the close slips she just catches so easy it isnt really that sporting, I never was a real big fan of carhawking but if you make the slips longer it isnt too bad and you can see some stylish flights.
2nd bird of the day
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday55001.jpg
3rd bird of the day
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday55002.jpg
4th bird of the day
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday55004.jpg
I forgot to take a pic of the first bird we caught today sorry
14 kills in 9 days
kimmerar
07-30-2007, 03:17 PM
Awesome Lee and Minnie - Good Team
I liked the longer slips too. You're right - short slips get boring. Too easy. You will already have a lot of exitement with a sharpie anyway. Making those longer slips is a blast I'm sure. My kestrel last year did plow into a bush one time. Took the bird in the tree and I couldn't get there to assist - too dense and the bird got a way - you could hear it screaming though. I quit field hawking due to broken primaries and her maybe getting taken by another bird.
I will field hawk my next one. I love being out walking with the bird. I really missed that. Keep us posted.
Day 56
Went carhawking today I really want to give her a confidence boost before we try the fields again and after today I think she has it. I was giving her the hardest slips yet, some would be 30 yards from the truck she missed more of them today but she really worked harder, it was awesome watching her pump across the parking lots to try and snatch up a starling these flights would twist around trees, poles they would double back sky up and then shoot to the ground at terrific speeds I am so hooked on this. We ended up with 4 starlings again today these were caught in good style she trades off like a champ now, she gets a peice of meat the size of my finger nail and then she hops up on my hand rouse's does a few head bobs and she is loaded and ready to go again.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday56002.jpg
18 kills in 10 days
everetkhorton
07-31-2007, 11:55 AM
Day 56
Went carhawking today I really want to give her a confidence boost before we try the fields again and after today I think she has it. I was giving her the hardest slips yet, some would be 30 yards from the truck she missed more of them today but she really worked harder, it was awesome watching her pump across the parking lots to try and snatch up a starling these flights would twist around trees, poles they would double back sky up and then shoot to the ground at terrific speeds I am so hooked on this. We ended up with 4 starlings again today these were caught in good style she trades off like a champ now, she gets a peice of meat the size of my finger nail and then she hops up on my hand rouse's does a few head bobs and she is loaded and ready to go again.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday56002.jpg
18 kills in 10 days
Lee:
Outstanding [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Day 57
Went carhawkind I didnt have time to field hawk this mourning she killed 3 starlings, her weight may need to be reduced further she was a little possive over the kills and she didnt want to eat right away, maybe a gram or two will get her back on track.
21 kills in 11 days
Day 58
I finally made it to the field again today, I lowered her weight down a gram and she was at 148 grams. First off she took after some dragon flys that were about 50 yards out I couldnt figure out what she was chasing untill she repeated it again 5 minutes later. Finally about 30 minutes later I saw a sparrow fly into a bush so I slowly made my way across the field too it, Minnie didnt see it so when I got fairley close to it I stopped and waited for her to spot it well she did and took off the sparrow dove down into a think bush, Minnie made a circle over the bush then flew back to me and landed at my feet, I picked her up and walked up to the bush and gave it a kick. Out came the sparrow and Minnie blasted off and took it within 10 feet nothing fancy just pure speed, she caught the bird about 6 feet off the ground and when she did she flew another 20 feet to a open area and landed with her price, this worried me a little I wanted her to drop strait down but the cover was so thick she would of never been able to land right where she caught it so that made me feel a little better. I made in and she behaved like a lady she mantled and screamed like she always does but other then that the trade off went great. While letting her eat her reward I noticed a sparrow sitting in a bush chittering away, I watched it untill Minnie was done and then picked her up and let hr settle for a moment then I started to head towards it the sparrow got nervous and changed positions this was all it took Minnie flew over to the bush and again the sparrow dove down to escape Minnie landed on a nearby bush so i walked over and picked her up and made my way over to the bush I gave it a kick and the chase was on first the sparrow tried to out fly my sharpy but once reliazing its mistake it tried to double back it lost momentum and was grabbed by Minnie who carried it strait to the ground. This was my main goal for this bird and today I was rewarded for all the time I put in it.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday58001.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday58002.jpg
23 kills
kimmerar
08-02-2007, 03:52 PM
Great job Lee. Great thread.
everetkhorton
08-02-2007, 04:07 PM
Lee:
Great photo and post. You should have made a DVD of this and sell them
on how to imprint a SSHA. Man playinlg around with 1 or 2 grams.
