Hello All!

[Nelly]

My name's Nelly and I'm from Toronto, ON, Canada. I've been interested in this sport for quite some time.

I guess I should rather say interested in the birds themselves since I started volunteering at a wildlife center a few years back. Raptors have quickly grown to become my favourite birds and after having worked with them more recently in a rehabilitation setting I have grown to love and respect them even more. I have always found it amazing and inspiring to see people flying these marvelous birds and its long been a wish of mine to be able to do the same.

As you may have already guessed I do not own a bird of my own or have started an apprenticeship yet. I am still in school and living at home so unfortunately it may be a little bit tricky to get started on something that I know will be time consuming. I have had an offer (actually earlier this morning) on starting an apprenticeship with a local falconer but I am still mulling it over and trying to make the best decision for the bird, myself and my parents.

That's what brought me here. I am looking to find out more answers on some questions I may have and more about the sport to ensure I'm making the right decision. Even if I don't get into the sport right away, I'm sure I will later on.

So hello to all on the forum and thank you for having a place like this available to those of us just thinking about starting up!

[Tom Scheib]

Welcome Nelly. There's lots to learn and this is a great place to get some answers. You'll find some disagreement but the folks are great and very helpful.

[thunderheartiii]

Hello and to NAFEX.

[REYNALDO]

Welcome! It is a hard decision and you have to take the birds welfare in the highest consideration when getting into the sport. I personally have two jobs and a family. I got a kestrel because I know I can hunt my bird in between jobs and also I am very fortunate that I can bring my bird to both of mu jobs. I'm not saying get a kestrel. I am just giving you an example. If you you that you can spare an hour or two three a week preferably more you can get yourself started in falconry. Good luck and again look around here. Lot's of good reading!

[Nelly]

Thank you Tom, Jim and Rey for the kind welcome!

I commend you Rey for managing all of that at once. Kestrels were actually my preferred bird although the gentleman I spoke to about the apprenticeship had said to start with a Harris Hawk or a Red-tailed Hawk at first.

I've actually ended up deciding against the apprenticeship and sadly it is due to housing the bird. I live in a townhouse where the backyard is right up against my neighbours. It also faces the park and I don't think it would be the best location for a hawk to live in. I think it will have to wait until I either live on my own or have found somewhere to house my hawk.

I thank you for the advice though. I will definitely continue on this forum to gain as much information as I can about it all!

[Agapeace]

Welcome to NAFEX.