24 Jul What Fly Offs Can Teach Us About Bird Training
Over the years, my team and I have learned that while fly offs can be daunting, they also offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and learning in bird training. Fly offs happen for many different reasons, and it’s important to assess what you can and can’t change about your training process.
Understanding Fly Offs: It’s Not If, But When
When I first founded Avian Behavior International, like many trainers, I dreaded fly offs. However, I quickly realized that there are no guarantees in free flying birds. Avoiding fly offs at all costs would either mean restricting a bird’s diet to an unhealthy level or flying the birds in a constricted, unnatural way. Instead, mitigating risk through early skill development and then training my team and providing them with essential tools will help us embrace the these essential training experiences, mitigate risk, and allow our birds to live a fulfilling and healthy life. No matter how seasoned you are, fly offs are a part of free flight training—there are simply too many uncontrollable factors at play.
Instead of fearing fly offs, we’ve developed a comprehensive course to equip you with everything you need to handle these situations effectively. This includes team coordination, recovery strategies, and even training birds to recover themselves over time. Not all fly offs are the same, and we carefully help you assess, just like we do each time, if what you are experiencing is a normal part of the process or if you are facing undue risk and need to reassess your methods.
The Realities of Fly Offs
One critical realization is that fly offs do not necessarily reflect poor training or care. They are often a natural part of a bird’s learning curve, particularly evident in the early stages of flight training. For instance, it’s not uncommon during the second or third session to experience a fly off, as the bird explores newfound space or encounters unexpected stimuli.
Recognizing when fly offs are most likely to occur allows us to prepare strategically, placing trainers to optimize recovery chances without instilling fear or stigma around these events. We instilled a practice of post mortem following our fly offs to evaluate the decisions and factors that played a role in the scenario and what we can learn moving forward.
Telemetry: A Double-Edged Sword
Telemetry, both radio and GPS, is our first line of defense in locating a bird quickly. Telemetry has changed the way falconers have been able to fly their birds, and it is truly a revolutionary tool. However, it’s crucial to remember that telemetry alone doesn’t guarantee recovery. Knowing how to effectively use these tools, understanding their limitations, and not becoming overly reliant on them are key skills we emphasize. We do not want telemetry to take the place of a solid training foundation.
For instance, a telemetry signal can tell you where your bird is but won’t ensure it will return safely or even remain in that location. We’ve seen how easy it is to become complacent, thinking a bird is safe just because we know its location.
Recovery: More Than Just Finding Your Bird
Recovering a bird involves more than just locating it. The critical moment comes when you need to encourage your bird to return. This might involve navigating environmental challenges like wind or obstructions that influence a bird’s ability or willingness to fly back.
We teach specific strategies to enhance this part of the recovery process. A broad toolkit of secondary reinforcers enhances your recovery process. Additionally, understanding the bird’s perspective—considering everything from the angle of approach to environmental noises—is vital.
Building a Community of Recovery
Finally, the power of community cannot be overstressed. In cases where a bird has flown beyond immediate recovery range, mobilizing local networks through social media, local vets, and community groups can extend your reach exponentially.
Handling a Fly Off
If you’ve ever experienced a fly off or worry about handling one in the future, our new course, “Handling a Fly Off,” inside the Avian Behavior Lab, is designed for you. We dive into these topics and much more, providing you with the knowledge and skills to turn a potentially stressful situation into a powerful learning opportunity for both you and your bird. Join the Lab FREE for 2 weeks with the code: AVIAN.
Fly offs don’t have to be feared. With the right preparation, they can be managed effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of your birds while enhancing your skills as a trainer.