Outstanding job.
gabboon
08-02-2007, 11:22 PM
Big deal. He caught some more birds. Looks so easy. I'm not jealous or bitter or anything while I slowly get around to training my bird for the far off hunting season. [smilie=eusa_clap.gif]
everetkhorton
08-02-2007, 11:57 PM
Lee:
Do you use a tail saver when not hunting?
No tail saver so far soo good on feathers
Day 59
Today we hit the fields again and had 8 awesome flights all the flights were strong and came very close to being kills but the sparrows kept dumping into the grass and just wouldn't reflush, I could walk up to the clump of grass they put in and jump, right in the middle of it and stomp and kick and they would never break cover I know I most likely stepped on the stupid things there was no where else they could of went, a sharpy really puts the fear of god in them. So I decided to end the day by carhawking and on a positive note. I went behind the local grocery store and found 5 or 6 sparrows feeding behind a dumpster I released Minnie and she flew one down as it tried to out climb straight up a wall it didn't make it. She carried it straight to the ground and as I was walking in I saw her get real nervous she slicked right down and froze this puzzled me I knew she was at weight and she never did this before so I started to do the food whistle while I knelt down slowly as soon as I knelt down out popped three kittens some one had dumped and they ran towards my bird trying to get away from me, well you can guess how that went she took off with the sparrow when they got within 2 feet of her, now I knew why she was nervous. I went to the truck and got my receiver and tracked her to a nearby brier patch she only went 30 yards, I slowly made my way to her while doing the food whistle and showing her the lure she started mantling so I thought I was safe BUT I was wrong she took of again and by this time she was getting in some really thick stuff, soo then evil thoughts of what I would do to those cats if they walked up to me right now were flashing in my brain,(you think Michael Vick was cruel) . I tracked her again and this time I just sat down and waited for her to break in and start eating then she finally calmed down and the blank accipiter stare disappeared and she was normal again I traded her off and called it a day. Tomorrow I will carhawk a few starlings to keep her grounded and get her mind right, hopefully there will not be any permanent damage, I really hate feral cats and the people that dump them.
24 kills
everetkhorton
08-03-2007, 11:21 AM
Lee:
You know my experance with Accip. is non. On one of the tread they were
talking about COHA and they said once when a Coops get the evel look
in there eye, you need to back off and re-think what is going on. I flew a merlin for a short time, and if I would make in before she broke into her kill, off she would go.
This is a great thread, thanks for the constant update. You make me want a sharpie some time in the future.
gabboon
08-03-2007, 12:32 PM
This is a great thread, thanks for the constant update. You make me want a sharpie some time in the future.
same here!
This is the most fun I have had in falconry. You just get soo many flights in a day its just plain fun, now rabbit hawking is fun too but where I am our rabbit numbers are low and you may get anywhere from 10 flights to no flights at all, with the sharpy you always get a flight at quarry. If you get a chance to fly one do it they are a blast!
Day 60
I walked out side this mourning and it was soo cool and quite I decided to head for the field I enjoy that so much better then carhawking. I just hoped she wouldnt carry like yesterday but there's only one way to find out. I lowered her weight to 145 grams to get her focused again she has been showing some signs of being to high. Well any way we started the day out by having a 50 yard speed chase after a sparrow it finally out climbed her and skied up, she circled around and came back to me. The next 3 flights were at sparrows that put into cover and just wouldnt reflush no matter what I did. Then we had a flight at a sparrow that tried to make it to cover about 10 yards in front of us it didnt make it, she went straight to the ground with it and I made in with no problems at all. After that it was getting way to hot to be out there in the field, its suppose to be near 100 degrees today, sooo I got in the truck and headed home we found a starling on the way and she blasted out the window and nailed it, it had a 20 yard head start but it didnt matter.
