Trapping a Cooper's Hawk using a harness pigeon. Due to age had to be released.

Video in real-time trapping of a Coooper's Hawk. The trapped bird is called a haggard which means that it is older than one year of age and according to laws in USA must be released back to the wild. To possess and trap birds of prey in the USA one must have Federal/State permit and follow other regulations to conduct such activity.
While removing a bird from a trapping situation I never wear gloves. The reason for this is because gloves are too bulky, and one cannot fully feel how hard I am holding on to the bird's legs or body. At all costs the bird is protected from injury, and I learned nearly 30 years ago while obtaining my falconry permit that it is better for the falconer to get hurt than the bird! It is a policy that I hold on to still up to this day: and yes, I have been hurt several times.
In the USA pigeons are not a regulated species, and in many areas, they are considered a pest that may actually be actively controlled to prevent accumulation of feces for pathogen control. In fact, some falconers are sought out after by city municipalities to conduct legal abatement practices to keep pigeons away from certain areas.
Falcon Quest - Birds of prey channel is for those who are interested in falconry activities. Falconers are found from around the world and regulations, methods used, and species availability varies from one location to another.
The purpose of this trapping was to legally obtain a Cooper's Hawk for pursuit of quail and pigeons. The bird trapped in this video was immediately released back into the wild due to its age.

[@ap-nu3ck]

So glad you're posting videos again! So informative, thanks!

[@falconquest-birdsofprey7326]

Thank you, good to hear that you enjoy some of the videos. Hopefully will be posting more regularly again.

[@ap-nu3ck]

Excellent video! I wonder if it's possible to make a harness for a starling? Your thoughts? Thanks!

[@falconquest-birdsofprey7326]

Great idea, I like it when we think outside of the box. Yes, I believe it could work, lighter leather (less thick) and instead of a shoelace for tying the harness onto the bird possibly use braided line like what is used for a chalk string in carpentry.

[@jackhawk8952]

I used to trap sparrows in a funnel trap then used those in a mini BC to trap sharpies and cooper's...

[@falconquest-birdsofprey7326]

That is an excellent way to trap for sharpies and Cooper's. I have done that myself.

[@jackhawk8952]

@@falconquest-birdsofprey7326 I remember one time we were trying to trap a Merlin with a micro mistnet and after jumping out of the car and setting up the net as we were closing the door of the truck a sharpie was balled up in the net within seconds of setup and within a few feet of us.. good times.

[@falconquest-birdsofprey7326]

@@jackhawk8952 Definitely exciting times for sure.

[@shoaibdevero]

I will wait for your next video when you will trap a passage coope'rshawk for quail and train it.

[@falconquest-birdsofprey7326]

I am keeping an eye out around my pigeon coop, and will see what will come in next. Although, I might change up my quarry to crow rather than quail this season.