Scratch that itch for me, please!

Me giving my red-tailed hawk Gonzo a good scratch on her breast and belly. She's a bit itchy from all her new feathers coming in. Check out the crazy head-tilting action!

Raptor legally possessed via a federal falconry permit.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• falcon
• hawk
• falconry
• mews
• perch
• red-tailed hawk
• red-tail hawk
• red-tailed buzzard
• buzzard
• scratch
• itch
• itchy
• feathers
• funny
• scratching
• nibble
• bite
• hand
• redtail
• redtail hawk
• redtailed hawk
• redtail buzzard
• redtailed buzzard

[neonpurpleraven]

What a beautiful bird you have there. The expressions were hilarious. I'm officially turning 14 in a few days and have been studying for the fish and game exam for weeks. I hope I can find a sponsor somewhere.

[rtperch]

@neonpurpleraven Search for a state falconry club. If there's none in your state, your state wildlife office might be able to tell you if there are any falconers near you. Or you could contact the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) and they might be able to pass on you information to falconers within your state.

Best of luck (and get a red-tail as your first bird, NOT a kestrel)!

[SIrL0bster]

1:01 Epic headtilt!

[slipjoneser]

Awesome, you can see she really digs you!!

[longtail4711]

LOL, great video! She looked SO relieved to have help with that. Did you raise her from a chick?

[falcry1]

Haha my red tail does the same exact thing !!

[matthew58939]

how old do you have to be to get a falconry license

[Vulpinepath]

Gorgeous bird! Red-tailed hawks are my second favorite bird. One of my characters is a red-tailed hawk hybrid. :)

[ApeLincoln09]

Hi I'm really interested in falconry, I have lived around birds my entire life (my dad races pigeons) and I love them dearly. But I have really become interested in red tailed hawks and other birds of pray and was wondering how you started in falconry! Thanks so much!

[nightpool23]

aww she gave you a love nip =]

[11039078]

@rtperch Wow that crazy, ive always been told that BOPs take a real disliking to being touched, and simply 'tolerate it' at best. That said, they way she puffed up is exactly how my parrot does when he likes the attention.

weird huh, did you bring her round to being touched during her training??

[RedtailRedemption285]

ROFL COPTER

[westx19]

Haha, my tiercel (western) RT used to love being scritched too... not just molt but anytime. Gonzo is looking at her reflection in the lens, you can see from the angle of her eyes. Nice video, RTs are sweet smart birds.