Falconry Forums

Hi!!Can someone solve a lil despute for me?We saw a bird hovering over the motorway today.I said that it was a Kestrel but my brainy sidekick said that it was too big to be a Kestrel.Is there any other bird that hovers?Thanks

Well Carlie, looks like you are smarter than your brainy sidekick.
The Kestrel is the only Irish bird of prey that hovers. It looks larger in the air than close up because of the way it spreads it's wings and tail to catch the wind. A male might only weigh about 5oz. You won't have to look far for a Christmas present for "brainy sidekick" A bird ident book might be a good idea.

Thanks for that!!Always makes my day when Ive been proved right!!Good idea about Chrimbo pressie thou I think a pair of glasses might do the trick also!!!

Glad to help.
Maybe you could start a competition to see who can spot the most birds of prey. Sidekick may find the peregrine difficult to spot without the glasses (1 point to you...) but there are plenty of others to spot in Ireland.. Buzzards, Kites, Sparrowhawks, etc. Ciao

Hi,
I would first make sure it is legal to own such a bird in your area. You may need a license or permit to obtain this bird. Usually you cannot own a native species even with a permit. If it is legal in your country you should not have a hard time finding a breeder. Maybe it is not legal and that is why you are having no luck finding a seller. IF legal, you might try contacting falconry clubs in your area, who might have birds for sale. I also hope you are experienced..which I expect you might not be, if you are asking this question here. Birds of prey make lousy pets, and are expensive and hard to care for. You might want to rethink getting one as a pet unless you have owned this type of bird in the past, and have years of experience caring for and/or handling birds of prey.