My newest edition-Gos hawk Chic (21 days old)

I figured I would post this here as so many on the forums have been interested in hawks.

...I just went to Nc airport to pick up the newest addition to the family. He is 21 days old and is 1/2 german and 1/2 finnish gos chick. I cant get enough of him. It seems as he grows by the second. I have big plans for this guy so lets hope it all works out

So here he is!!!!

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/7.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/3.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/2.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/4.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/5.jpg

He just loved being outside...he thought he would see if he could fly :D

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r.../6_6-12-07.jpg

Awww, :wuv:


That is just all kinds of cute right there.:hokitty:

Future sleek killer but present fluffy butt squatter :giggle:


dr del

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Originally Posted by dr del

Awww, :wuv:


That is just all kinds of cute right there.:hokitty:

Future sleek killer but present fluffy butt squatter :giggle:


dr del

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LOl, yeah is he so cute now and actually loves to snuggle up next to you... but soon he will be a ruthless hunter mand a calculated killer... It is amazing the transformation they make in such a short time

I love that third pic Chris. He's so cute with all those baby feathers! :aww: I can't wait to see him as he grows up, because you better be updating us with new pics frequently. ;)

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I WANT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh cute stroobly baby birdy goodness! With a double dash of whoopass thrown in...

Congrats Chris...that's a beautiful little hawk. :D

K~

There's something about cuddly baby birds that just make me all giddy. I love how he's just sitting on his bum--TOO cute. :D I can't wait to see him as he grows! I demand lots of pictures! ;) Does he have a name yet?

he looks like he is just all kinds of ready for more glamour shots. :P i'm not really into birds but he is cute! photos 4 and 5 look like you added photoshop bling to his feathers--that's talent when you have natural bling! :D

awwww hes sooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!! i cant wait to see him when he gets older. and hes really photogenic. good goin on a great new addition

Wow, that is really neat looking. Do you have any adult pictures of these guys?

Nice choice Chris, I love the Gos!! Someday I'll have an imprint bird, but not right now, I got too much on my plate for a little screaming fuzzball. He's a beaut, hope ya have a good season with him!

-Evan

He sure is a cutie!!! Please post more pics as he grows!

Wow that is awesome... is there some kind of permit that you have to have to keep these birds?

I have always wanted a hawk! Where did you get him? i want to know more...

You need federal and state permits to own raptors for falconry, but in order to get them, you have to do quite a few things first. Find a sponsor, build a mews, and have your facilities inspected are the first steps. Keep in mind though that these birds are not pets, and should only be kept by those that are dedicated to hunting with them. Also Goshawks, as well as most species of raptor can only be kept by a general class falconer (2+ years as a successful apprentice). It is an amazing sport, and worth the time and effort it demands (and it is very demanding), but it is not for those with a casual interest.

-Evan

Chris he is absolutely STUNNING!!!! :eek: Congrats on your new partner.... can't wait to see more pix! :)

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Originally Posted by Evan Jamison

You need federal and state permits to own raptors for falconry, but in order to get them, you have to do quite a few things first. Find a sponsor, build a mews, and have your facilities inspected are the first steps. Keep in mind though that these birds are not pets, and should only be kept by those that are dedicated to hunting with them. Also Goshawks, as well as most species of raptor can only be kept by a general class falconer (2+ years as a successful apprentice). It is an amazing sport, and worth the time and effort it demands (and it is very demanding), but it is not for those with a casual interest.

-Evan

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Thanks! Yeah, I new they needed special permits. I would love to become a falconer but I live in a town that has little space to do that stuff, and I wouldn't know hwere to go!

Aww how cute! I love hawks and falcons, they're way cool. :)

Awww Chris he's so cute! What a wonderful life he will have with someone like you who understands and respects what a special creature he is. :)

he's amazing.
please keep us updated on him, we'd LOVE to see pics of him growing up.

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Originally Posted by tigerlily

I love that third pic Chris. He's so cute with all those baby feathers! :aww: I can't wait to see him as he grows up, because you better be updating us with new pics frequently. ;)

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You know I will!!! I really like that you all love these guys as much as I do. It is very refreshing.. More pics to come for sure

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Originally Posted by KLG

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I WANT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh cute stroobly baby birdy goodness! With a double dash of whoopass thrown in...

