How windy is too windy?

[ccrobbins]

Sponsor is in Utah as of now and I was wondering how windy is too windy. Today we have 15-18 mph gusting to 25 or so. ;DToo windy?

[john]

I would say it depends on the time of year, the temperature, and the bird's weight. Late in the year like this, on a warm and windy day with a high bird, I'd think you're asking for trouble as the bird's hormones kick in. Would also depend on whether you're flying a long wing or not. Plus, it's not real comfortable for the human to be out in 25+ winds anyway.

[ccrobbins]

Well, it's a male passage red tail and he is dead on weight.

[SkyRider]

Honestly, only you can answer that question. We haven't seen the bird, or how he deals with wind. You're never going to know until you try it though. We tried my bird in 20+ and he didn't do too well, even dead on weight. It really depends on the bird. My red didn't soar, he'd chase the rabbit and then land on a bush near by after giving up chase. The only really good way to know what your bird can handle and find out if he knows how to use the wind is to take him out in it

[frootdog]

I've flown my bird in 40+ sustained w/ gusts in the 50s. (last year in lubbock) It depends on the conditioning of the bird. The bird had better be a stong flier for that type of wind, but 20 and down should be no problem, just realise that the bunnies are going to use that wind to thier advantage.

[colohen]

I fly Lasair (chambered FHH) in high winds all the time , several times with winds up to 35mph . I thank she loves it ;D, some times she just plays around when the winds are up . They really learn how to handle them selves .
A Wild hacked RT already knows how to handle the winds ;)and would have no problem at all , if you keep her fit !
But remember , if your not comfortable in certain weather conditions why would you wont your bird out in it ?

[ccrobbins]

Well, I flew him and he did really well for 1.5 hrs. After that he was pooped! He had a couple hard chases into the wind and some rat hawkin with the wind. He did not sem to mind it att all. All i noticed was he would choose MUCH higher perches.

[jobbyjob]

I fly my kestrel in high winds mostly to encourage hovering which dosen't apply to you. But it's great for getting your bird in shape....tough to hunt in though.

[colohen]

CCR
Thats what I mean ! ;D
Wild birds have no or little problems with high winds , as long as you keep them in top condition . But if they have been mewed to long there muscles tones wont be up for the challenge .
Captive breed have even more problems , not having the first 4 to 6 months in the high sky to really develop experience and muscle tone , like the wild passager .
I take Lasair out in any weather as long as it is tolerable . No lighting , heavy rain or winds above 40 mph .
You have to take in consideration the danger side too ! A sudden gust of 40 mph wind right about the time your bird is entering or exiting a wood line could be fatal , if she lost control and it pushed her back into the trees she could spring a wing or brake something , like her neck
I would like to tell every one "Just be careful !! "
You take a chance every time you take your bird out of the mews ! There is always the unexpected !! Try not to increase it by putting your bird in dangerous situations .

[Weasel]

I have found that RT's are more prone to doing the whole "kite" thing in high winds. I have flown in winds up to 35-40 mph, I didn't catch anything, but I did it just to see if I could. The Harris's seem to handle it much betterand I seem to think tht they even enjoy playing in it.

[jobbyjob]

Happy st pattie's guys!

[falconick]

i have flown a tough and very fit female Gry x Saker in the 50's but i have found that longwings find it a hell of a lot harder in strong winds because of there build and structure.