Falconry Basics | Introduction to Weight Management

An overview of the role of weight management in flying birds of prey.
We look at the factors that affect focus and performance, as well as different techniques to safely manage your bird's condition and well-being.
View more videos in the Falconry Basics series here:
• Falconry Basics
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Thanks everyone!
Amy x

[@RaraAvis23]

This is a fascinating window into falconry. I’ve never had the opportunity to ever learn about this subject, or to get close with these types of birds. It’s amazing. I can tell you’re thorough and care deeply about what you do.

[@Siarawaszympanemjest]

I'm happy that this isn't just a series of videos saying "look at the cool birds" (even though they are very cool indeed). Instead it's a very informative and interesting material, even for me - someone who's never had anything to do with falconry. ...boop boop :D

[@cloud-forge]

Same here lol ! I am working on a computer all day, but I find it informative and really relaxing to learn about birds of prey's weight management.

[@luluemelloul4166]

زجنمظمظ

[@tinyGrim1]

Let's hope ONLY the serious will even think of doing this. Please consider your life, time and true passion for, with the bird to be priority. If you can't, ? Watching , helping, donating is best and you would be a huge part of it ! Remember also, she has years and hours and hours and knowledge that takes time, years and super commitment ! ! She is sharing for those who are truely , TRUELY able to do this correctly, not to show off and get immediate results, does not work that way.

[@hotpotato481]

I think the barrier of entry to falconry is incredibly high on its own, so hopefully that will be enough of a deterrent for people who are not completely serious about this. At least in the US, you MUST apprenticeship with a falconer to obtain licencing.

[@tinyGrim1]

@@hotpotato481 that's good to hear. TY. But the backyard tiger keepers ? Ya know ? I'm glad you said that tho, I did not know and hope that would be priority.

[@tinyGrim1]

@Rhapsody The Blue sure, why not.. like boo- bo in that old movie clash of the Titans . 1981. Wise guy. 🤪

[@tinyGrim1]

@Rhapsody The Blue of all the one falconry chooses to love, it's this one ? Must be just a marketing thing then with all going on. Sad, everyone is on the KZbin bandwagon at any cost. Life is not a joke. Oh well. Proceed.

[@bigDbigDbigD]

I greatly respect falconers and what they do. I can't imagine the time and energy that you put into your sport.

[@WHALEx3]

Yes you can. Just imagine it.

[@tyresesp9696]

@@WHALEx3 you really cant

[@WHALEx3]

@@tyresesp9696 you just have to believe you can, just imagine it.

[@TheArbiter10]

I'm not a falconer, nor do I think I'll ever have that opportunity, but I still find these videos super educational just for learning about birds of prey in general.

[@calvindowling4409]

Excellent channel you have going on here! It's refreshing to see somebody who combines both old school and modern knowledge so well, and really breaks down the little things to maximize comfort and success in a bird. It really shows in your collection! I look forward to future videos. Bravo!

[@sherrihinton8567]

Again I make a comment that you are a great teacher. I'm going to suggest to my grand children and younger children to watch you. I cant wait for future videos

[@NewMessage]

Well.. Now i'm wondering if there's someone behind the camera, holding a bit of cake in a gloved hand to motivate you to make the videos.

[@FalconryAndMe]

I wish 🤣

[@PurtyPurple]

@@matthewsheeran That's creepy.

[@bubblefish4597]

@@matthewsheeran The fuck, man?

[@hollygolightly8048]

Matthew Sheeran Please go away back to mommy’s basement. Thank you

[@JohnWayne-86ed]

@@matthewsheeran Falconers are asexual... scientists studying them in their natural habitat have proven this, they're fascinating creatures aren't they? I'm done with this subject, its over now. Good day✋😒

[@nicoleswan3053]

I so adore the subtle communication that was going on amongst the birds and yourself in this video... so much love for you and your birds, thank you for sharing every second that you do

[@LibbyTickles]

What a fantastic and thorough overview! Thanks so much Amy!

[@satyaward5452]

Olivia Woolf-Holloway her name is Amy?

[@pablavercellone1980]

@@satyaward5452 Ñññfkgvkhhl

[@wilson4328]

This channel is one of the best on KZbin! This is fantastic content! Thanks for sharing.