26 kills in 14 days
Day 61
We went out carhawing today and Minnie caught 3 starlings fairley quickly they all were good flights. The only bad thing I have to report is she is starting to break the tips off her tail, it is caused from hawking because I check her every time before we go out and after each kill. She has no regard for her tail what so ever she doesnt care if she is standing on it or if it is bent over backwards. I hold it up once I make in to help with breakage but she is doing the damage on impact before I get there. I will try to get some feathers and imp them back in she has tipped 4 of them and that is just going to cause a chain reaction.
29 kills 15 days
`Chris L.
08-05-2007, 10:42 AM
Day 61
29 kills 15 days
[smilie=banana.gif] .. keep it up man [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Sorry to hear about the feathers. Not much you can do when they do it before you get there.
Do you have some sharpie feathers on hand to imp with?
everetkhorton
08-05-2007, 09:23 PM
Lee
It is odd, you see very few broken tail feather in wild SSHA.
Keep up the good work.
chamokane
08-06-2007, 01:10 PM
The only small hawk that I have flown was a male Cooper's. Neither he nor I were very good at saving his tail feathers but he would stand on a perch and let me imp with hot glue. I didn't have any Cooper's feathers so by the end of the season, the little hawk was flying with a complete pigeon tail. It looked a little strange but worked fine and I kept him away from mirrors. I was never so glad to see the start of the molt.
I wish I did have some sharpy feathers, I might find some, but if nothing else I will figure out something.
Day 62
I misjudged her feeding last night so she was a little high this mourning I decided it would be safest to carhawk so we went out and she caught the first starling I slipped her at, it took her 15 minutes to eat a sparrow leg so I called it a day, I didnt want to push my luck and have her carry. I will post the pic later.
30 kills
`Chris L.
08-06-2007, 05:03 PM
by the end of the season, the little hawk was flying with a complete pigeon tail. It looked a little strange but worked fine and I kept him away from mirrors. I was never so glad to see the start of the molt.
[smilie=eusa_clap.gif] .. Dave that is a great idea. How did they hold up
chamokane
08-06-2007, 05:43 PM
by the end of the season, the little hawk was flying with a complete pigeon tail. It looked a little strange but worked fine and I kept him away from mirrors. I was never so glad to see the start of the molt.
[smilie=eusa_clap.gif] .. Dave that is a great idea. How did they hold up
They held up OK and at least he had a complete tail to protect the new feathers during the molt. I don't think he would have won a ribbon at the fair though. [smilie=icon_toilet.gif]
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday62.jpg
everetkhorton
08-06-2007, 09:05 PM
Lee:
Thanks for the picture. She knows the game I think.
Yup in the car she sits on my fist looking out the windsheild and when she spots something she gets all slicked down and when I move my hand towards the window she is totally focused and leaning forward. Now in the field she is still learning the game but she is catching on quick, I am taking her out there tommorow for some practice. Lee
Day 63
Today we went out field hawking, the first slip was at a flock of sparrows in a bush they were about 50 yards away and Minny took off in a sneak attack but it wasnt sneaky enough she tried to go in fast and low but one saw her coming and took off they all skied up and were gone. The next flight was at a lone sparrow that flushed at our feet Minny shot off the glove before I knew what was going on and had already made the sparrow dump into a bush she was sitting on top staring down in it, I reached over and she hoped up on my hand never taking her eyes off the bush, I gave it a swift kick and the bird was off, it maybe made it 6 feet before Minny slammed into it and took it to the ground. After that the heat was really bad it was up to 100 degrees today so I called it a quits. She weighs 145 grams by the way.
31 kills
Day 64
We started off in the field today, Minny had some good flights on birds but didnt manage to get a foot on any of them, we didnt hunt very long the weather is awful the humidity level is way up there with 100 degree heat on top of that its tough to hawk. We did manage to catch a starling on the way home from the field nothing fancy but a good confidence booster.
32 kills
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday63001.jpg
Day 65
It is hotter then the flames of hell again today so I went carhawking I need a break from melting in this heat. We had 4 flights on starlings and 4 kills she is alot stronger now and it is really starting to show in her flights.
