Rehab & “Problem” Raptors
These sources do provide some of the birds used in Falconry and, indeed, Falconers are very active in the rehabilitation of injured and displaced raptors. Falconers also assist with the removal of Damage Causing Birds where there is conflict with Pigeon racers and Poultry keepers.
There is a serious problem with the reliance on such birds as a source of Falconry birds. Firstly there is the element of serendipity, where there is no real certainty that a suitable bird will be available, or that sufficient numbers will be available. As already discussed a Falconer needs to select the appropriate bird for his circumstances as well as the style of falconry that he wishes to practice. Falconry requires the investment of an enormous amount of time and effort spread over years, to achieve the excellence that is the objective of the art. It is not reasonable to limit falconers to inappropriate and probably damaged birds.
This having been said, rehabilitation and damage-causing birds are a potential source of birds, and, as such, are utilized by Falconers. Many rehabilitation birds are released after the application of falconry techniques to help them regain fitness and enable them to hunt.
In the Western Cape apprentice falconers are required to start with an appropriate rehabilitation bird before qualifying to obtain a wild-taken bird.