[@mikewysko2268]

Enjoying the beauty of the outdoors while working as a team with falcons looks like a satisfying way to spend the day.

[@aeliapanoowau1719]

did the term "fed up" come from falconry? feed the bird too much they don't want to do anything

[@FalconryAndMe]

It did indeed :)

[@the8bitzed]

I have never had an interest in birds, and have no plans to ever do anything with Falconry, but I have been really enjoying learning about this hobby that you have a passion for. Thank you for making these videos, and keep up the good work!

[@paintedpony2935]

Hobby?

[@peekaboo4390]

I have a keen and inquisitive mind . I know nothing about Falconry as this is very new to me . I found this to be fascinating and has opened up a whole new world to me. Love this channel.

[@infallibleblue]

Very informative and of course...boop boop wow!

[@gray5627]

Recently found your KZbin channel, and am enjoying your videos. I've not been involved with birds of prey, but am fascinated with the work you do with them, and I look forward to learning more about your wonderful birds. By the bye, love the videos of your raven, Fable! Thank you very much for sharing. :-)

[@zanetree]

I hope to get my falconing license this October so I can go find myself a Redtail in the area. Lots of reading as the association has cancelled meetings, and I'm glad more than ever I found your channel. Books are great, but listening to a professional first hand is a great pallet cleanser.

[@FalconryAndMe]

Hope I can help a bit! :)

[@colleenm9188]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this information with us. This is fascinating, and you're sharing years and years of experience and best practices. Your commitment and dedication to not only your birds but falconry in general is admirable!

[@raymondjones7489]

You have made your point most eloquently!...thank you!!!

[@sarahsumner1408]

These videos are really fantastic and informative, gives a great insight into falconry. Thank you so much for putting this information out there x

[@axelgranholm504]

Thanks for all the great information you pack into these videos. I just found your channel and I'm hooked!

[@bluespig1]

Thank you once again for looking after these beautiful creatures. I look forward to every new clip you upload. All the best, Sydney, Oz.

[@cherylross2718]

Now you have got your groove! The new format of your videos will make this channel a star. Good on yah. 💋

[@Yeknodathon]

Unique blend of passion for the subject while sharing information and delivering it in an engaging way, thanks!

[@vannemocilac274]

I never knew all this! And also I like to watch the intro each time of the birds on their perch or bathing in water or sunbathing. I never tire of it!

[@yuikagauss]

wow... today i learned more about birds than in 10 years of school...

[@angelbabesuz1612]

Faboulous information for any falconers, you give clear and precise directions Amy, you really are amazing with these birds, they are all beautiful! 💜💜

[@Aversiteespabilas]

One of the characters in my fantasy novel will be a falconer and I'm educating myself on the topic! I love how informative this channel is, thank you kindly!!

[@FalconryAndMe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasortiz4818]

I find this truly fascinating! Love seeing these beautiful birds!

[@kaytmorley9753]

So good! Thank you!

[@lorns123]

I love cake... Is that why I can't fly?

[@bho-lj1jk]

caro alexander It’s not your love of cake but gravity’s love of you.

[@JohnWayne-86ed]

@@bho-lj1jk If you ever feel lonely and unloved just remember you got gravity... even tho it abuses you at times, it still loves you ❤

[@anglosaxon5874]

Very thorough/informative and easy listening.

[@raymondjones7489]

I'm quite impressed with your knowledge and simotanious ability to "speak" about it.. you seem truly blessed with knowledge and a unique ability to convey properly...I'm lucky to be in your presence!!...😊

[@alanhillier1033]

Love your passion Amy,enjoy these vids so much

[@Mrfailstandstil]

please don't stop uploading! you're great! and also as a non native english speaker i find your accent very beautiful and if i someday will be fluent in english i would like to have your accent! much love from kiev, ukraine.

[@oliveoil2x]

Grand! Just grand. Thank you.

[@michaelt.8956]

Wow, so explanatory! Awesome!

[@cloud-forge]

I know everybody is telling you this already, but I love your videos. Keep up the good work. Thanks a lot for sharing your passion.

[@lizzyschmidt8179]

Wow you are amazing! Thank you so much for your videos they are fantastic! Keep them coming!

