When New Doesn't Necessarily Mean Better
Cage & Aviary Birds|March 7, 2018
Kites, drones, sky trials… what have these techniques got to do with training falcons? GRAHAM WELLSTEAD explains all
Graham Wellstead
When New Doesn't Necessarily Mean Better

FALCONRY

I HAVE had one experience of flying a kite. The circumstances did not involve a falcon at that point, although it was the plan. I borrowed a large kite, some 2.4m (8ft) across, together with a hose reel that had a great deal of draylon line.

The instructions were to very firmly fix the hose reel to the ground with large spikes provided, before attaching the kite to the line. This I did and my daughter, who was with me, was instructed to release the break when I held the kite up into the wind. I had my doubts that it would fly in the relatively light wind, but as I opened my hand it took off with a roaring whoosh and raced into the sky. I turned back to my daughter who had jumped away before the rewind handle, now a distant blur, damaged her.

I did not know if the line was tied securely, but by the time I nearly reached the reel, almost all the line had paid out. I slammed on the brake and looked up to see the kite directly overhead like a postage stamp. I also saw a light aircraft passing at what appeared to be a much lower level. Using strong gloves I began to walk across the field, hauling the line in while my daughter wound up the slack. The kite eventually came down, but I was nearly three fields away before I floored it.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 7, 2018-Ausgabe von Cage & Aviary Birds.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 7, 2018-Ausgabe von Cage & Aviary Birds.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS CAGE & AVIARY BIRDSAlle anzeigen
The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?
Cage & Aviary Birds

The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?

Intensively studied, the gem-like Anna’s hummingbird is a welcome visitor to the gardens of America’s most populous state: California. Bill Naylor investigates its life history

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 18, 2019
The charm of the English Cinnamon
Cage & Aviary Birds

The charm of the English Cinnamon

Despite its long and complicated history, the true Cinnamon canary is still with us – in the hands of a tiny group of breeders. DONALD SKINNER-REID reckons it deserves wider appreciation

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 24, 2019
Spangles: a personal overview
Cage & Aviary Birds

Spangles: a personal overview

FRED WRIGHT relates a budgie story of over-exploitation, consequent problems and abundant potential for the future

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 24, 2019
New converts to old breeds
Cage & Aviary Birds

New converts to old breeds

Old and rare canaries have a reputation for adding fresh interest and challenge to the hobby. PETE HOOK and NICK JOY agree, and explain the birds’ charm to Dave Brown

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 24, 2019
Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show
Cage & Aviary Birds

Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show

DECORATIVE AVIARY DISPLAYS from a CBS and an online bird keeping advice group were voted in the top three by visitors for the inaugural Stafford Aviary Competition.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Pieds with potential
Cage & Aviary Birds

Pieds with potential

More than just a lesser variety, the dominant pied will introduce challenge and change into most studs, reckons CLIVE WAKEMAN. Here he discusses pairings to try and others to avoid

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 18, 2019
Club News
Cage & Aviary Birds

Club News

Welcome to the club and show pages – the bit that’s all about you Results: convention, specialist & rare and Breeder of the Year

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Canaries Month by Month:
Cage & Aviary Birds

Canaries Month by Month:

With Christmas around the corner, BRIAN KEENAN is well into his winter programme, and reckons he might deserve a nice outcross

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 18, 2019
Smart Choice, Docile Nature
Cage & Aviary Birds

Smart Choice, Docile Nature

Dave Brown welcomes the masked grassfinch to his birdroom and shares advice on this lovely Australian species

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 04, 2019
The truth about the ‘flying toad'
Cage & Aviary Birds

The truth about the ‘flying toad'

Odd local names and weird superstitions can’t hide the beauty and elegance of the nightjar, a species that has made a fascinating subject in a few zoo collections, reveals BILL NAYLOR

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 04, 2019