36 kills
everetkhorton
08-09-2007, 12:32 PM
Day 65
It is hotter then the flames of hell again today so I went carhawking I need a break from melting in this heat. We had 4 flights on starlings and 4 kills she is alot stronger now and it is really starting to show in her flights.
36 kills
Lee
Great, I do not know how you guy's can take that heat. Was nice sleeping
last night, 67 degrees.
Day 66
I had to be at work early yesterday so I went out and had a single flight at a sparrow out the window which she caught and I called it a day.
37 kills
Day 67
Today we were out bright and early this mourning in the field, before the sun comes up and it is just barely light Minny is her gamiest I think she knows she has the advantage. We had 8 awesome flights on sparrows she made every single one of them dump into cover none tried to sky up they couldnt, the problem was once they made it to cover they refused to reflush I actually stepped on one and killed it while kicking the bush they were in, they are terrified of Minnie as they should be. She is really learning the game in the field most of the time when she puts one in cover she makes a quick circle and lands on my shoulder I hold my arm out but she always lands on my shoulder? I just scoop her off and try for the reflush she came so close so many times today it wasnt funny but in the end we came up empty handed in the field, soo I hoped in the car and found a lone starling in the grass feeding and so I slipped Minny at it she shot out the window and took it 20 feet later she makes starlings look like they are in slow motion I love it. It was a kill so I cant complain I will be in the field again tommorow and hopefully they wont make it to cover this time. I may need to lower her a hair and see how that does she was at 143 today.
38 kills in 20 days
Jimmy
08-11-2007, 12:46 PM
You're having too much fun, Lee.
I think you need to give her a break and send her down to me for awhile.
LOL Jimmy I wish I could.
DAY 68
I misjudged Minnys weight and she was a gram high so I decided to carhawk her. Today we only found one slip at a starling which she caught, we drove for another hour and couldnt get another slip it was weird I went to my old haunts and new ones??
39 kills
Jimmy
08-12-2007, 01:31 PM
Lee, it seems the word is out up your way. All the little birds are headed down here to get away from the killer sharpie.
Day 69
I went out in the field bright and early this mourning she weighed 141 grams she caught the first sparrow we flushed. It was a speed race to cover and ended with both birds crashing in cover, when I made in I found Minny sitting there with the sparrow in her foot, I was making in when she took off and carried the sparrow up in a tree she then sat up there and ate the bird while I tried everything to get her down, finally after she was done she floated down and landed on my shoulder screaming for food. Not good, I am going to lower her weight some more and carhawk fo a few days and hopefully this wont happen again, it was nice to take another field bird and other then the carrying it was nice flight off the fist.
40 head
hawkstir
08-13-2007, 12:31 PM
Lee, it seems the word is out up your way. All the little birds are headed down here to get away from the killer sharpie.
If your going to chase them away, sent them north, or at least some.
everetkhorton
08-13-2007, 01:21 PM
Day 69
I went out in the field bright and early this mourning she weighed 141 grams she caught the first sparrow we flushed. It was a speed race to cover and ended with both birds crashing in cover, when I made in I found Minny sitting there with the sparrow in her foot, I was making in when she took off and carried the sparrow up in a tree she then sat up there and ate the bird while I tried everything to get her down, finally after she was done she floated down and landed on my shoulder screaming for food. Not good, I am going to lower her weight some more and carhawk fo a few days and hopefully this wont happen again, it was nice to take another field bird and other then the carrying it was nice flight off the fist.
40 head
Lee:
It is nice she is hunting both in field and out of a window.
[smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Day 70
I brought Minny's weight down to 140 grams and went carhawking this mourning. She took the first three birds I slipped her at. All went smoothly except for the third bird when she caught it she had a bad grip on it and they were all over the place fighting, well while the death struggle was going on they both fell into a drainage grait that was on the curb, I ran over and looked inside I couldnt see Minny but I could hear her screaming and still struggling with the starling. I couldnt reach the bottom of it due to the size of the concrete opening. So I sat there for a few minutes trying to think of what to do, finally I had the idea of tying one of the dead starlings we caught earlier to the lure and opening up the breast a bit and lowering it down the grait, well after fishing around a bit I felt a tug and pulled Minny and the starling she just caught out the pipe. Sewer hawk fishing you have to love it!
