Falconry: a different approach to imprint goshawks

Summary

In this video, Ben Woodruff shares an alternative approach to training northern goshawks, a species known for their high maintenance and aggressive tendencies. He compares traditional techniques with those of a friend who has had success with a long-term strategy. Instead of pushing the bird for immediate results, the focus is on gradually building trust and allowing the bird to mature and develop over a longer period. This strategy leads to calm, focused birds that excel in hunting without aggressive behavior. Ben reflects on the benefits of this method, stressing that there is no single correct way to practice falconry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Goshawks are highly capable hunters with a long history in falconry, especially known for their speed and agility.
• 😀 The northern goshawk is found in the northern part of the Northern Hemisphere, and its use in falconry dates back thousands of years.
• 😀 Goshawks were originally used for food provision before grocery stores or farms existed, highlighting their value in hunting.
• 😀 They are considered high maintenance birds, making them more challenging to work with compared to other raptors like red-tailed hawks or Harris Hawks.
• 😀 There is a belief that North American goshawks are more temperamental and harder to train than their Old World counterparts, but this varies based on individual experiences.
• 😀 Imprinting goshawks can be tricky, as incorrect methods can lead to aggressive behavior that is difficult to manage.
• 😀 One solution to imprinting challenges is trapping migrating goshawks, which are already experienced in hunting and flying, making them easier to train.
• 😀 There are differences between passage birds (young, full-sized birds without mates) and adult birds, with passage birds sometimes more prone to diseases like aspergillosis.
• 😀 Captive-bred goshawks may be less prone to health issues, offering a more reliable option for some falconers.
• 😀 A friend of the presenter uses a long-term, slow approach to training goshawks, keeping them slightly overweight during their first year to build trust and minimize aggression.
• 😀 This method involves flying the bird at a slower pace, avoiding intense hunting pressure, and focusing on a relationship that lasts for many years.
• 😀 The second year of training sees the goshawk's weight reduced further, allowing it to perform better in the field while maintaining calm and controlled behavior.
• 😀 The key to success in falconry is recognizing that there are multiple valid techniques, and experimenting with different methods can lead to improved outcomes for goshawk handling.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on a unique training approach for imprinting goshawks, a type of bird used in falconry, and discusses different methods of raising them successfully.

What is the historical context of using goshawks in falconry?

Goshawks have been used in falconry for thousands of years, especially in the northern hemisphere, as a way for hunters to provide food in a time before grocery stores and farming were common.

Why are goshawks considered high-maintenance birds in falconry?

Goshawks are considered high-maintenance because they are temperamental, difficult to train, and can become aggressive if not handled correctly.

What does 'imprinting' a goshawk refer to, and why is it important?

Imprinting refers to the process of raising a young bird to become accustomed to human presence. It's important because improperly imprinted goshawks can become aggressive and difficult to handle.

What is a 'passage' bird, and how is it different from other birds in falconry?

A 'passage' bird is a bird that has grown to full size but is not yet a mature adult, typically around one year old. Unlike fully mature adult birds, they do not yet have adult feathers, and they are not trapped for falconry purposes.

What is the disease 'aspergillosis,' and why is it a concern for passage birds?

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that can cause respiratory issues in birds. It is a concern for passage birds because they are more susceptible to it due to the stress of being newly introduced to captivity.

What makes the training technique discussed in the video different from traditional methods?

The technique discussed involves intentionally allowing the goshawk to carry extra weight during its first year, promoting trust and a calm demeanor, rather than pushing it to perform hunting tasks immediately. This contrasts with traditional methods that focus on getting the bird to hunt aggressively from the start.

What role does weight management play in the training process of goshawks?

Weight management is crucial in the training process, as it helps keep the bird motivated to hunt. However, in the technique shown in the video, the bird is allowed to carry extra weight during the first year to build trust and calm behavior, rather than pushing it to hunt aggressively.

How does the second-year training differ from the first-year approach for the goshawk?

In the second year, the goshawk is allowed to molt and grow new feathers, with weight management adjusted to further enhance its hunting skills. The bird becomes more eager to hunt, showing greater skill and aggression in its pursuit of prey.

What was the impact of the 'long-term approach' used by the video creator's friend on the goshawk's behavior?

The long-term approach used by the video creator's friend resulted in a well-behaved goshawk that showed no aggression, remained calm, and was highly effective in hunting. This method focused on building a strong foundation in the bird’s first year, resulting in a more balanced and effective hunting partner in subsequent years.

Why does the video creator mention that no one way of practicing falconry is universally correct?

The video creator emphasizes that falconry practices vary greatly, and different methods work for different people. The goal is to share diverse techniques so that falconers can choose the ones that best suit their birds and hunting style.