[@lesterfalcon1350]

Qatar Airlines have a section just on Falcons. "We allow you to carry one falcon in the Economy Class cabin of an aircraft, and a maximum of six falcons are permitted within the Economy Class cabin of any one aircraft (country regulations may apply)."

[@MrSpazpants]

Really!!

[@lesterfalcon1350]

@@MrSpazpants Falconry is a big sport in the middle east. especially popular with the rich, who then need to travel with them.

[@agharameez2704]

Thanks Amy for such great videos..looking forward to ur detailed weight management video..plus as i had earlier requested too, I'd love to watch a detailed video on manning a wild bird ..thanks for ur generous info sharing with us..God Bless

[@russelldavidson3885]

Great series, very informative and understandable. You give me a lot of confidence to get started on some of the small training issues with my bird, instead of just writing them off as the nature of that particular bird. Thank you.

[@6falconsue]

As someone who has watched urban nest cams for a number of years, it is so interesting to learn about falconry. Wild falcons' lives seem so centered about reproduction--they find a partner, mate, take turns incubating eggs, hunting for food for themselves and chicks, and teach their young to fly and hunt. Then they get a few months off, so to speak, and the cycle starts again. Falconry is a whole 'nother ballgame, and the Falconer has everything to do with the well-being of their birds. Very enlightening.

[@Dianasoe]

Hello Amy, How informative... thank you for a clear and articulate explanation.

[@spo616]

Pop I’m so glad you posted this video I bet we all have a ton of questions in our minds about how falconry works… So ,Thanks again for this great video love to the birds! 🥰🥰💞💕💞💕💞💕💓💗💗💓💗💗💗💗💕💕💞💞💞👍🏻👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@DanielCastillo911]

Amazing, simply a must watch video for any hunter or control raptor handler. Thanks for making and sharing this video with the world

[@alisonwilks302]

Love all your videos !! I didn't realise how much fun it was to fly birds - tho I would never try it myself . The principles you are describing apply to pretty much all captive animals . If you took out bird and put in horse you could perfectly describe horse husbandry . Routine is the key - and weight management . Thanks for the videos Amy xxxxxxx

[@unapologeticallyme8513]

What a neat video...bird psychology ♡

[@robertoneill1979]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing🤩

[@kathrynhelm4176]

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to your expert knowledge.

[@jeffreykendall7791]

I love your interest, knowledge and explanations

[@amy-maytaylor6883]

Fantastic video thank you!! We have just acquired a kestral... Long story, this has been a fantastic resource x

[@johnmartin4650]

good to see you and your beautiful creatures..from nyc

[@alanlovesmusic6442]

Please go into more of the details for the hood and gloves. Seen a lot of Hollywood videos but not educational videos! Details!! Also - for future videos maybe - would like to know about what we humans obtained from the sport - ie food? Rabbits? other birds on the plate for dinner? etc

[@nassarkhan2912]

Brilliant video, as always very helpful and informative.. thankyou very much

[@michaelriemann4655]

Hello and good day. Im glad I found your channel because I Love watching falcons and hawks fly.

[@Emon7543]

Excellent channel!

[@boxingday11]

Great video, thanks.

[@lifesgreat9951]

Raptors are so fascinating, aren't they, their form and function. Realistically though, all birds are equally as interesting. You seem to have a natural talent and touch with them. I read zoology, so I'm not supposed to have favourite animals - which I don't - but when it comes to ornithology, I have a soft spot for the Golden Eagle. Which has been re-introduced to Donegal, Ireland. Your videos are cool. Keep them up!

[@gabrielmartinez-wi8bu]

I love your videos. Los Angeles

[@RaptorGirlkathy]

Wonderful ❤ thank you 😊

[@curtis8559]

This is excellent!

[@greene4009]

Love your channel sm! Would love to see a video about understanding body language and what noises can mean - especially the ravens, they’re SO interesting!

[@rpfs2691]

On the left (your right) there is a bird that continuously seems to hold its wings strangely down. Why is that?

[@joymcguire]

I wondered the same thing

[@FalconryAndMe]

He's super chilled - you see him later on at various points in this video. He flies brilliantly and I will film him at some point. But yes, basically he's sunbathing and having the best time. :)

[@sherrihinton8567]

@@FalconryAndMe thank you

[@LoreMIpsum-vs6dx]

@@FalconryAndMe Who are you? I think I've watched almost all of the videos but we don't know anything about you. Some of us are here just because you are so interesting. I'll never have a bird in my life but I love watching you talk about the birds and interact with them.