43 kills
gabboon
08-14-2007, 09:31 AM
finally I had the idea of tying one of the dead starlings we caught earlier to the lure and opening up the breast a bit and lowering it down the grait, well after fishing around a bit I felt a tug and pulled Minny and the starling she just caught out the pipe. Sewer hawk fishing you have to love it!
that's the kind of thing where the cops would pull up on me. That sure would be fun to explain.
kimmerar
08-14-2007, 10:12 AM
Everyday is a new adventure with a sharpie. Good thinking. Had a customer walk into the shop after reading that and I had a smile on my face!! I know there will be more to come.
`Chris L.
08-14-2007, 10:43 AM
Lee,
Wow what a lucky day. I am glad you got her back. I know that must have been stressful.
My luck would have been she would have cropped up on the sparrow in the pipe [smilie=BangHead.gif]
Nice quick thinking [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
everetkhorton
08-14-2007, 10:56 AM
Day 70
I brought Minny's weight down to 140 grams and went carhawking this mourning. She took the first three birds I slipped her at. All went smoothly except for the third bird when she caught it she had a bad grip on it and they were all over the place fighting, well while the death struggle was going on they both fell into a drainage grait that was on the curb, I ran over and looked inside I couldnt see Minny but I could hear her screaming and still struggling with the starling. I couldnt reach the bottom of it due to the size of the concrete opening. So I sat there for a few minutes trying to think of what to do, finally I had the idea of tying one of the dead starlings we caught earlier to the lure and opening up the breast a bit and lowering it down the grait, well after fishing around a bit I felt a tug and pulled Minny and the starling she just caught out the pipe. Sewer hawk fishing you have to love it!
43 kills
Lee:
Great adveture [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] Fast thinking. I really shows
ya the guts of a SSHA once they put there mind to catching something.
Glad you got her back.
Day 71
Went carhawking again today I had Minny down to 138 grams and she did great at this weight. We had 3 slips at starlings the first slip she missed, the starling ducked down and she over flew it, she then shot up and back and chased it low across the ground she finally lost it under a pallet. The next slip was at a flock of at least 20 she flew in the middle of them and took one about 15 feet off the ground. The last slip was a long one, she had to cover 40 yards of lawn to reach it, she made it half way before the starlings saw her and took off she covered the remaining distance and took it as it headed for cover. Ill post some pics later today.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday71001.jpg
45 kills
Day 72
Went carhawking again, I flew her at 138. She took 4 starlings and a sparrow today. We had 6 flights in total and she took birds on 5 of the 6 flights so I was very pleased with her, plus her mannors were good, she didnt try to carry the sparrow was which was a relief it was the last bird of nthe day too.
50 kills
EricADugan
08-16-2007, 01:46 PM
Lee,
As an apprentice I want to let you know what a post like this does. It has motivated me beyond belief. I am now positive that I will try an imprint SSH at some point, when I get more experience under my belt. I have always wanted to hunt a small accipiter from the fist. Thanks for keeping us posted with your progress.
Eric
hawkstir
08-16-2007, 02:17 PM
Looks like the same photo over and over.
Just kidding, I'm jealous.
Congrats. [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
everetkhorton
08-16-2007, 05:50 PM
Lee:
Looks like 138 g. is the weight for now. I took a drive today looking for small birds. If I was carhawking I would of only had two slips. Not a lot of bird around right now.
Thanks every one.
I get up at daybreak each mourning and hit shopping centers the parking lots are empty and there is no cars around to worry about and there are plenty of starlings feeding out in the open it is the perfect combination.
Today we went carhawking, I was planning yesterday to hit the field but it was raining a bit so we carhawked. We had 7 flights at starlings she caught 5 of the 7 so it was another great day.
