Falconry is the art and sport of training falcons and other raptors to hunt or pursue game. It has a long history, dating back thousands of years. Falconers must obtain and train wild raptors, which begins by capturing a wild falcon. This is no easy task, as falcons are powerful flyers that do not take kindly to being caught. There are several techniques falconers use to capture wild falcons that take skill, timing, and patience.
Why Catch Wild Falcons?
Many people wonder why falconers go through the effort of catching wild falcons for falconry. There are a few key reasons:
- Training a wild falcon creates a special bond between the bird and falconer.
- Wild falcons tend to be healthier and live longer than captive-bred birds.
- The genetics and abilities of wild birds are perceived to be superior for hunting purposes.
- Catching a wild falcon and training it is considered a rite of passage in traditional falconry.
While captive breeding programs have improved, many falconers still prefer catching wild birds. The process immerses the falconer in the natural world of the bird and creates a different dynamic than training a bird born in captivity. Additionally, capturing and training a wild falcon allows the ancient traditions of falconry to continue.
Choosing a Falcon Species
There are several species of falcons used in falconry:
- Peregrine Falcon
- Gyrfalcon
- Merlin
- Kestrel
- Red-footed Falcon
- Saker Falcon
The most popular species for beginner falconers in North America is the wild American Kestrel. Kestrels are small falcons that prey on insects, small mammals and birds. They are agile flyers and social birds that form lifelong pair bonds. Kestrels exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different physical traits. Females are larger and more distinctly patterned while males are smaller with colors muted.
Other good beginner species are Merlins and Red-footed Falcons. Larger falcons like Peregrine Falcons and Gyrfalcons are reserved for more experienced falconers. The size and skill of both raptor and falconer must be matched. Falconers carefully consider their experience, facilities, and hunting goals when choosing a falcon species to pursue for capture.
Where to Find Wild Falcons
Wild falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica. Successful capture locations depend on the target species, time of year, and local populations. Good locations include:
- Cliff faces and bluffs for species like Peregrine Falcons that nest on rock ledges.
- Woodland areas and forest edges for species like Kestrels that nest in tree cavities.
- Farmland for species like kestrels that may hunt over open fields.
- Coastlines for Peregrines that may nest on shoreside cliffs and hunt seabirds.
- Near wetlands, marshes, or rivers for Merlins and Red-footed Falcons attracted by small bird concentrations.
Falconers use optics like binoculars and telescopes to survey prospective capture sites and locate potential target birds. Local knowledge, seasonal timing, persistence, and luck play key roles in locating wild falcons.
When to Attempt Captures
Timing is critical when trapping wild falcons. Season, age, and life cycle stage influence the chances of success. Some guidelines on timing include:
- Spring – Young fledglings dispersing from the nest in early summer are targeted to imprint on the falconer.
- Fall – Adult falcon migration and territory establishment make fall a prime season.
- Winter – Difficult conditions mean only experienced falconers attempt winter captures.
Within seasons, timing revolves around the falcon’s daily rhythms:
- Morning – Good chances finding hungry young dispersing birds.
- Mid-day – Adults tend to be inactive, reducing success odds.
- Late afternoon – Adults begin hunting forays making them more vulnerable.
falconers match the capture attempt with the species, life stage, season, and time of day to optimize success. This requires understanding the falcon’s biology and patterns.
Capturing an Eyass
An eyass is a young falcon still in the nest or recently fledged. The strategy for capturing an eyass involves raiding the nest and taking the fledglings. This requires locating an active falcon nest, which is challenging in itself. Once found, the falconer monitors the nest to gage the best time to take the eyasses. Here are the steps:
- Locate nest on cliff edge or in tree.
- Study nest to see if adults are feeding nestlings.
- Approach nest just before expected feeding time.
- Block adult falcon’s access to the nest if present.
- Remove fledglings quickly but carefully from nest.
- Place in specially designed transport box.
- Bring to falconry facility to begin imprinting and training.
The key factors are coordination with the eyasses development and preventing the adult falcons from attacking during the nest raid. Successful imprinting depends on timing the capture right when the eyasses have just fledged at around 4 weeks old. Later and they may be too wild, sooner and they may be too young to thrive.