[@FalconryAndMe]

Maybe its time I introduced myself properly in a video :)

[@oldergoy]

Does this mean that we do not do local birds any favours by having full feeders and suet. We have lots of different birds on the property and always have food for them.

[@FalconryAndMe]

I think its great that people support the small garden and hedgerow birds. Just don't be surprised when a sparrowhawk uses a feeder like a macdonalds drive thru!

[@JohnWayne-86ed]

I feed the birds sporadically to avoid them losing their abilities to manage on their own, even tho I randomly feed them they still check every day lol. The crows always come in through the dog door I installed for them to pester me if I don't put anything out for them, I'm trying to slowly get them to become less dependant on me.

[@Reyyvii]

Your videos are always so educational! I'd love to see one on how you trained your Harris to fly a 'circuit' around the nearby area and head back to you without landing..!

[@ravenlunatic7026]

Your amazingly dedicate to the birds in your care

[@jakhaughton1800]

Fascinating

[@pakfloormaintenance.6428]

Very good work

[@EskdaleHawks1]

Very nicely put together lass. 🙂

[@gregoryh4601]

Thanks for the info these notes will go in my book to use the day I can mt Falconry License. I just studying for my license and get to my Sponsor

[@FinalProyect]

😃❤️ I hope you, your birds and Fable are having an amazing day

[@dickinsonrl]

Thank you for posting these videos, I love them and as someone who has just got back in to working with birds of prey, these videos are great for recapping everything and even learning a couple of new things. I would like to ask; what falconry books did you read/ do you read and would you recommend?

[@harmon1286]

Enjoyed immensely...! Loved it..! Highly informative and presentation is superb. I enjoy reading comments while ads play. And David Attenborough surely views your productions. Right.? He’s still on the island.

[@droneready8278]

I absolutely love what you're doing and you!!!...I fly drones...you fly birds!!!!!💥💥💥🤟🤟🤟

[@Dizzyish]

Amazing stuff. I love birds of prey, I wish I had the opportunity of such interaction with them as you do. Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦.

[@jonhy2x4]

Boop Boop wow

[@slavkopejic3140]

Was that at 3:07 the bravest pigeon in England? 🤣 Poor guy, I imagine even shock alone of seeing this gang sunbathing could have killed him...

[@FalconryAndMe]

I've had pigeons confidently walk up and drink out of their baths on the lawn while they are sat on their perches. It's either bravery or stupidity lol

[@stephbowden8850]

thank you.

[@lexiequirie7915]

THANK YOU! :-)

[@ondarez4728]

When I was a kid, about 4th grade, my dad found 2 red-tail hawks that we ended up rescuing and eventually let back go to fly, I been contemplating to catch/capture a hawk the old way. Have you heard or seen of the Hopi Villages in Arizona where they have their ceremonial Golden eagles living on top of their homes? Thanks great info!

[@DFDuck55]

Most of my place here in Northern California is designated wildlife refuge, and only accessible by boat. There are 35 or more turkey vulture (buzzard) here. I never tire of watching them fly, they will follow me and circle above me when I go out for walks. When it's very windy out it seems they are "playing" in the wind. They will race down wind, then tack back up wind, over and over. When I fly my drone they will fly with it. When my buddy brings his drone over I really have to keep my eyes open for hawks. They don't like his drone because it sounds like a swarm of angry bees.

[@rivercrow8988]

I live in south central Pennsylvania and there are a lot of vultures here and I love love love watching them soar! They do seem to be enjoying themselves. I also take photos of them with my phone, then edit to a close up. When they're flying low, I've gotten a few awesome pics. LOVE large birds.

[@GrandmaGaye]

Thank You. You are amazing, the birds are beautiful. Please let us know a little more about your background and motivation. It will help complete the picture.

[@linlouwho123]

I live in Virginia with my own non-pet Cooper’s hawk that lives in my backyard and periodically enjoys her dinner on my deck. The hawks are absolutely gorgeous birds.

