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Re: [Freeflight] Re: More thoughts on Birds On The Ground



Hello Mona,

> Does micro-managing the activity by a "coach" really make the
> participant in the activity safer once they are on the playing field?
> I see the importance of good coaching as the participant learns the
> activity - but I am not really sure of the value of a coach that has
> never taken part in the activity themselves......

I agree with you here. Micro managing does not make our flighted birds any 
more safe except in that we often wind up reducing the amount of time 
flying. I have zero doubt in my mind that I not done such with Beamer 
(Senegal) and had instead let him fly with and as the others, he would have 
learned about windows and still be alive. In trying to shelter and keep him 
safe, I limited his ability to learn about critical issues he needed to 
learn about. And it cost us his life. There is great value in letting these 
birds reach their ultimate potential. Not just for their own safety but also 
for the value perceived that is often the very reason we fly them. I find it 
so incredibly rewarding to see these wonderful birds coping with and 
adjusting to their environment and doing so successfully. I also have zero 
doubt that they are far more safe on their own if they have learned these 
skills to their fullest ability. My ability to protect them from hawks is 
minimal at best. My seasoned veterans know this as much as I do. They will 
only come down to me once THEY feel the area is safe again. Their lives are 
at stake, not mine, so their skills at detecting dangers are far more able 
than mine - they have far more reason to be motivated to be alert than 
clumsy old me does.

Parrots: More Than Pets, Friends For Life
Chris Biro
Nature's Choice Essentials Website: http://www.organicbirdfood.com
ESENCE Website: http://www.thepiratesparrot.com
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Tel (206) 618-2610