Training and peregrine

[Murray]

I think that's the way forward released in small group's, make them think a bit, shall be doing this moving forward & possibly going a mile more each time for the next release, so if they don't clear from the first release & come back around they won't buch up with the others you've just let go from baskets & making a bigger target.
I can't see the sense in letting them go all up as from experience this year your just going to get hammered down this part of the country it's got that bad.

Not just hammered in training down this way Dave. My team of 12 widowhood cocks is down to 10. 2 cocks taken by peregrine this week from around the loft.

Sorry to hear that, Andy. Bloody hawks
Something is worrying mine too. The youngsters are strong and fast now and don't seem to care. But I notice the old birds are not that keen on going out the last few days.
I'm waiting for the hit.

[Murray]

And there you go.
I was out at the loft when the big white Cockatoo, (Devo has met her) started going berserk in the tree over the back. I looked up, big falcon, doing lazy circles overhead.
That'll be why the old pigeons are reluctant to stay out for long.

[Devo1956]

The Cockatoo, is a good warning sign. I was getting something out od Murrys car boot, The noise from the Cockatoo, OMG I nearly banged my head on the hood. Scary stuff when that bird screams.

[CHARLTON34]

Hello Andy, oh that's not good before the season's started for you puts you & everyone else that's had to deal with these killing machines on the back foot.

[NeilA]

Hens went well 15 miles 17 min
Cocks next

[Trev]

I think that's the way forward released in small group's, make them think a bit, shall be doing this moving forward & possibly going a mile more each time for the next release, so if they don't clear from the first release & come back around they won't buch up with the others you've just let go from baskets & making a bigger target.
I can't see the sense in letting them go all up as from experience this year your just going to get hammered down this part of the country it's got that bad.

Not just hammered in training down this way Dave. My team of 12 widowhood cocks is down to 10. 2 cocks taken by peregrine this week from around the loft.

Very frustrating for you Andy, I hope you don't continue to have problems and that your 10 remaining Cocks fly well for you.
I have to say that as frustrating as it is having the Sparrow hawk around, I'd rather have her than Peregrine's, at least I know when the danger is and that I will at least get the summer months off.
Although if the hawk numbers keep increasing as they are, their hunting patterns will change, just as they already are with the Sea Eagles, who are primarily fish and carrion eaters, but are now targeting new born lambs !!

[NeilA]

All good today
15/16 miles for them
Hens this morning 17 min
Cocks 5pm 17 min
One lib each time

It does seem both times I was hit this year was when I did 2 libs 5 mins apart not that I’m saying that’s the reason for it
Yet both times the 2nd lib got hit

[Murray]

Good that it went well.
There's your answer. Don't split your releases. It may have nothing to do with it, but if it doesn''t work, don't do it.

[Trev]

All good today
15/16 miles for them
Hens this morning 17 min
Cocks 5pm 17 min
One lib each time

It does seem both times I was hit this year was when I did 2 libs 5 mins apart not that I’m saying that’s the reason for it
Yet both times the 2nd lib got hit

That's good news Neil, well done.
I've obviously had bad trainers before, couldn't say hand on heart why, but they could have been hit by hawks. I have however only once actually seen a peregrine go into my trainers. It was when I lived on the Isle Wight, I took them about 12 miles from me to Culver Down. For those who don't know the Island, Culver Down is on the East side right up on the cliffs, for many years it housed a military fort and a look out for possible invaders of the mainland, it also housed an anti aircraft gun during the second world war. There is also a lovely pub up there that we used to visit when the kids were little, I used to take the birds with as it was a lovely open space with a great line of flight to Brighstone where I lived. I knew there Peregrine's nearby, but unfortunately on the Island, training sites with a half decent distance are few and far between, it was early evening, nice and clear with no sign of hawks when I opened the crate. But within seconds of the birds being in the air, out of nowhere, a Peregrine flew straight into them and they scattered everywhere closed followed by the hawk. My heart just sank, there was nothing I could do but hope. As expected, by the time I got home there was no sign of my birds. During the evening they started turning up in singles and pairs, by nightfall there were still empty perches. However during the next day, to my surprise and relief, the rest turned up, and remarkably none were injured. That day I had a lucky escape, and from then on I just left them on an open loft and gave up training.

[Albert]

I am sure members will take all this in and try it, and judge for themselves.