55 kills
everetkhorton
08-17-2007, 04:32 PM
Lee:
Get'em while she hot [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Day 74
Went carhawking and took 2 starlings in 2 flights.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday71011.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z244/07lee/bird%20pics/sharpyday71005.jpg
Day 75
Today we hit the fields, our first flight was at a sparrow that flushed a good ways off, Minny burned off the glove and gained ground at a incredible amount of speed they both went zipping around bushes and flew close to ground but the sparrow managed to out fly her in the end, but it was awesome to watch. The next flight was a sparrow that flushed from the side Minny covered 20 yards in a blink of an eye and slammed into as it went for cover. I made in with no issues at all to my relief. I decided to go for a double since it wasnt even 7.00 yet we had a slip at a sparrow that tried to escape by flying down a ditch line and darting for a bush for his escape plan, too bad he had a sharpy that was determined to catch him or he might of made it Key word MIGHT, again I made in with no problems. So today marks one month of hunting Minnny she took 59 head, 6 in the field and the rest out the car, I am very pleased with my little micro hawk.
everetkhorton
08-19-2007, 11:07 AM
Lee:
Nice Picture, I am sure there are more good field flight to come.
kimmerar
08-19-2007, 11:25 AM
I'm very impressed with your micro hawk. You two have done great. Can't wait to try it myself. Does she vocalize at all?? Her feather condition looks good by the pics. Got a secret for that? I did an awful job last year with my Kbird.
Thanks
Her feathers are not in the best of shape they are not horrible but not perfect either she broke 4 tips on her tail but the rest are fine, As far as vocalizing goes then the answer is yes, when its time to go hunting she gets noisy and when she is on a kill but when focused on hunting and once she has a crop she is silent I think this will start to dissapear soon. She carried twice but I cant complain thats not bad out of 59 head and the first time was because of a cat. I am going to hunt her for one more month and call it quits I want to reverse the moult and hunt again next summer its fun hawking in short and a tee shirt.
kimmerar
08-19-2007, 02:57 PM
You've done great. Would like to know how the reverse molt goes to. Detailed plans and results would be great. I went looking for starlings this last month. It's so hot here you have to get out befor 8 am. No starlings to be seen. Jan and Feb they are everywhere on the ground. My husband says he sees them out at 6:30 but they seem to disappear after that. Today is the first day it's been in the 90's in 2 weeks. Right now I like Dec - April. The birds nest here year round but they seem to be easier to find with no greenery. And boy is it HOT and humid.
sharptail
08-19-2007, 04:11 PM
Thanks for a great ride in my off season! It is so nice when a plan comes together!! The photos make it real!!!
Today we made it back out in the fields after two mournings of rain, the first slip was a sparrow that hauled tail for a fence row Minny blasted off the glove and gained on him quickley the sparrow then dumped into the tall grass and Minny crashed in behind it but missed she then hopped up on the glove, I tried for a reflush but it wouldnt move. The next slip was again at a sparrow that dumped into cover this one I reflushed a few times but it kept dumping back into cover before she could get a foot on it, Minny was soaking wet after this and was mantiling on my hand trying to dry off, I was walking back to the truck to let her dry off for a few minutes when a bird flushed out from the side Minny took off and this sparrow tried to out fly her it would bank to the left then the right, the whole time they were twisting around the golded rods at a tremendous amount of speed, finally it tried to put in too cover and Minny slammed into it full bore and that was that, I made in, she behaved nicely and we called it a day, we were both soaking wet by this time but it was well worth it.
60 kills
Jimmy
08-22-2007, 04:59 PM
I'm starting to not like you, Lee........
You're having too damn much fun, and I'm jealous....
Falcon Boy
08-22-2007, 06:24 PM
Can Minny teach Gooser how to kill? [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Sorry Jimmy would you like me to stop posting? as a evil grin spreads across my face, LoL
FB she will turn on soon enough she just needs more exspierence and a dumb rabbit and she will get going.
everetkhorton
08-22-2007, 07:01 PM
Sorry Jimmy would you like me to stop posting? as a evil grin spreads across my face, LoL
FB she will turn on soon enough she just needs more exspierence and a dumb rabbit and she will get going.
Lee:
You are just having to much fun for any one person. I do not know how you take that heat. Rain is on it way, will be here in a couple of hours.
Great Job with the SSHA. Keep posting.
I get up at daybreak each day its not hot at that time I am usually done by 8:00 when it starts to get warm.
