Good practice for a kestrel! Haha I trapped a passage red tail a week ago and it's a completely different world. The first day he dropped 57 grams. I honestly lost my mind. It's so foreign to me to see a bird change that much in weight in a 24 hour period and be totally ok. That's half of my last bird. And the grip strength is unreal. It's definitely an adjustment!

And I think it's great that you are pursuing falconry. I was in a similar position as far as a family and being settled and stable in a location. But the wait only makes it sweeter right? I wish you nothing but the best in your pursuit!