Hawkeye in the News

In this series of photos you can see Master Falconer and Hawkeye C.E.O. Dan Frankian “Jessing” our Great Horned Owl; a member of our team who will be used for Bird Control and Falconry Experiences.

The first step is to attach leather anklets around the tarsi of the Owl. These anklets are then fastened using an eyelet grommet and punch pliers. Leather jesses are then attached through these eyelets using a knot.

In the past the leather jesses were fastened directly around the tarsi of the bird. This new two piece style of jesses are referred to as “Aylmeri Jesses” which specifically refer to the use of both anklets and jesses. The main benefit of the separate anklet and jess is to provide more comfort for the Owl, and to prevent rubbing or irritation of the tarsi. These jesses allow for the most unencumbered movement while attached to a leash.

With Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control, this Great Horned Owl will get to utilize instinctual hunting abilities to perform bird control for gulls, starlings, and many different nuisance birds. Come to our facility and meet this Great Horned Owl up close and personal at our falconer for a day experience. You will get to see many different Eagles, Owls, Hawks, and Falcons, get up close and personal, learn about the art of falconry, and see a spectacular flight display of one of our Harris Hawks. You will also get to call this Harris Hawk directly to your own fist.

This is an amazing experience good for anyone age 5 and up. Contact us page to find out more about bird control or book your falconer experience today.

Ontario Falconer Dan Frankian brought a Ferruginous Hawk (native to the prairies) to the production of a promotional video for the government of Saskatoon and the RCMP. Here are some highlights:

Hawkeye's Dan Frankian weighed in on Toronto city council's consideration of lifitng the current ban on barnyard chickens:

TORONTO - Some Toronto residents with a hankering for their own fresh eggs could soon be in luck if city council approves a pilot project that would lift a ban on backyard hens. Four Toronto wards would be part of the project and comes as part of a motion to review the city's list of prohibited animals, which currently includes chickens.

A survey included in a city staff report filed in May suggested that lifting the ban on chickens could be a popular move. “There's a lot of benefits, for sure,” said Coun. Justin Di Ciano, whose west-end ward will be part of the pilot project. Home-raised chickens are a healthier alternative to store-bought eggs, he said, and they keep away pests. He also characterized them as a “cruelty-free” alternative to factory-farmed eggs.

Of course, having been dubbed the "Raccoon Capitol" of the world, Toronto may not actually be the safest place to raise chickens. Aside from the many raccoons already present in most neighbourhoods, chickens may well lure more wildlife, both in numbers and species; Coyote, fox, and all animals found in the weasel family come to mind. And, let's not forget about domesticated predators such as dogs and cats... many of them perfectly willing to enjoy a meal of fresh chicken. 

Hawkeye’s Birds of Prey Pose for Pictures at SickKids Scrubs in the City Gala

On Thursday, June 1 2017 Hawkeye and team had the pleasure of showing off our birds of prey to over 1000 guests at the SickKids Scrubs in the City Event held at Toronto’s own Evergreen Brick Works.  Our beautiful Eurasian Eagle Owl and Harris Hawk caught the attention of party goers at this Marrakech themed party donned in their Moroccan inspired costumes and vividly coloured gowns all for great pictures with our magnificent birds.  Our birds of prey fit in perfectly with the exotic décor and entertainment.  Guests were able to get up close and personal with birds, learn a little about them and pose for a picture.  Who doesn’t want that picture on their Instagram or Facebook page ‘exotic birds and party gowns’!