15 July Update

5.30pm - RAIN AGAIN!!!!! Flown indoors - 104g - 5 flights to fist. Fed Quail. Then manned by both son's and daughter for a couple of hours.

Weight after - 128g

13th June - Update

6.00pm - Bean - 107g - Heavy Rain AGAIN!. Flown in garage with my daughter. Weight after 7 flights - 127g

Weekend Update

Saturday 6.00pm - 114g - raining - didn't fly Bean - fed on fist.

Sunday 4.00pm - 117g - raining again - didn't fly just fed on fist and manned.

10th July

Bean - 99g - weight flown by number two boy in field. Flew twice around farmhouse and came straight into fist. Stooped towards lure but still unsure with it. Great to fist though. Fed on lure on floor. Very happy with progress.
Off the the Festival of Falconry in Reading tomorrow - early start 5.30am - aim to get get around 7.00pm will give 'Bean' a fly on return fronm the Festival.

9th July Update

5.30pm - 104g - flown free again - fed two mice.

Westerly wind and 'Bean' circled around farmhouse before returning to fist. Still ignores lure! Must keep trying with the lure.

FREE!!!

Wednesday - 7.30pm - 102g weight. Decided to fly 'Bean' free.
First 3 flights of 30metre fine. Then 'Bean' decided to strech his wings for a bit! and gave chase to a couple of LBJ's before settling into the largest Scots Pine on the farm after about 10mins had a short flight the the Rowan tree in the front of the house before returning to the fist!

Very happy on his return if not a little nervous on first free flight.

7th July

'Bean' - 5.30pm - 100g jesses & anklets only. Weather windy and raining. Flown free to fist in garage with youngest son calling 'Bean' to fist 10 times. He then took 'Bean' for a walk around the farm for about an hour after, then daughter handled 'Bean' for about 20 mins whilst I manned new Black Gyr Saker.

Update

It has been 4 days since last post. 'Bean' has progressed well - though he is indifferent to the lure but is happy fly 20 metres to the fist.
Weather has been very bad for the last few days strong winds and heavy rain so has distrupped 'Bean's training. Flown him free in the garage last night 10 flights of about 5 metres each. Fed mice - weight steady at 100g with just anklets on. Hopefully the weather will break and wind will drop before first free flight outside this week.

Update

3rd July - 7am - 110g. Placed in weathering. Flown yesterday at 6pm - weather showers -106g - OK to fist no interest in lure. 10 flights to fist.

28th June - Update

7am: Weight - 119g

Not flown - heavy rain.

Fed on fist - weight after food - 129g

27th June - Update

7am - 118g - Placed in weathering.

11.30am - Placed on lawn - weight 116g - had a bath then preened for about an hour. Very settled and relaxed on block.

4.30pm - Weight 112g flown to fist 20metres 7 times. Very pleased with progress - really must sort out lure for tomorrow.

5.30pm - Weight 129g - 'Bean' sleeping on block. Placed back in mews. Temperature - 29 Deg C.

Overall, very happy with progress. Lure tomorrow and when flying well to lure on the creance - FREE!

Note to self: test transmitters and change batteries on telemetry!

Update - 26th June

6.00pm - 112g - flown 15 metres - 6 times. Very happy with progress. Manned for 150mins. Weight after 128g.

26th June - Update

6.45am - 116g - manned for 30mins - returned to weathering. Weather overcast.

25th June - Update

5.30am - 114g - fed Chicken breast - flew 10m to fist 5 times - fed and manned for two hours.

Weight after food - 124g

25th June - Update

6.45am - 'Bean' - 117g. Manned for 45mins. Very settled on fist. Placed in weathering for day.

Weather - bright sunshine 16 Degrees.

Bean - Update

5.30pm - weight 114g - flown on creance today. 6 flights to fist, 4metres each flight.
Very happy with progress.

Weight when put away in mews - 128g (14g - chicken breast).

Always Alert (2006) by Andrew Hoag

Dimensions (inches): 14 x 10
Medium: Oil on Panel

24th June - 'Bean' Update

6.45am - 121g. Put out to weathering - will introduce lure this evening.

Storm Front (2000) by Michael Dumas

Dimensions (inches): 16.25 x 12.25
Medium: Oil

Update - 23rd June

'Bean' - 5.30pm - 118g - fed on fist chicken breast. Jumped to fist 5 times - 1 metre leash length - very happy with progress. Weight after feeding - 128g.

Introduce lure tomorrow.

Bean - Update 23rd June

7.00am - 121g - fed some 1 g of chicken breast and manned for 40mins. Not too interested this morning in his food. Hopped onto scales and very happy on fist.

Put back in weathering.

American Kestrel

Bean- 22nd June

7am - 118g - fed quail and left in mews.

'Bean' Update 21st June

'Bean' - jessed up and settled on block.
Bathed and fed on fist three quail legs - weight 130g.
Manned for 3hrs
Placed in travelling box for the night.

