The Essential Tools of Falconry Homework
I’m really really slow to get started this year and am thinking that’s okay. The nasty weather only just finally pushed into the north, meaning that my quarry which is still wintering comfortably far away is about to get an eviction notice from Mother Nature.
I’ll be in DC at the end of the week and by the time I get back, there should be ducks. In the meantime, I’ve been getting the gang ready.
If only it were only as simple as giving the falcons a good cleaning and getting them back on the hunt. They’re athletes though. They need a little time to build muscle, regain trust and get in the game. In the meantime, there’s homework to do.
Anklets, jesses and bewits need to be patterned, cut, treated to withstand weather and carefully placed on the bird. Contraptions to carry transmitters –tailmounts and backpacks must be carefully placed and fitted for the season. Beaks that have become overgrown over the summer need to be coped. Without the benefit of tearing at bones to get every last bit (not as likely with a bird growing fat by eating the tastiest bits and choicest selection of what they are served) they grow long, much like an offseason hunting dog’s toenails and become bothersome. And all of this must be done deftly — with enough speed to not stress the bird and the precision to not hurt any precious feather the bird will need to fly, hunt, evade at its best. I guess I’m saying, it IS stressful for the falconer…requiring tequila.
It also requires a helping hand. So I went to visit XB to feast for Thanksgiving, tackle falconry birds and hunt. I left with the vision of a successful mallard take by XB’s bird Minnie, with Sister wearing a tailmount, Anakin dressed in a backpack I sewed by hand and with everyone in shiny supple new equipment. Let the season begin!
Must. Go. With. You.
Call me! But not on Sunday. Got a primo draw at Delevan, so I’ll be out with my gun peeps.
LOL. I gotta go to DC Thurs-Sun. But when I get back I expect this place to look different… ie loaded with ducks! I’ll call you then.