Apprentice's Log - Episode I: Trapping our First Red-tailed Hawk

This video is part of a falconry series from an apprentice falconer. In this episode, we show what the process of trapping our first red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) looked like. This is only a glimpse into the hours of tracking and failed attempts.

Juvenile red-tailed hawks have an upwards of 80% mortality rate in their first year. Each hawk a falconer traps in the wild helps ensure one more juvenile makes it to adulthood. In some cases, falconers will release their birds after a hunting season or two, though others may decide to keep them longer. Regarding conservation, red-tailed hawks are a least-concern species, which means they are not a focus of conservation. They can often be seen along highways -- unfortunately, they are sometimes struck by cars as we mentioned seeing while we were out.

Developing the skills as a falconer with red-tails is helpful because they are easy to man -- or build trust with. We do hope to participate in conservation and possibly rehabilitation efforts in the future. While hunting is a major component, the conservation aspect of falconry is one of the primary reasons we wanted to get involved with this sport. During each flying session after the initial training period, the birds make the decision to return to the falconer. They are free to fly away, and sometimes they do just that. Birds of prey are not pets.

There are only approximately 4,000 licensed falconers in the United States, with only about 250 or so general or master falconers in the State of New York. Getting licensed in falconry is not a simple task and requires many hours of study, the proper facilities inspected by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the guidance of a dedicated mentor for two years. It is a serious commitment that we do not take lightly. More info on that process here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/28632....

We have had a ton of questions from friends and family and hope to shed some light through some educational videos.

By the way, the hood used in falconry helps keep the bird calm for travel and/or other stressful situations and is not left on all the time. The towel placed over the hawk's head during trapping functioned similarly -- this was for his safety as well as our own.

We are very much open to feedback and suggestions.
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Please forgive the novice filming and editing -- hopefully we'll improve as we make more videos.

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