American Kestrel

American Kestrel perching on bear trap

Kestrel in California Thistles by Mort Solberg

Kestrel in California Thistles by wildlife artist Mort Solberg

www.somersetdesigngroup.com

AMERICAN KESTREL by Guy Coheleach

Bird on a wire by Nigel John Shaw, AFC SAA

'Bird on a wire' (2006)
Subject: American kestrel
Dimensions (inches): 14 x 20
Medium: Acrylic on illustration board
www.natureartists.com

An American Kestrel by James Fiorentino

'Bean' -Update

Saturday - 20th June - Weight 7am 118gs - fed quail eaten 6g in mews.

3pm: Fed another 4grammes of quail - weight now -127g

Handles for 120mins.

Sunday 21st - 7am weight 119g - fed a couple of legs of quail. Settled in mews. Preened and roused on fist.
Will make jesses later this morning and fit then to 'Bean' later this morning.

19th June - Update

7.0am - 'Bean' - 115g - fed quail. Manned for 60mins

Bean - Update

Wednesday - 120g - fed quail - well settled fed on fist.

Thursday - 121g - fed quail - manned 2 hours in mews. Very happy with progress. Will jess up this weekend.

'Bean' -Update Day 3

'Bean' - weight 129g - fed on fist in mews - hopped onto glove for some quail. Eaten quail two legs & DOC today.
Had a bath and sat on first for 90mins.

Will jess up this weekend.

American Kestrel Bells

Some falconry bells to consider, available from www.lahalconera.com

http://shop.strato.com/epages/61402534.sf/en_GB/?ViewObjectID=1519325

Stainless Steel Bells
 
Bells made of stainless steel, made exclusivelt for LaHalconera.com. Made in Spain. They have a magnificent sound and are the lightest ones in the market.

30.00 €
Price incl. VAT

American Kestrel in flight

Day 3 - 'Bean' Update

6.15am - 120g - very settled in mews. Fed on fist - 1/2 DOC. Spent 90mins in with him. Very happy to sit on fist. Rousing. Approx 7mm left on tail feathers before hard penned.

Will try to see if he will feed on fist this afternoon.

Day 2 - 'Bean' weight & food

'Bean' - settled in mews. Eaten 1 DOC - weight at 6.00pm (18.00hrs) 127g.

Day 2 - Weight

'Bean' - Weight 7.30am - 117g.

'Bean' Day 1 - update

Weight before any food - 119g - 3 3/8oz.

Eaten one skinned DOC.

Settled into mews.

Not fully hard penned approx 10mm left till hard penned.

Bean has arrived!

Well the big day has arrived and 'Bean' my American Kestrel has arrived home. Big thanks to Norma & Griff at the Welsh Hawking Centre in Barry.

Picked up the wee fella around 11am this morning and travelled him home in a travelling box. He travelled well and has setled nicely into his new surroundings. I am going to let him settle in before I weigh him then place him in the Mews.

The American Kestrel - Falcon of Many Names by Roland H Wauer

The American Kestrel - Falcon of Many Names by Roland H Wauer
103 pages, colour plates, maps.
Johnson Books ISBN-10: 1555663532

http://www.nhbs.com/the_american_kestrel_tefno_143706.html

A close-up look at the American continent's smallest raptor. Adaptive and resourceful, the kestrel often lives in city parks and is frequently seen along highways, so much so that it has been called "America's roadside raptor." Contributing to its popularity is the kestrel's wide distribution-from treeline in northern Alaska to the very tip of South America.

The book begins with a complete description of the kestrel, including the fascinating eye spots on the back of the head, a trait unique among falcons. Wauer goes on to discuss the vocalizations of the kestrel-the "killy call," the "whine call," and the "chitter call"-and how the bird uses them to communicate. Using scientific research and easily understood interpretations, Wauer covers many topics, such as the falcon's keen eyesight; its amazing migration patterns; its eating habits; and its hunting styles. At the heart of the book is a complete natural history of Falco sparverius, including courtship routines, nesting, and the raising of young. The mixture of hard science and personal stories makes for compelling reading. The book ends with a discussion of the enemies and threats the American kestrel faces.

American Kestrel

Ohaus Triple Beam Scales

Ordered my new Ohaus Triple Beam Balance scales today.
They are ideal for precise weight management of an American Kestrel.

4" Arab Style Kestrel Block

These are made from solid turned UPVC! They are fitted with a precision laser cut stainless steel rotating plate fitted near the base of the block which reduces feather damage! They all come complete with removable astroturf perching area! These blocks are totally maintenance free!

Available from www.falconryfabrication.com

New Hawk Box from www.falconryfabrication.co.uk

SINGLE TRAVEL BOX

These are considered the best travel box on the market today. They are very strong and being made from plastic are very easy to keep clean. They have a covered vent at the rear of the box so the hawk or falcon cannot see out. These boxes are maintenance free!


