Bird Abatement

In short, the answer is food. Raptors are trained using a method called positive reinforcement where food is used as a reward to build trust and encourage desired behaviors. Unlike dogs or other domesticated animals, birds of prey do not respond to affection or praise.

Our birds are carefully weight managed much like professional athletes. By maintaining them at an optimal flying weight, we ensure they are motivated to return and perform at their best while staying healthy and strong. This balance is crucial. If the bird is too heavy, it may lack motivation. If it is too light, it can lack the confidence and stamina to preform.

Even though our primary goal is to haze and deter nuisance birds, there are times when our raptors do catch them. This is never the intent, but it is a natural possibility when working with trained predators in a real world environment.

Raptors are natural hunters and even when well trained, their instincts remain sharp. While we aim to use their presence as a deterrent, occasionally a bird will seize the opportunity to pursue and catch a pest bird. This is part of the natural behavior of a bird of prey and reinforces the effectiveness of our abatement program.

Becoming a falconer requires a significant level of commitment, time, and responsibility. The first step is passing a written exam that covers raptor biology, laws, care, and training techniques. After passing the test, you must find a general or master class falconer to sponsor you through an apprenticeship that typically lasts two years.

During the apprenticeship, you are required to build proper housing known as a mews and weathering area, which must be inspected and approved by your state wildlife agency. You also need to obtain all the necessary equipment, secure a reliable food source, and be prepared to provide proper veterinary care. Falconry is not a casual hobby. It is a lifestyle and a long term commitment to the care and training of a wild bird.

The answer is no. While some falconers choose to raise raptors from chicks through a process called imprinting, it is not required. Imprinting means the bird views the falconer as its parent, which can be useful for certain types of work but also comes with specific behavioral challenges.

Another common method is training chamber raised birds. These birds are reared by their parents in large enclosures until they reach the age they would naturally leave the nest in the wild. Those are just some of the examples of how raptors can be trained. Whether a falconer chooses to imprint or work with a chamber raised bird depends on personal preference and the goals they have for the bird’s behavior and performance.