I recently started my new falconry project working with my new falconry bird Ayden. Ayden is an American kestrel (Falco sparverius). American kestrels are the smallest falcons in all of North America. They are ambush predators and hunt their prey from high perches swooping down from above to catch their prey. American kestrels can also catch their prey from the air as well. With fast wing beats American kestrels are able to hover over their prey and swiftly fly down clenching their talons tightly on their prey. American kestrels predate upon small bugs such as grasshoppers and moths, birds such as invasive sparrows and starlings, and small rodents such as mice. Another interesting fact about American kestrels is that they are sexually dimorphic meaning males and females have different colored plumage. Working with micro falcons is a whole new world for me. The bird and all its equipment are so small. It took me a few tries to make Ayden's anklets and jesses. But once I figured out how to cut the leather to the right size it wasn't hard to put on his new equipment. With micro falcon's weight management is a lot different than lager falcons and hawks. You have to be extra careful. Many falconers weigh their micro flacons several times a day to make sure their weight isn't too high or too low. Dropping weight in micro falcons can lead to death quickly. I utilize a one tenth of a gram scale to weigh Adyen and his food. This ensures I am getting more accurate weights. I also have an app on my phone called Falconry Journal to track Ayden's weight and training milestones. It truly is a handy tool that I would encourage other falconers to utilize for their birds. Ayden is a first year bird (passage bird) and was found getting attacked by crows. If someone hadn’t found him soon enough he would likely not have made it. Ayden is a fast learner and has been doing well with free flying. Currently Ayden is in training to hunt invasive European starlings and house sparrows. Using a native bird like Ayden to remove invasive birds is a handy tool for the native wildlife. European starlings and sparrows can out complete native songbirds, finches, and sparrows. So Aydens presence is a free way of deterring invasive birds. I can’t wait to share more about Ayden as he progresses in training.
Sincerely,
Alex
Comments