Noble beginnings

Hello everyone, My name is Tommy. I am from Texas. I new to NAFEX. I started the process of becoming a Texas Falconer this past spring. I completed all of my paper work and inspections at the end of summer and I was able to trap my first bird this past Saturday (10/25/14). I trapped a 910 gram red tail male. I have begun the manning process. I really don't have a gauge since this is my first bird, but he seems to be calming down quickly. He still hasn't eaten yet, but he is starting to nibble at pieces of quail. I expect him to eat tonight. He is sitting on his perch at times and not baiting. His feathers are laying flat as soon as I put him on the fist. I feel confident that he is making the progress he needs to make and remain on track. I will get some pics posted soon. Just wanted to start this posting with all of the most current information. By the way the hawk's name is Noble, therefore the name of the thread.

Great job Tommy. Can't wait to see some pictures. It will make it a lot easier looking at them on the bigger screen. (sucks getting old)

Good luck I got mine the day after you got yours

Congrats, Tommy! ENJOY!

Congrats!! Good luck! Sounds like you are doing great :)

Make sure you give him water..very important

Congrats and good luck!

I am sad to say that my first red tail had some serious medical issues that I was unaware and died on Tuesday. Noble was apathetic about the entire manning process, therefore the ease with which he worked with me was understandable. He wouldn't eat or drink and all was provided for him. After visiting with the raptor vet he explained that he must have been ill when I trapped him and never recovered. These are beautiful creations and it is extremely sad to have to bury such an amazing creature. My sponsor and fellow falconers in the Dallas Fort Worth area have been supportive and actually have gone with me to trap another Red Tail. I am starting a new thread with all of his information and progress. His name is Mr. Hobbs (my grandfather).

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Originally Posted by thomashighlandvillage

I am sad to say that my first red tail had some serious medical issues that I was unaware and died on Tuesday. Noble was apathetic about the entire manning process, therefore the ease with which he worked with me was understandable. He wouldn't eat or drink and all was provided for him. After visiting with the raptor vet he explained that he must have been ill when I trapped him and never recovered. These are beautiful creations and it is extremely sad to have to bury such an amazing creature. My sponsor and fellow falconers in the Dallas Fort Worth area have been supportive and actually have gone with me to trap another Red Tail. I am starting a new thread with all of his information and progress. His name is Mr. Hobbs (my grandfather).

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Sorry for your loss

Wow. Sorry for your loss. They are indeed, beautiful and amazing creations.

Nature's Loan
Nature's Loan

I'll lend you for a little while,
this beautiful hawk of mine
For you to care for and enjoy
for an unknown period of time.
The years, they may be ten or more,
or his days, they may be few.
But will you, 'til I want him back,
treasure him as I do?

He brings with him my secret truths
and though his demeanors wild,
You'll form a bond most unique
like a parent with a child.
I can't say how long this loan will be,
since all from Earth must return.
But with each day there's lessons taught
through hawks that you will learn.

I've looked the wide world over now
for a falconer as good as you.
But on my list of worthy ones,
there are only but a few.
Will you give his soul the flight it needs
and keep him well maintained?
And not hate me when the contract ends
and I take him back again?

I answered in all sincerity,
All you ask, it will be done.
For all the joys this hawk may bring,
the risk of loss I'll run.
I'll train him with a gentle hand,
and fly him when I may.
As for the trust you have in me,
more thanks, I can not say.
But if you come and call for him
much sooner than I prayed,
I'll know he's in the best of hands,
by the one by which he was made.

-----Bernadette Richter*-------

I'm so sorry. That is so hard :(