[@dernudel1615]

Wonderful video. Off the wall question, have you ever read "My Side of the Mountain" (and it's sequel) by Jean Craighead George? Just curious because the main character takes a peregrine falcon chick from a wild nest and raises and trains her as a hunting tool. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on that particular aspect of the book.

[@lucieni]

Please if you can... place a description of the birds you are working with in each video either on screen as it happens (that would be excellent) or below in your video description. Thankyou I love your videos and try my best to guess which birds you’re working with x

[@theconspiracyfactorist.144]

I remember watching jemima parry jones when I was a kid. It's nice to see another woman taking responsibility for these wonderful birds.

[@matthewsheeran]

What a bloody articulate little falconer she is: fascinating to watch!

[@jumpinjack1156]

WOW !

[@thewilsonfamily7392]

Thank you for sharing such a thorough video. It feels like you you really know your stuff and most importantly have great rapport and knowledge of your birds. Do you mind if I ask when did you decide this would be your career? And does it pay well? That might sound like an odd question and I can tell you do this because you have great love. I’m just intrigued if anyone was looking to begin a career in falconry how they would? And where jobs might exist and of course the money aspect. Does it pay well? Xx

[@jantirpak7902]

You can work as a professional in airport biological security or at biological protection of crops in agriculture. Or you can pursue educational programs, or train and breed falconry raptors. Check out these options where you live or want to live. You must have the knowledge and the falconry practice for all this.

[@pierredecine1936]

I'm watching this from Central Florida - we have Birds of Prey and huge Owls here ... I understand what you are describing - it is a lot like teaching a cat tricks, he will do it if he wants to, not like a dog will do it for you ...

[@panatypical]

What kind of meat are you feeding birdie there? Is it cold, room temperature or warm? What are the preferred sorts of meat to feed to the respective raptors?

[@Parabueto]

I possibly go a bit far with my weight management. I have a european kestrel, the first bird of my own (although I've been volunteering at a centre for five years). She gets weighed in the morning, before she's flown and before and after feeding (which is also weighed). Detailed notes are taken on all the usual things but also day and night temperatures. It's possibly a hangup from years working in a lab but it has allowed me to very quickly work out how she metabolises different food and how much she needs each day to hit flying weight the next day. But I am very interested in micro falconry where that's par for the course, or so I hear. I am also feeling the keel each day but I get the feeling it'll take a while to get in tune with that.

[@hadoukenhadouken9219]

Health is critical for longevity. - If we're to weigh people who knows how many scales will have to go through.

[@LaralynRiverWindND]

I. Miss. Falconry!

[@sapelesteve]

Excellent video & great overview. The method that you used for weighing the birds reminded me of a Quantitative Analysis Chemistry course that I took way back when. We were required to take measurements to the thousanths of a gram. Anyway, I was wondering why you are not using a sophisticated digital scale to weigh the birds? That would be much easier, faster, and more accurate. Really enjoy your videos......

[@FalconryAndMe]

Digital scales can be over sensitive depending on where abouts on the scale we place the bird and of course if the battery runs low it can give inaccurate readings. Balance scales take a couple of seconds more but are very accurate and don't need batteries :)

[@phasm42]

11:44 that winnowing, what a badass

[@iamgort70]

When you say you 'hunt' with the bird...do you eat what they kill? I'm not sure what to ask...is this an actual Hunting thing? I have seen guys in Asian continents using huge birds to bring down deer sized animals.! Amazing thing to witness..but they eat the prey. But in your situation, in the UK, when you 'Hunt' as you say is it for sport/hobby or food? i.e do you use the prey they kill for the table?? cheers.

[@FalconryAndMe]

I do sometimes, though mostly its all reward for the bird. They get what they catch, seems fair :)

[@katkameo6413]

I agree with all the positive comments...what an interesting video. Odd & likely dumb question here...since you are flying in the open, what about any wild predators to a bird? I have eagles all around. Are there issues for smaller birds?

[@FalconryAndMe]

Yea larger wild birds of prey can always be a danger. Ive had a falcon pulled out of the air by a wild buzzard when she was hunting (both were fine but shocked). And buzzards and red kites like to harass my black chested buzzard eagle. Flying really small birds, you have to be careful of wild hawks too. However most of the time it can be avoided, for example don't fly near nesting birds in the spring time.