SIZE:
SMALL
16in tall x 10in wide x 12in deep

Kangaroo Leather for Sale

Kangaroo leather for sale. Suitable for making Anklets and Jesses for an American Kestrel - £6.50 for 150mm x 300mm inclusive of P&P (Recorded delivery - UK ONLY, Overseas buyers please contact me at MyAmericanKestrel@gmail.com for shipping costs)

Payment via PAYPAL to MyAmericanKestrel@gmail.com

Also, available Sampo Falconry Swivels for Sale - £10.50 x 3 Swivels (inc P&P)

American Kestrel Equipment for sale.

Small Sampo Ball Bearing Swivels for sale - £10.50 for 3 swivels inclusive of P&P (Recorded delivery)

Payment via PAYPAL to MyAmericanKestrel@gmail.com.

Dimensions - 35mm totall length - Solid Ring Dia - 10mm - both ends.

American Kestrel identification

American kestrel Falco sparverius

Identification Tips:

Length: 8.5 inches Wingspan: 21 inches
Short, dark, hooked beak
Small, long-tailed hawk
Long, narrow, pointed wings
Gray crown
White cheeks
Two black mustache marks
Black spot at rear of crown on both sides
Seen from below, flight feathers are pale with dark barring
Juveniles and immature females like adult female

Adult male:
Rust patch on crown
Rust nape, breast, back and tail
Rust tail has a broad black subterminal band and a narrow white terminal band
Pale belly
Blue-gray wing coverts
Dark flight feathers with pale subterminal spots creating a "string of pearls"
Black spots on scapulars, wing coverts and flanks

Adult female:
Pale buff breast streaked with brown
Rust-brown nape, back and wing coverts
Back and wing coverts barred heavily with black
Rust-brown tail with numerous dark bars of even width and a narrow white terminal band

Immature male:
Barred rust-brown back barred heavily with black
Streaked breast

Nestbox plans for an American Kestrel

Tinyloc Kest Transmitter

Tinyloc UK

Contact Us
Two Hoots
Tuttors Hill
Cheddar
Somerset
BS27 3JQ

Telephone
07771 88 28 31

Email
enquiries@tinyloc.co.uk

Website
www.tinyloc.co.uk

Product Code:
Kest

Description
Light! The smallest transmitter on the market for small birds.

Range
From 4 to 7 Km range from the ground.

Weight
The Kest transmitter is 2.3g (battery included)

Price: £169.95

Portrait of an American Kestrel

Male American Kestrel in flight

American Kestrel fanning tail

American Kestrel - Head detail

Winter Elm and American Kestrel by Robert Bateman

Welcome to My American Kestrel

Bienvenue à mon blog - ma crécerelle américaine. Ce blog enregistrera la formation d'une crécerelle américaine masculine (sparverius de Falco). J'espère que vous avez plaisir la lecture.

Willkommen zu meinem Blog - mein amerikanischer Kestrel. Dieser Blog notiert das Training eines männlichen amerikanischen Kestrel (Falco sparverius). Ich hoffe, dass Sie genießen zu lesen.

Benvenuto al mio blog - il mio Kestrel americano. Questo blog registrerà l'addestramento di un Kestrel americano maschio (sparverius del Falco). Spero che godiate di di leggere.

Recepción a mi blog - mi cernícalo americano. Este blog registrará el entrenamiento de un cernícalo americano masculino (sparverius del Falco). Espero que usted goce el leer.

Onthaal aan mijn blog - Mijn Amerikaanse Torenvalk. Dit blog zal de opleiding van een mannelijke Amerikaanse Torenvalk registreren (Falco sparverius). Ik hoop u geniet van lezend.

Boa vinda a meu blogue - meu Kestrel americano. Este blogue gravará o treinamento de um Kestrel americano masculino (sparverius do Falco). Eu espero que você aprecia ler.

Καλωσορίστε στο blog μου - το αμερικανικό γεράκι μου. Αυτό το blog θα καταγράψει την κατάρτιση ενός αρσενικού αμερικανικού γεράκι (sparverius FALCO). Ελπίζω ότι απολαμβάνετε.

Добро пожаловать к моему блогу - моему американскому Kestrel. Этот блог запишет тренировку мыжского американского Kestrel (sparverius Falco). Я надеюсь что вы наслаждается прочитать.

American Kestrels in Modern Falconry

Recommended reading for anyone considering getting an American Kestrel.

American Kestrels in Modern Falconry (Hardcover) by Matthew Mullenix 

Available from www.amazon.co.uk

My American Kestrel

Arranged to pick up my new male American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) next Sunday from Griff at the Welsh Hawking Centre. 

I can't wait! This will be my first American Kestrel I will have trained and flown. Having flown numerous other birds of prey over the years and 'Bean' My American Kestrel will join the others birds in my mews. My breeding pair of Harris Hawks, Tiercel (Male) Peregrine - Finn and the male Gyr Saker (Alfie).

Roll on Sunday!!!