Went back out in the field this mourning looking for sparrows, we didnt have to wait long when one flushed wild about 30 yards out Minny took off after it full tilt, both birds were trying to out fly each other the chase went at least 70-80 yards before Minny pulled away I was impressed with that, they covered some ground and FAST! The next slip was at a sparrow that dumped into cover as Minny crashed in behind it, I couldnt get that one to reflush. Next we had a sparrow get up 10 yards in front of us Minny powered up and plucked it out the air and then flew straight to the ground with it. I traded off for a reward the size of my pinky nail and was out walking again. We had another flight 50 feet later again the bird was flushed at 10 -15 yards and taken in 20, she flew straight down and the trade off was perfect, we had to search around a bit fr the 3rd slip but we did manage to flush 3 sparrows out a thorn bush they went every where and Minny locked on to one and made it dump into another smaller bush she then circled back and landed on my shoulder still not sure why she still does that my hand is right there?? I walked over and kicked the bush the bird maybe made it 5 feet and that was that, after another perfect trade off we called it a day, our best day at that!
63 kills
Jimmy
08-23-2007, 10:11 AM
Sorry Jimmy would you like me to stop posting?
Heck no. I'd rather be jealous [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Took Minny out to the field today, we caught 2 birds the first put into cover and was taken on the reflush the second tried to sky up and was taken 15 feet off the ground, she came down and the trade offs went great.
65 kills
everetkhorton
08-24-2007, 07:51 PM
Took Minny out to the field today, we caught 2 birds the first put into cover and was taken on the reflush the second tried to sky up and was taken 15 feet off the ground, she came down and the trade offs went great.
65 kills
Lee:
Outstanding [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
Headed to the field this mourning at daybreak, the first flight was at a bird that flushed wild it was able to sky up, the very next flight was again at a bird that flushed too far and was able to sky up. The 3rd flight was a recently fledged sparrow she took it with ease, 5 minutes later she burned off the fist and took a sparrow as it headed for a bush, she was givin a sparrow head and we were out walking again, the next bird headed for cover and made it but with a few reflushes it also was added to the game bag, the last flight was my favorite, a sparrow took off about 30 yards in front of us it was headed for a clump of small trees that were in the wide open field Minny followed the sparrow up threw the trees and then down to the ground, the whole while she was twisting threw the branches, when I made it over there she was about 3 feet off the ground on a small limb looking in the grass at the base of the tree I walked over and squatted down next to her, it was really neat she would look at me then back at the grass it was almost like she wa saying (right there it is) I started running my hand threw the grass and when I did the sparrow could take no more, he busted out and was taken 1 foot later but she had caught him on top of the grass so I was worried she would carry due to her position, but she didnt and the trade off went great I was thinking of going for 5 but her crop was filling up quite a bit so I didnt get greedy and called it a day. Six flights and four kills, she is really becoming a strong flyer now if a bird gets up within 20 feet it is almost guaranteed to be caught unless it puts into cover, beyond that the scale tips for the sparrows.
69 KILLS
wesleyc6
08-25-2007, 12:22 PM
Great job Lee. Hey, how much food does she go through in 24 hours?
She eats either two whole sparrows or a starling with the head,neck,wings and legs removed basically just its breast. .
We had a good rain last night so the fields were a bit soggy when we got out today, the first bird to flush she took as it tried to sky up, she carried it to the ground and after wrestling around a bit she was soaking wet from the wet plants. I traded her off and she jumped up on the glove mantling trying to dry off I went for another slip because we were only in the field maybe 10 minutes well 15 minutes later she took off after a sparrow and nailed it as it reached cover I traded her off again but by this time she was completly wet so I called it a day.
71 KILLS
gabboon
08-27-2007, 10:07 AM
We had a good rain last night
you're really going to make Jimmy jealous with a comment like that. Better not push him too far. Has it been as dry down there as its been up here?
