Red-tailed Hawk

Patrick finally gets to test out his new glove. Falconry programs are hard to come by around here. There is one that I have been able to find in Vermont, but it's way south of here and they have an age requirement of 12.

At the Wildlife Rescue, where Patrick volunteers weekly, there are no such limits and Patrick is able to go right to work training with the Red-tailed Hawk, Anja.

It took a few tries and some patience, but she eventually perched for Patrick.

This is Patrick's classmate and Rescue friend, Grace.

Merlin, the Goshawk, was somewhat less cooperative, but eventually even he perched for Patrick.

Merlin didn't like just hanging out and looking pretty...he had to crawl all over Patrick.

But Patrick wasn't quite sure what to do with that.

"I win! I'm the King of the Hill!"

"So...Patrick, is it?"

"Patrick, where is my treat?"

"I've posed for your pictures, now can I have a treat?"

"It's supposed to be right here between my feet."

"See my wings and pretty feathers? Now can I have a treat?"

"Look! Here's an action shot. Now can I have a treat?"

(sigh) "Grace, surely YOU will give me a treat...right?"

January 4, 2011