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.
Denne historien er fra March 7, 2018-utgaven av Cage & Aviary Birds.
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Denne historien er fra March 7, 2018-utgaven av Cage & Aviary Birds.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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
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
Spangles: a personal overview
FRED WRIGHT relates a budgie story of over-exploitation, consequent problems and abundant potential for the future
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
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.
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
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
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
Smart Choice, Docile Nature
Dave Brown welcomes the masked grassfinch to his birdroom and shares advice on this lovely Australian species
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