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England 2005: Falconry |
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The Gyrfalcon "Galahad" was magnificent. Gyrfalcon are an arctic bird that
preys on other birds using speed as its advantage. It may even be the new
speed champ now more is know about its hunting style. Very valuable, a
radio transmitter had to be fitted before the display. |
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He is displayed by chasing a leather "crow" on the end of a string. The
handler described how Gyrfalcons can be trained to both hunt and display,
but can't do both at the same time. He first trains his birds to hunt and
then to display. This gives them a chance in case they decide to "take a
trip".
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Ok these 2 shots are the best of something like 60!!! Most of our pictures
were of the wonderful short lived blue sky! This bird is FAST! |
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Making a hard turn back to attack the "crow" which the handler is swinging in
a circle over his head as fast as he can. The handler has to jerk it away at
the last second or the gyrfalcon would catch it first try. This isn't just a
game for the bird though, as it doesn't get fed for the day until it has
caught the "crow". |
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Last year Galahad went for a "self directed" trip and was finally found 4 days
later 150 miles away stuck in a soccer net (he had been chasing a seagull).
Apparently the handlers hunting training had paid off, as he was 1/2 pound
heavier than when he left. I guess before that trip he was know as "Sir"
Galahad, now he is earning back the "Sir" honorarium! |
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Last updated
12 October 2005
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