Thursday, August 30, 2007

Falconer's frown

Still not there with the calling-off, dammit. Also: memo to self. Don't try training a goshawk when you're unhappy. It's not the most calming of enterprises.

S laid the Gos Law on me last night. More important training recommendations. Damn, I thought I was a reasonably good falconer. What makes goshawks so different? I am worried I'm messing with this bird's blank-slate brain. Oh lord, let me not have ruined this hawk already.

That's what this frown is all about.

6 comments:

Matt Mullenix said...

Should have seen me doing jump-ups with the new Harris yesterday. Unlike the old one, who politely humors me this excersize, Ernie just went straight for the meat in the fanny pack and pulled it out, plastic bag and all. In the process he put several holes and a rat-blood stain in my satin work shirt, then hung upside down from my bare hand, bating at the ground.

Now, you were saying?

Pluvialis said...

Oh god, Matt: I am so relieved. I raise a glass to you in comradeship! I might have to set up an anonymous "falconers' confessions" site. There's a need out there...

Anonymous said...

Hehe. Make it and I'll write the truth, for once.

Anonymous said...

Is it risky to commit falconry in sandals?

Heidi the Hick said...

Oh man, I totally relate. After this summer I'm convinced I've ruined a perfectly good 6 year old horse. I'm telling myself that this is not true. There are bumps in the road, y'know? It's frustrating when you've been through the training process and then find yourself perplexed...but I really am enjoying your posts on hawk training! Have confidence, Pluvi!!!

Pluvialis said...

Reid: Not unless you have red-painted toenails!

Heidi: She flew like an angel last night. The proper kind. With swords, burning with fire. That kind of angel. You always forget how when things go well, the world becomes rosy and all the frustrations are forgotten. Go falconry!