Use of Red-Sholdered Hawk??

[Mars]

Ok, I have been interested and researching falconry for awhile and I haven't really come across anything pertaining to the RS. I know isn't a popular bird because I've read that it doesn't powerful feet and its prey is mostly the same as a kestrel but, has anyone ever flown one? And why is it an apprentice bird if it isn't used?

[Tiercel78]

There are a lot of opinions about use of RSH's in Falconry. One reason which you stated is right, they have smaller feet than RTs. Another is that they are quite vocal and scream a lot! Thier lifestyle is hunting around water. So primary prey is found around water i.e crayfish,frogs,snakes,mice,and fish. Not to say they don't take larger game but it's rare. I've heard of them being used to take feather. Even the Hens are pretty nimble and quick and Have heard that with help can take ducks/ Grey squirrels. Course, I've never had expirence training a RSH and there are exceptions with diffrent birds. The reason that they are are on the apprentice take list is this. The bird is quite Common and Can be used for falconry. If an apprentice did manage to kill one by mistake it would't hurt the wild population. Raptors have a 80% mortality rate untill they are around two. Then the rate starts to decrease the older they get. So the Feds/State don't think the accidental loss of a couple of birds is that much of an impact. That is the basis of all of the apprentice birds. Here in Florida the American Kestrel is not on the appprentice take list. Due to the native sub-species being endangered. A general can trap a passage but not take an eyass.

[Weasel]

Don't forget that when the feds take these numbers, the ones that falconers take from the wild, they do not take into account that they will be returned into the wild. They calculate it as a loss to the wild population. Another reason why they only allow certain birds for falconry apprentices.
Weasel

[ccrobbins]

If I remember correctly a very well thought of Falconer thinks they can be used on birds and such....The Wease will have to comment further on this as I only heard it second hand ;D

[frootdog]

I've heard the ones used in falconry are used for birds. My opinion is that if birds are what you want to hunt then the apprentice should go with a kestrel. My experience with rehab RS is that they are VERY much like accipiters as far as thier behavior goes. Very skitso freaky birds. If thats what you really want go for it. The feet are not big enough for rabbits or squirrels.

[ccrobbins]

we had a very pretty one assault my Gerbils this weekend......Only bird we got on the trap ALL day long.

[jobbyjob]

Man i wish i could use a rsh in ca. I have so many around my house, and for my money you cant get a more beautiful hawk in the states. There are three juvinile rsh within a mile of my house and they are sooooo tame. I've witnessed these birds taking starllings so i think if i could i would take a rsh over a kestrel.

[Weasel]

I have talked with several falconers that have tried them out. None have had much to say about them other than they looked good when they where released back to the wild....

[frootdog]

Personally I think you would be better off with a Kestrel. Red Shoulders are more spastic and accipiter like as far as thier behavior goes. I think they are a good intro species before jumping to a coop or sharpie.

[jobbyjob]

I think you are right about their behavior froot. They fly like a coopers, they are built like one, they hunt like one (sometimes), they fly like one (flap-flap-flap-glide). But they are really tame and super loud. They love to perch and stare at the ground like they only see frogs or something but when they need to fly for food they hit the gas and can grab a starling like it was easy. Most kestrels in the wild dont catch starlings at all.

[adam]

sounds to me like someone with experience need to fly one to give it a fair chance! I might give it a try this year!

should you trap one or take it from the nest?

[john]

They have a really loud scream. I'd hate to have an imprint.

[colohen]

I have to agree with the others , RSH acts more like a accipiter then a beteo and they do scream a lot even in the wild . I would not wont a imprint ! !
Where I hunt is alone the river and we have plenty RSH in my area so I am accustom to hearing there screams in the woods . But Arkansas you must be a general or master to take a RSH .
I have also raised a couple eyasses (rehab) . As young as they were , it was difficult not to have some slight imprinting , so I know how much a screamer they can be ! Almost drove me wife back to Hawaii . I might try another one later !! ;D
When squirrel hunting , as i said "alone the river ", I have seen a RSH , female I'm sure ?, take a gray squirrel but only once . I have also seen them rob squirrel nest several times so I know they prefer the young , the adult squirrel were doing all they could to distract the hawk from the nest , with no luck !
They're feet are small but not much more then a male harris , for a female RSH .

[rampager98]

Ive heard tale that people carhawk them on crows. Ive personally never seen this (would like too) and after seeing what my sponsor went through with his I'd personally avoid them until I were a general that way you can still keep a hunting bird in your facilities just in case it doesnt work out.