Congrats Chris...that's a beautiful little hawk. :D

K~

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LOL, that made me laugh.. thanks so much Kara.. I know you are a hawk lover and I see them in your near future for sure

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Originally Posted by AzureN1ght

There's something about cuddly baby birds that just make me all giddy. I love how he's just sitting on his bum--TOO cute. :D I can't wait to see him as he grows! I demand lots of pictures! ;) Does he have a name yet?

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Kim,
No name Yet.. any suggestions??? He tries so hard to stand but always falls back on his ass, it is so funny..

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Originally Posted by mlededee

he looks like he is just all kinds of ready for more glamour shots. :P i'm not really into birds but he is cute! photos 4 and 5 look like you added photoshop bling to his feathers--that's talent when you have natural bling! :D

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I went to look at his bling and you are right. i didnt even notice it. That is the light off his down.. gotta love bling!!

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Originally Posted by chris B

Wow, that is really neat looking. Do you have any adult pictures of these guys?

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Chris here are some some of and adult and one juvi (less than a year old.. the bottom picture)

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

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Originally Posted by Evan Jamison

Nice choice Chris, I love the Gos!! Someday I'll have an imprint bird, but not right now, I got too much on my plate for a little screaming fuzzball. He's a beaut, hope ya have a good season with him!

-Evan

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Evan,
Thanks man. I know it is going to be a ton of work imprinting this guy but I think it will be worth it . He is going to be a breeder as well. I am going to train him to be a semen donor so I hope that all goes well. We will see? I have big plans for this guy :cool:... keep your fingers crossed!!!

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Originally Posted by stangs13

I have always wanted a hawk! Where did you get him? i want to know more...

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I received him from a breeder in Utah. He is not native to the USA. It is a german and finnish gos hawk mix. They are much bigger than our gos's here in the USA. We have North american gos's here.

As Evan said, you have to have a federal and a state permit. I am also a raptor propagator (breeder), This requires another and additional federal permit... It is a highly regulated sport but it is for the welfare of the birds of prey.

Thank you to everyone for the kind words. i will keep a photo log on here for everyone to enjoy. I really do appreciate all of the compliments. More pictures to come for sure!!!!

He is now 23 days old and trying his best to stand and sometimes fly.. I will see if i can get some video as well

He sure is a beauty, Chris, even with the down and silly looking feathers.

The pictures you posted of the adult and juvie are just stunning. I sure wish I didn't live across the country from you! :sunny:

I'll be watching for more pictures of this little guy. Good luck with him!

BTW, how DO you train a bird to be a semen donor? :confused:

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Originally Posted by dalvers63

He sure is a beauty, Chris, even with the down and silly looking feathers.

The pictures you posted of the adult and juvie are just stunning. I sure wish I didn't live across the country from you! :sunny:

I'll be watching for more pictures of this little guy. Good luck with him!

BTW, how DO you train a bird to be a semen donor? :confused:

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Deb, sorry it has taken so long for me to post. i have been soo busy..

Thank you for the compliments, if you ever get to Sc. look me up, we will go hawking for sure. There is a great Falconry club in Wa. They are one of the best in the country, look them up you may be able to go out with them. Watching these birds fly will take your breath away for sure.

About the semen donor. You do have to train them. First I have to imprint him to me (imprinting makes him think he is human). That is what I am doing now. It will take him around 4-5 years to actually be able to donate as this is when gos hawks come into maturity. Once he is mature he will court me as he thinks humans are his mates and he will donate and then I take that and artificially inseminate a female. It is pretty tough as you have to get everyone on the same cycle. Some males are ready quicker than the females... imagine that :rolleyes:. Not too different than humans

We will see what happens.. I theory it should all work out :rolleye2:

Great pics! Keep us updated. :)

Here he is at 29 days old and enjoying his first kill.. Well sort of, I snuck a quail in while he was sleeping. When he woke up he went nuts and started footing it and started eating it. I was pretty proud :D

.. man he is growing quick


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/8.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/10.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r253/Nafex/9.jpg

Here he is relaxing

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...fex/bttle1.jpg

:eek: :eek: :eek: That last pix! THOSE EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your such a good bird papa!

Chris, do you preen his pinfeathers as they come in? Do raptors like/tolerate hands-on grooming?

