5 FACTS FRIDAY: Reasons Why You SHOULDN’T Get a Harris’ Hawk! Falconry Facts

I've been involved in Falconry since a teenager and have raised and had Birds of Prey now for 35 years. I have tried to educate people starting with School Children to value our Birds of Prey and appreciate them for what they are. I try to show them that Falconry is a way of life....you cant just take your birds to a boarding kennel or have just anyone watch over them if you need to leave for any period of time, if you own birds you need to think of them as your family because a properly trained bird thinks of you that way they dont need us but as they build the bond with the Falconer they come to expect certain things, things your "Dabbler" won't have a clue about and they wind up doing more harm than good. Thanks for showing and telling things the way they really are. R.C. Hill

5 good points Dave. Zara's sister is my Hawk (or I'm her human! not worked that one out yet). I waited 3 years between having the mad idea and picking her up. Don't regret that wait one bit. I was sure by then I wanted to do it, and Ive had 7 cracking years with her. She's one of the few things that can put a tear in the eye.🙂

It’s my dream to be a falconer love birds of prey but I know at this time workin a full time job won’t cut it maybe someday

Jaffa: a seedless orange or male. Always love learning something new. I love people like you who are more concerned with making sure dabblers (edit: lol, you later addressed this specifically) don’t get involved and giving proper lessons to the dedicated. BTW, gorgeous public spot, unless you for some reason have oddly large signboards.

That whole video was a breath of fresh air

Amazing video. I've subbed. I currently have a barn owl 🦉, very well looked after and exercised as well as he will, he can be quite lazy, I was contemplating getting a hawk. Much more time and dedication I know, your video has opened my eyes to one or two things. Thank you.

Great video. Reminded me I have got into a bad habit showing food. Going to reverse this (if I can). These are great points. I'd add "Don't get one if you are not prepared to learn that bird as an individual" and "Don't get one if you just want to show off, go on social media and brag". Really lovely videos. Subscribed.

Loved it. Probably the best ive seen on the right way forward. Cheers.

Lovely video; it would seem that you rather like and respect old Nigel ;-) Sadly, now that I have been able to learn so much, I don't have the time left to commit to a proper falcon/hawk...we have a Kestrel pair nest in a church about 300 meters from our house, and occasionally see them zooming through t neighbourhood. We also have a few pairs of Kites in our are, often seen perched in trees nearby, or cruising the updrafts along the front of the ridge that we live on. Thanks again for just a nice chat, with some very solid advice embedded herein!

I like your Falconry approach and techniques, good very appropriate video.

Great vid,as someone who has been interested for many years in falconry, done experience days been hunting with Harris hawks etc,I'd love my own bird but sadly living in Scotland, with work and my 4 dogs i would struggle to be able to fly a bird regularly especially during the dark winter months( maybe one day though)i appreciate what you're saying about a long time commitment as i know how much time and exercise my dogs take up.

Trying to design a logo and was looking for different angles on bird heads. Came for the visuals got hooked on the message!

well put Sir, applicable to so many animals, particularly BOP

Flying beautifully 😍 👌 ❤️ in beautiful country!. A huge responsibility & commitment to give any raptor proper care. Only for the very few. Thank you! 😊

For a child (and a beginner) at type of bird of prey should I get?

I’m planning on getting a bird in the future, good tip hiding the food in the glove 👍🏼

Totally agree, mines coming up to 19yrs old…

This was really helpful. What do falconers do with their falcons when they go on Holiday?

Very nice video !! SUPER

Great video, thanks