Falconry Displays

Over the years I have had a number of places locally where I could fly my birds. This is important for the demonstration falcon because birds need to have confidence to fly anywhere. Otherwise they readily habituate to fly in one place and you can have problems elsewhere. I discuss this is my book ‘Falconry – aspects of care of the trained falcon and hawk’.

Now that I am not providing flying displays at events – due to medical leave – this is not such a pressing issue. Unfortunately – for me – my original flying flying field is now a Doctors Surgery and one of my other main ones – The Knowle – has had 460 houses built on it.

Luckily I am allowed to fly my birds on ‘The Dowty Sports Ground’. This old facility which is it itself in danger of development sits adjacent to farmland and is a wonderful setting. I know the groundsman well and as we were talking the other day I pointed out a mixed flock of migratory thrushes – Fieldfares and Redwings – feeding on the football pitch along with some starlings. Suddenly a female Sparrowhawk appeared and attempted to ambush the birds feeding closer to the hedge. There was an explosion of movement – of birds flying in all directions and for a few moments she appeared to be chasing something. We were not sure whether she had been successful. I was doubtful because she pitched low in a tree – they are not good at manipulating prey in trees and generally take it to ground – so I assumed a miss. A few moments later after composing herself she flew low over the field – empty footed – and disappeared over a hedge.

I explained that this was typical Sparrowhawk hunting behaviour – the ambush. Had it been a Merlin – a small falcon – the attack would have been out in the open. We see a Merlin every few years here when they drift up on a north westerly wind from the Severn estuary. They attack in a long undulating stoop and are willing to take on prey out in the open and fly it down. They show great persistence. This is a feature of the falcon family and this is why in the trained state we stoop them to the swung lure.

I will sign off with a picture of me some years ago down at the Knowle with ‘Sprite’ the peregrine. The Spring weather looks great!