Article by Chris Shank, all rights reserved.
I was asked about my hawk-related experiences. In 20 years of flying trained
birds, I've lost one to a bird of prey and have had a close encounter with
another. I think I've mentioned them on this list before so I'll be brief here.
I've had a yellow collared macaw snatched from a tree by a Coopers or
Sharpie...can't tell them apart, I'm afraid. All the other cockatoos and Leroy
(macaw) were out at the same time. There were small 'toos to choose from but the
hawk chose Leroy. She (Leroy) saw the hawk coming and screamed bloody murder but
could not escape the talons...BAMM! Right out of the tree she was taken. I was
horror struck and devastatingly helpless. Screaming and running at the hawk was
totally useless. Off he took with Leroy ...makes my stomach turn thinking of it
again. The other 'toos took off to the sky and circled several times calling
before finally landing on the tops of trees in total alert. After about five
minutes and believing Leroy was gone for good I heard the 'toos start calling
again and a faint macaw call getting closer and closer. MY GOD! IT WAS LEROY!
She had apparently bitten the hawk and he let her go. She was shaken, punctured
and had a small rip above her tail, but otherwise OK.
I've also had a sulphur crested taken by an owl which, unfortunately, did not
have a positive outcome...I never saw her again. This happened because she would
not return to her aviary one evening after free flying and stayed out all night.
The dire consequences from free flying are obvious. Even though I've experienced
them, I still choose to fly. Fatal accidents also happen to clipped parrots.
Death is a part of life. The exhilaration flying gives my 'toos (and macaw)
gives them a joy of life that is hard to find in a clipped, caged parrot.
Chris Shank
grass valley, CA