He is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!! :D

K~

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Originally Posted by Laooda

:eek: :eek: :eek: That last pix! THOSE EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your such a good bird papa!

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Laura, thank you.. I love that last picture, he looks like he will burn a hole right through you

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Originally Posted by KLG

Chris, do you preen his pinfeathers as they come in? Do raptors like/tolerate hands-on grooming?

He is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!! :D

K~

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Kara,

Thank you.. I really think he is sharp looking

I do help get some of the down and shoots off of his feathers. He really does most of it though. He is always preening himself.

At first he was not liking being handled and touched, but now he is like a cat. He loves it.

I took him to a reptile show today here in Columbia. People went crazy for him and wanted to touch and pet him. It was amazing to see how many people came up to me and wanted to know what it was and wanted to "buy one"...That is the reason I took him there, was to flood him with new sights and sounds and new people. He really did well and tolerated all of the people. He was not bothered at all. I was very happy about that.

He really is turning out to be a great bird. Lets just hope he stays that way. It doesn't take much to create a total nightmare with razor sharp talons

wow chris! your killing me! once again great photo's, and unbelievable thing your doing with these hawks!

:sweeet: stuff!

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Originally Posted by Sevo

Chris here are some some of and adult and one juvi (less than a year old.. the bottom picture)

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

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Wow that's breath taking! The rabbits look like they out-weigh the falcons - which makes them taking them down even MORE impressive.

What got you interested in falconry and how long have you been doing it? Columbus, SC isn't THAT far from Atlanta that a road trip couldn't be made, can it? ;)

Amazing pics! I just wish I had the time to commit to something like that. Although I may just see if I can look into joining a local club after my move. I getting closer to SC, so I may have to hitch a ride with ya Robin. ;)

Oh wow! i looked at the site in your sig and they are beautiful! I didn't know so many people kept birds of prey.
Congrats and rock on!

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Originally Posted by reediculous

wow chris! your killing me! once again great photo's, and unbelievable thing your doing with these hawks!

:sweeet: stuff!

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Tyree, Thank you for the kind words. I really just love having Birds of prey in my life, it is a true honor and priveledge to be able to do what I do. Thank you again

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Wow that's breath taking! The rabbits look like they out-weigh the falcons - which makes them taking them down even MORE impressive.

What got you interested in falconry and how long have you been doing it? Columbus, SC isn't THAT far from Atlanta that a road trip couldn't be made, can it? ;)

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Robin,

It is amazing what these birds will go after. They truley are fearless in most cases. if they have the confidence they will take anything

I have been a falconer for almost 8 years now. When i first started my under grad degree I would sky dive on the weekends for extra money by filming first jump tandom students. Well, another skydiving friend of mine brought in skydive video that had a skydiver jumping with paregrine falcon and it followed him all the way down throughout the free fall. I was blown away and had to find out how he did it and the rest is history.

Atlanta is not far at all, in fact I will be in buck head at the end of the month, just got back from there last month ( gotta love the down town Westin :D ). I have many falconry friends in the buckhead and conyers area. It takes me 3 1/2 hours to get there.

I have an idea, one of them has access to quail and pheasnt preserve near ATL. This coming season I will let you know when we are all going to go fly our birds and you are more than welcome to come along... I will keep you posted via Pm's and emails. Oh yeah, I forgot, the GA falconers association is having a summer picnic coming up. I will PM you that info once I get more on it. Great chance to see some great birds up close.. no hunting but birds will be there.

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Originally Posted by tigerlily

Amazing pics! I just wish I had the time to commit to something like that. Although I may just see if I can look into joining a local club after my move. I getting closer to SC, so I may have to hitch a ride with ya Robin. ;)

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Christie,
Thank you so much. You guys are more than welcome anytime to come up to a falconry meet or to just see some of us hunt. As I mentioned to Robin, i will be in ATL a lot this season, So maybe you guys can come meet us. We would love to have you.

just let me know.. I will keep you updated as to up and coming events that will be local to robin

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Originally Posted by Mezclado_Reps

Oh wow! i looked at the site in your sig and they are beautiful! I didn't know so many people kept birds of prey.
Congrats and rock on!