Trapping Wild Adult Falcons
Trapping wild adult falcons takes more finesse but provides the advantage of capturing a fully mature bird. Several techniques can be used:
Balo Trapping
One ancient but still effective technique is balo trapping. This uses a trap made of netting walls held upright using wood or metal frames. The sides slope inwards at the top to form an inverted funnel. Bait such as a pigeon is placed inside the trap using tethers or cages so it cannot escape. When the target falcon goes in after the bait, the trap sides twist around it when it tries to escape upwards. This tangles the falcon in the netting so it can be subdued and removed by the falconer. Balo traps are placed in open areas the falcon frequents and requires constant monitoring. A trap line runs from the bait through pulleys to the falconer who can trigger the trap shut at the right moment from a hidden position. Correct set up and perfect timing are vital for success.
Phoole Trapping
Another traditional trapping technique is phoole trapping. This simple trap consists of two curved sticks secured into the ground that act like a flexible archway. A net is draped over the arch and a live bait bird is secured underneath. When the falcon goes for the bait, it knocks the trigger sticks loose causing the net to drop and entangle the falcon. The trap must be camouflaged and the falconer again uses pull strings allowing them to trigger the phoole trap from a concealed position nearby when the falcon strikes. Timing is everything with this method.
Bow Net Trapping
A more modern trap is the bow net trap. It uses an elasticated net stretched between two metal, composite or wood frames. The bait bird is tethered in the middle under the net. When the falcon strikes, the falconer releases the trigger which fires the bow net up around the falcon entangling it in the net. The frame collapses around the catch with spring loaded bow arms. This self-contained unit means the falconer can conceal themselves further away while still able to trigger the net when the attack happens. Quick reflexes are still needed but bow nets are more forgiving on timing than other traps.
Noose Trapping
Noose traps employ slip knots tightened around the falcon’s legs when struck on the bait. Nooses are set on poles around the bait and must be adjusted to the correct tension. Too loose and the noose will fail to catch. Too tight and it may injure the falcon’s legs. The nooses are often combined with bait cages that draw the falcon onto the perch where multiple nooses are set. This increases the chances of tangling a leg. The nooses must be perfectly camouflaged and require the falcon to land in exactly the attack position. Skilled noose trappers can also directly snare flying birds out of the air as they stoop which is the highest difficulty.
Net Trapping
Finally, hand held nets stretched between poles or frames can be used. This requires active maneuvering by the falconer to position the net between the bait and the incoming falcon. It takes perfect timing and is used more for capturing escaped falconry birds rather than un-trained wild falcons. Still, skilled falconers with quick reflexes can net strike incoming birds directly out of the air if the conditions are right.
Evaluating and Preparing the Captured Falcon
Once captured, the falcon’s health must be quickly evaluated. The falconer checks for any trap-related injuries though properly constructed and set traps aim to minimize harm. The bird’s weight and condition are assessed and parasites treated. Independent or imprinted eyasses are fitted with hoods to start the training and tethering process. Mature falcons trapped as passage birds requires more conditioning before starting formal falconry training. If injuries or problems are found, the falcon may be passed to a rehabilitator until its health improves. Otherwise, the long yet rewarding process of training a wild falcon has just begun for the falconer. With patience and skill, an untamed falcon plucked directly from the wild can become a trusted hunting partner bonded to its falconer.
Laws and Regulations on Trapping Falcons
Falcon trapping is closely regulated in most countries. There are restrictions on the species, seasons, number, and techniques allowed. Some key laws falconers must follow include:
- Possessing a falconry hunting license with trapping endorsement.
- Only capturing native falcon species (no exotic or hybrid birds).
- Using humane trapping methods causing minimum harm.
- Having proper transport boxes, hoods, and equipment.
- Reporting captures and trap locations to authorities.
- Only capturing permitted numbers of falcons.
- Releasing a falcon if unsuited for falconry.
These restrictions aim to prevent excessive captures from harming wild populations. Ethical falconers respect both the regulations and the birds. Most practice selective harvesting, only taking young or excess passage birds that would naturally perish anyway. By working closely with wildlife agencies, responsible trappers help ensure falconry and wild raptors continue coexisting for future generations.
Conclusion
Catching a wild falcon for falconry takes dedication, skill, and patience. The variety of ingenious trapping methods all aim to entangle the stooping falcon safely and effectively. Timing, camouflage, and attracting the falcon to the right place are key elements for success. Legal and ethical capturing helps ensure healthy wild populations are maintained despite the high mortality rates falcons naturally face. While challenging, catching and training a wild bird creates a deep connection and the most rewarding experience possible for both falcon and falconer. The initial capture is just the first step on this journey.