New Bird

[chris kimble]

Its a little late in the year, but I got the bug and started looking for a passage redtail to finish out the season with. I wanted a female, but unfortunately I wasnt even able to be that picky! I spent countless hours and miles looking in vain, in typically redtail filled areas [smilie=eusa_think.gif]

I finally called on the help of a friend, whos been seeing a lot of passage birds in his area, and the end result was me coming home with this beast today! She was 53.5 ounces hooded and socked [smilie=icon_thumright.gif] I think I can live with that!

Shes a little rough around the edges, but if shes survived this long I guess thats understandable. Here are some pics. Shes not to photogenic (But I'll get some better ones later) and I just got back from a half day road trip after working a night shift so I look (and feel) like hell!

Gotta go get some real anklets on her and start making a custom hood!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/chriskimble/chrisbird2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/chriskimble/chrisbird.jpg
And in case anyone ever noticed,,,,yes I do were the same clothes everyday [smilie=dontknow.gif] JK

[`Chris L.]

Nice looking bird man.. Shes a big bird. She about swallows your hand up in those talons [smilie=yikes.gif] . Looks like shes been playin in the dirt a little.. gotta love that

keep us posted on her progress. Good luck

[everetkhorton]

Chris:
Nice looking bird, big. How much longer is our hunting season.
Ev. MI.

[chris kimble]

Thanks guys. yeah shes been playin in dirt and blood both! I dont recall ever taking such a late bird. I almost always trap mine in sept. so she should be a fun experience for me. I've had company since I got home, but I did manage to spend a little time with her this evening with the hood off. She did pretty well, and took the hood nicely. Gonna put in a couple more hours with her then I have to get some sleep so I can function tomorrow [smilie=sleepy2.gif]

Everet, our rabbit season is year round (two a day outside the regular season) but our squirrel season will be over before shes in the field. I normaly hawk until I kill a rabbit full of babies...then I just stop for the year. Not much else to hawk around here but CT's and fox Squirrel. I can get into some Jacks if I drive aways, but I dont care much for Jack hawking.

[everetkhorton]

Chris K.
You will need all 53.5 oz. for taking those Fox Squirrels.
Ev. Michigan

[wesleyc6]

Hey Chris,
Congrats on the fine bird!!!! You will never guess who I dined with this weekend in GA! Todd S. He told me his name, and I asked if he knew you and told him I was the guy that Hera was possibly going to that time. He is SUPER nice. He had a Gos and Gyr/Merlin that I tried to talk him out of [smilie=BangHead.gif]

[chris kimble]

Hey Wes, thats cool that you finally got to meet Todd. Hes a good guy. Was the merlin hybrid one of the black ones that Ertsgaard produced?

Thought I'd post a quick update of the un-named bird. Shes not loosing much weight yet, but she did eat a few bites last night. I've been hauling her around with me everywhere, so shes already had a lot of exposure. She should be well manned by the time she's in the field. After many failed attempts, I finally produced a hood that fits her relatively well. Its just a little big but I'm starting on another one that should fit better. Shes pretty rough on her hoods! Here's a pic of the one I made last night.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/chriskimble/hood1.jpg

[Jimmy]

Nice hood, Chris.
Modeled after a dragonhood?

[chris kimble]

Basically it is Jimmy. I've never actually seen a Dragon hood in person, but I know they must be similar in design. I have three very similar yet very different patterns that I've gathered here and there over the years. This pattern, so far is my favorite. untill last week, I'd never sewn a hood. I made one for a friends Ferrug. and I liked it....its been addictive since then.....cant quit making them [smilie=dontknow.gif] I have a few alterations in mind that I've been wanting to try (and most likely will on the next hood). I'll post pics of the construction if anyone is interested.

Chris

[Jimmy]

I'd be interested in the pattern, if you'd be willing to share it.

[`Chris L.]

Wow .. great looking hood Chris.. love the tribal on it.. very nice work for your first hoods [smilie=icon_pray.gif] . I cant sew a damn hood to save my life.. if you post the instructions and patterns i will make it a sticky...

great job..

[wesleyc6]

Hey Chris,

Yes, I instantly liked Todd. Very smart guy too it would seem and his experience in falconry is pretty vast! His falcon was gorgeous, but it wasn't a black. It was from Danny though.

[chris kimble]

Wes, if you see him again, tell him hello for me.

Chris, all, I have given this some thought. While Im very much for the sharing of information, the similarities to the pattern I have and the hoods made by Brian are far to similar for my comfort. I have no idea where the pattern I have originated, or how many hands it passed through before I got it. But out of fairness, I wont post it until I have talked to Brian.

Truth be told I never really gave it much thought until now, I've always had an interest in making things, and thus have always collected patterns for things when Im able. I always knew the hoods were similar to the Dragon Hoods, but I just didnt think much of it. Hope Im not dissapointing anyone, but I have to live my conscience.

[wesleyc6]

Will do buddy!

Nice to see people living out their conscience and I am sure Brian will appreciate that thought greatly!

[`Chris L.]

Chris K,
no worries man, i understand completly.. what ever you feel comfortable with.. no matter whos design it is, it looks great.

[chris kimble]

Fellas, Yall owe me a coke or something....I've been breakin my neck all day trying to hunt down the source of this pattern! And I finally found the guy who created it. Theres actually an interesting history to the pattern, that was made by Lance Morrow.

Anyway, I will try to put something together... a bit of a picture guided how-to about how I use the pattern. Keep in mind though, that I am a simple man with simple ideas! My way is not always the best, and I have limited experience with hood making. Whatever I come up with, I welcome anyone to offer suggestions on.

[`Chris L.]

Chris, what ever you want to do is good for us I am sure. We all like it simple...
[smilie=icon_thumright.gif]
I will make it a sticky so your hard works does not go unnoticed

[Lee Slikkers]

Fellas, Yall owe me a coke or something....I've been breakin my neck all day trying to hunt down the source of this pattern! And I finally found the guy who created it. Theres actually an interesting history to the pattern, that was made by Lance Morrow.

Anyway, I will try to put something together... a bit of a picture guided how-to about how I use the pattern. Keep in mind though, that I am a simple man with simple ideas! My way is not always the best, and I have limited experience with hood making. Whatever I come up with, I welcome anyone to offer suggestions on.

I'll mail ya a coke Chris [smilie=eusa_clap.gif] thanks for the ffort on the hood thing. I'd love to see the demo/pattern as well. I dabble in hood making, just made a decent fitting one for my tHH that seems to do the job well...

Lee