Rusty Feathers Design

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Here is something a lot of people outside falconry probably do not understand.

Most wild-caught falconry birds are not “taken” from the wild in the way people might imagine. In many cases, they are better understood as being borrowed from the wild.

A young bird is trapped during a legal season, cared for, trained, hunted with, and given a much better shot at surviving the most dangerous stretch of its life. Young raptors face high mortality in their first year as they learn to hunt, avoid predators, survive weather, and navigate a world full of vehicles, power lines, starvation, and other hazards.

Under a falconer’s care, that bird gets food, protection, conditioning, veterinary care when needed, and daily hunting experience. And when the time is right, many wild-caught falconry birds are released back into the wild as stronger, healthier, more experienced hunters.

Even after years with a falconer, a wild raptor is still wild. They do not become pets. They do not become domesticated. If released, they return to being exactly what they always were.

That is one of the things that makes falconry so unique. It is not ownership in the usual sense. It is a temporary partnership with a wild predator.

Learn more each week on the Sporting Chance Podcast, available on all major platforms.

🌐 https://www.sportingchancepod.com/

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Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. It’s a time to take care of your mind and check in on the people you care about. Spending time outside, listening to birds and watching nature can help you feel calm and relaxed. 🐦☀️ Even a few quiet minutes in your backyard can make a big difference. Let’s support each other and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. 💛

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