I used to be able to fly year round but in the last 3 or 4 years due to these raptors, I have had to deal with this annual downtime.

The first few times out with this years holdover kit are the most risky because I never really know if the raptors have completely migrated out of the area. Losing birds to them is always disappointing, as it seems such an unnecessary loss of good rollers.

If I start flying kits too early before they leave and they catch one here and there, it can keep them hanging on a little longer.

As creatures of habit, a raptor will go where the food is easy and plentiful. When I have been hit by the occasional hanger-on raptor or the one passing through, I will keep the kits in for up to a week at a time. This will ensure no “bad” habits are started and the predator in question just keeps moving on…

When I start the new flying season, the early morning works best to get them into condition. There is not a lot of action for the first couple weeks but then they start to get back into form!

Some Tips To Minimize Raptor Attacks

These are some things I do to lower the chances of my kits being attacked toward the end of the “Raptor Season”.

• Note the time of day raptors are in the area.
• Identify when the raptors are ranging further out from the vicinity of your loft.
• Fly during this time and keep your flying time to about 30 to 40 minutes.
• If attacked, wait a couple days to fly again.
• Watch for raptors and be ready to call your birds in.

I have been able to actually call my birds in when I have seen a raptor in the vicinity and he has yet to launch an attack. This can only be successful if the birds are kept sufficiently hungry and they have been trained to respond to the feed can and whistling.

It does not always work but it sure is gratifying to know I have prevented an attack from happening and some Ruby Roller will live to see another day!

FLY ON!

Tony Chavarria

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