It has been very dry here we are 7 inches in the hole for rain
We didnt hunt yesterday, but we made it out this mourning. She took off after a sparrow as soon I shut the truck door it made it to cover, Minny made a loop and came right back to me and landed on my shoulder, I walked over and could see the sparrow trying to hide in the bush, I gave it a kick and the sparrow took off, it made it 5 feet before Minny sucked it up. The bad part about mourning hawking is there is dew on the grass and she gets soaking wet while mantling on her quarry, so the next two slips escaped due to her being soggy. I allowed her to dry off a bit and found another slip for her, she took a sparrow on a speed chase that went about 40 feet. I called it a day after that and fed her up, I always try to end on a positive note.
kills 73
chamokane
08-28-2007, 03:02 PM
I called it a day after that and fed her up, I always try to end on a positive note.
kills 73
73 kills before the end of August sounds like a pretty positive note. [smilie=eusa_clap.gif]
everetkhorton
08-29-2007, 09:00 PM
Lee:
Get ready, the starling are flocking up in my area so it will not be long
and she will have lots of game. [smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
I am seeing alot of them here also it wont be long.
Yesterday I was pressed for time but managed to get out for a quick 30 minute hunt we took a sparrow in a short flight as it tried to make it too cover.
74 kills
Today we were out bright and early, Minny was at 140 grams this is 3 grams higher then what she was at before I wanted to bring her up a bit and see how she did. She flew great at this weight she chased hard, crashed brush and was very alert but on the kill she was a bit more aggressive she would hop around more and mantle, this can lead to carrying so I am lowering her down to 139 grams and see how she performs. She managed to take 3 sparrows today all of the flights were flash attacks and we only had to reflush 1 the other 2 were taken on the first flush.
77 kills
Yesterday we took two sparrows after some hard hunting.
79 kills
Today we again had a tough time finding slips we managed to get one bird up which she took, I am going carhawking soon I need some starlings for the moult plus my fields are being cut for hay.
80 kills
hawkstir
09-01-2007, 08:35 PM
Lee, your making me sick. LOL
Maybe you're having a hard time finding them because, YOU'VE KILLED THEM ALL. [smilie=icon_pidu.gif]
kimmerar
09-01-2007, 10:42 PM
Way to go Lee - you have helped get me through the summer and again -please do a thread on the winter molt and your techniques. Full spectrum and what wattage you use - light cycles and such. I'm sure your thread will have a few people next summer trying one of these birds. You've done great.
Hey Fred - I haven't tried a Sharpie yet but from what I see it's a different bird you're flying - you're getting there. Like Jack said once before - sharpies are bird slayers - kestrels like bugs in the begining. But - I do believe - and people are doing it - that kestrels can be a blast. The ones in the wild that make it through that first winter are the bird slayers. Try a passage sometime - you'll enjoy it. They already have some hunting going for them - they are fit and all you need to do is manipulate them a little. They are not like RT's - if that's what you're used to training - I'm sure you know that.
JMO
Fred once that kestrels catches on to what you want her too do you will have some fun kestrels are great bir dhunters once they figure it out plus you dont have to deal with the accipiter problems.
Thanks Kim I will try to keep a update on the moult.
Today was better, we had about 4 flights and 3 were good the other was a toughy. The first flight was a sparrow that took off out a bush low and fast it had to cover a 30 foot bare area to reach a hedgerow Minny covered the distance in short order and took him in a twist that he made in the last second. I was worried about her carrying I had her weight back up to 140 grams and since she was sitting in a wide open area it made me even more nervous but she behaved like a lady and I made in with no problems I think the carrying issue is resolved. The next slip was a good ways off and the bird out manuvered and out powered her but it was great to watch. The third slip was a sparrow that kept dumping into cover and finally refused to reflush. The fourth slip was a sparrow that headed straight up Minny took off and flew up behind it and took it 15 feet above my head it was really cool to watch. We ended on that one and called it day.
82 kills
Had one slip yesterday while carhawking she caught it and we called it a day. My fields have been cut and are bare now soo I am going to spend the rest of this month carhawking starlings so I will have enough food for the moult. Didnt hunt today had to much too do.
83 kills
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Didnt hunt the 4th and 5th too much going on but I did find another good field to fly in so I might not have to carhawk after all to finnish the season. She was fat this mourning so I will let her drop down a bit and be out there tommorow.
Jimmy
09-05-2007, 08:28 AM
How much longer are you planning on flying her?
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