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Sara, it is still a very small sport here in the USA. In the Uk there are thousands of falconers. They have a lot less regulations for keeping BOP's than we do.. plus I just think it doesn't have great roots as it does in the UK. But, we are growing and it is sites like these that gets the word out. Don't hesitate to ask questions on my forum. We are a very friendly group and love to talk BOP's.. as you can tell.. so I will stop rambling

That would be great Chris. Once I move, Atlanta shouldn't be too far for me, and I'd like to make that trip at least once. :yes:

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Originally Posted by Sevo

I have an idea, one of them has access to quail and pheasnt preserve near ATL. This coming season I will let you know when we are all going to go fly our birds and you are more than welcome to come along... I will keep you posted via Pm's and emails. Oh yeah, I forgot, the GA falconers association is having a summer picnic coming up. I will PM you that info once I get more on it. Great chance to see some great birds up close.. no hunting but birds will be there.

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OMG - that would be awesome! Hey - would there be falconers in the area that might be interested in excess rats if I have any over-production? I've been worried a few times, but managed to not end up with extras - but just in case? They would be live.

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Originally Posted by tigerlily

That would be great Chris. Once I move, Atlanta shouldn't be too far for me, and I'd like to make that trip at least once. :yes:

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Yayy! Get to meet both Christie and Chris, what could be better? :D

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Originally Posted by rabernet

OMG - that would be awesome! Hey - would there be falconers in the area that might be interested in excess rats if I have any over-production? I've been worried a few times, but managed to not end up with extras - but just in case? They would be live.

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Robin, Oh yeah, falconers are always interested in rats. They are packed with great nutrients. Let me know when you have some and I will send the word out.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Yayy! Get to meet both Christie and Chris, what could be better? :D

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It really would be great to meet you both. I will keep you updated on time and dates. It wont be until this fall as the leaves have to come down befor we start flying them again. Just let me know and you guys are mopre than welcome to hang out with us. We will get you some quality BOP time for sure :D

looking forward to it.

Thanks Chris!! I have joined 2 falconrey forums already! And am learning alot, as you know. I look forward to becoming an apprentice!:D :rockon:

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Originally Posted by Sevo

Robin, Oh yeah, falconers are always interested in rats. They are packed with great nutrients. Let me know when you have some and I will send the word out.

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I'll do that!!! It will be great to help them out!

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Originally Posted by Sevo

It really would be great to meet you both. I will keep you updated on time and dates. It wont be until this fall as the leaves have to come down befor we start flying them again. Just let me know and you guys are mopre than welcome to hang out with us. We will get you some quality BOP time for sure :D

looking forward to it.

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That's awesome - I can't wait. Fall is my favorite weather anyway!!

Gos's are nice looking, powerful hawks eh?


There has been a pair of redtails nesting across the street from my house for at least 6 years now. The parents used to attack my fancy and homing pigeons, but since they have failed to catch them numerous times, I believe that they don't even try to anymore. My pigeons have lost their fear in the redtails altogether. However, they are completely terrified of falcons, merlins, sparrowhawks,etc. These BOPs have been successfully in catching, but not killing some of my homers, as well as the weaker and lighter fancies. I do know that there are NA gos's here in NJ, but I have not seen them. My question to you is, do gos's commonly prey on pigeons and chickens? I have heard stories about them catching and taking away Banny chickens as well as small turkey.

Chris,

Your little boy is growing up quickly! I've had first hand experience with raising two babies from a macaw clutch and know what trouble they can get it when they want to. I can only imagine the things your boy can get into if he gets bored :-)

If you have info on the WA club, could you pass it along? I'll see about posting a few pics of the BOP that were at the Earth Day outing in Eastern WA this time. I had to laugh..the kids were asking the girls from WSU if they had brought the eagle. Seems they didn't because he was too BIG to fit in the car. Now that's a bit bird!

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Originally Posted by Sevo

It really would be great to meet you both. I will keep you updated on time and dates. It wont be until this fall as the leaves have to come down befor we start flying them again. Just let me know and you guys are mopre than welcome to hang out with us. We will get you some quality BOP time for sure :D

looking forward to it.

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I couldn't agree more. I'd love to meet you both, although I'm hoping to meet Robin as early as Daytona! :yes: (you're not headed that way are ya Chris?)

PLEASE let me know when you guys are going to get together in the fall. :please: