Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Sparks on April 20, 2005, 02:40:47 AM
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MiniD 's photos has re-ignited an interest I have always had in hunting birds. They are such wonderful creatures - powerful and unbelievably agile.
I fancy having a go at falconry and wonder if anyone has had any experience of it. The idea of being able to fly these birds and watch them hunt intrigues me.
Sparks
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You need to start small: I suggest you to catch a ladybug and train her to bring back the aphids that she catches.
That you'll step up to the dragonfly.
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Dale Gribble had a falcon. It worked out well for Bill Dauterive too.
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I looked into it many years ago but in my state it is strictly regulated and licensed. After a one year stint as an apprentice you are voted on by a board of state licensed falconers. Too much state involvement for me although I understood the neccessity. I still have my "A Falconers Manual" book. Was a rare book to find and took a few months to aquire.
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My buddy is a journeyman falconer. He had to go through a ton of state regulation to get it.
I've lost touch with him lately; I'll see if I can dig up an email address.
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Yeager, Tarmac
Thanks guys. I'll be doing it in the UK I imagine and I don't believe there is as much regulation here. I have got details of some centres that do courses so I will probably do a taster day first to see if I think I can handle a bird. Found short and long courses here (http://www.thorpperrow.com/promotional-info.html)
I want to understand the downsides of keeping a bird - care, problems daily needs etc. .
Thanks again
Sparks
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Sparks; go HERE (http://www.hawk-conservancy.org/) or some where like it (there's quite a few in the UK).
They'll give the full idea of what's involved. Be aware though; that although it's a bit more convienient to have than a horse; it takes at least as much time and dedication.
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Originally posted by Sparks
...They are such wonderful creatures - powerful and unbelievably agile....
And delicious:
Ingredients:
1 large onion, cut into eighths
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more to taste
2 to 3 pounds Perigrin Falcon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup homemade chicken stock or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/2 pound mushrooms, such as chanterelles, sliced
Chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
Stir the flour and salt together in a shallow bowl and dredge the falcon in the mixture.
Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in the same pan. Add the meat and sauté the pieces until they are lightly browned. Layer the onion over the top and pour in the chicken stock, white wine, and thyme. Cover and simmer until the pieces are tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet and add the mushrooms. Sauté until they begin to soften. Season with a pinch of salt. Add the mushrooms and their cooking juices to the large pan 10 minutes before the falcon pieces are done. Serve garnish with chopped parsley.
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http://snl.jt.org/skit.php?i=52
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Hey Sparks
There's a Falconry centre (plus a few other wild animals) between Burley and Barnsdale a few miles from where I lived; I don't know if they do courses but since it's fairly close to where you live it might be worth asking a few questions/advice. (The Falconry Centre – The Avenue, Exton. Tel.+44 (0) 7778 152814)