Moving to the details of leashing the bird to the perch I have added 2.25" key split rings and Mustad size 7/400 swivels to the perch. The swivel will prevent the leash hanging up in the entrances to the key splint ring.

The leashes I will be using along with jesses will be a system designed by myself and one of the braider's of the most beautiful and safe leash systems in falconry. I will post photos when the gear is finished. What you see above is only to display the swivels and nothing like the leash system

This design will be one of the outdoor bow perches I will provide for the falcons. It is the same design as the indoor bow but with longer legs that will be staked into the ground to provide stability.

This perch uses PVC 3/4" tubing for the "legs" and 3/4" hot tub tubing for the bow. I wanted to keep the perch white and the hot tub tubing is quite flexible and can be flexed to whatever curve you would like. The ring is 2" inside diameter stainless steel or I may replace with a 2" split ring version to reduce resistance on the bird's feet. A pair of these perches will be fastened to a large table setup (shelf) for the falcons.

I am planning on providing the Merlins with options for perching while weathered, in my house or their mews. One of the perch designs I am making for the falcons are some blocks. These are the components I am using to create the blocks:

All the metal parts are stainless steel. The rod is 1/4 " x 14". The fender washers are 1.5" with a 1/4 hole. The washers will be welded 2" and 8" from the top end. The top washer will have 2 small holes for screwing to the underside of the block. A 1" inside diameter ring is placed between the 2 washers for tying the leash. The block is store bought from a specialty wood supply shop. The top diameter is 3" and will be covered with indoor/outdoor carpet. The bottom will have a 1/4 x 2" hole to accommodate the support rod.

My goal with this Blog is to document, through posts and photos, the progressions of preparing the furniture and gear, the location of some nest sites, the taking of two Merlin falcon eyasses, and the raising and training for falconry and future breeding of the falcons.

Merlins in Falconry