Thursday, September 17, 2009

Worst Jobs in History

Not sure I posted this before but this is the show I saw on the History channel that was kinda the final thing for me that made me want to try falconry. The clip is kind of neat, really....




Wednesday, September 16, 2009

A Frame


This is a simple A Frame Jump box for my new raptor....
It is constructed out of two pallets I got from a printing company. the wood used to put it together was in better shape and of higher quality than most pallets, and it came out looking pretty nice.
The top perch is 2x6 and the bottom is 2x10 or 2x12 scraps from other projects. I bought an astroturf rug to wrap the perches and it is out in the weathering.....

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Giant Hood

I know that I am going to catch some complaints on this project.....but there are a number of reasons to do it this way. First I got this idea from an apprenticeship manual, and from The Modern Apprentice in the Giant Hood description it shows one made from a storage tub. I think mine is better.

trash can hawk box,giant hood,hawk box

here is the top of the can, where it is sloped and I plan to reattach the original trash can handle on that slope where the plastic is pretty strong. The side angles can be cut as vents, or used to install a CPU fan later, for ventilation.
I have a great idea to use truck "bed liner" as the bottom, cut to fit the can, and secured with hinges and a locking latch. This will make for easy cleaning and a nearly entirely plastic GH.
Which means that it will be light and not so awkward to carry....for me!


Tuesday, September 8, 2009

New Books and Braiding Dacron

I have been teaching myself to round braid, so I can make leashes and jesses. I ordered colored dacron from Kitebuilder.... prices were reasonable, and it is pretty fun. They have many colors to chose from and I had fun picking them out, even if I only chose brown and blue!

I have ordered two new books as well.


Amazon sometimes wants way too much for their books, and I often buy mine at Mike's Falconry. He sells them at cover price, and that is really appreciated!!!
He is also great to talk to when you want an opinion on a book from someone who reads them, and is interested in new Falconry Books, and old alike! So, I have to admit, if the price is the same, I buy from Mike's....just because he was helpful when I called.

Other equipment

Here is my glow in the dark leash. Complete with sampo swivel.
This is the T-perch I put together for my digital scale. It is made with 1 1/2 inch PVC and fittings. The scale was purchased at Amazon.com.
This is my game bag. I may make some modifications to it later. But it is simply a lucky brand jeans purse, passed down to me from my dear cousin. Hopefully it will be stained with bunny blood soon! :)

Labor Day Weathering

this is how the weathering looks with tarps on. There is a 11'x15' and a 20'x30'....which is a little big....
Plans include removing the tarp from one side and enclosing the other as a temporary mews, that will have more potection, until a formal mews is built.
this is the inside peak, where we have put chain link across to seal off the two areas.
I am sealing gaps in corners and gates as well.

This is without tarps, open air.

It is mainly comprised of 3 Pet Safe Brand Economy 10'x10'x6' dog kennels. And some extra chainlink for the peaks (3 of them) I was left with one extra panel...that I am saving for later.
There are two outside gates, and one between the two areas.
I am currently clearing out any rocks, debris, and trash, and getting ready to stake it down with rebar, and fill with gravel. Then comes the perch and bath and were almost ready!
I am trying to surround this enclosure with 8" of rock around the edges, so that burrowing critters don't try to get in.
It will need further modification for free lofting....and if we plan to make shift a mews.