Charlotte these are great, and soo lucky to have such a stunning model

He looks more mature than a few days agohow old is he?

Thanks CLMG.. it is a bit daunting! Just going to try and learn something every day and keep consulting the manual. I thought the I'd broken the thing earlier, but then realised it was just the flash popping up.. *sigh*

Very nice Charlotte! look forward to seeing more!

Are you holding Archine -and- taking the pics?! Bet that's difficult!

He's just so useful for practising, apart from when he gets a bit carried away and tries to get the camera/lens cap! I will take pictures of something else soon, I promise!

He's only about 12 weeks old, so yes, he's still maturing really. Heres one taken just after he was rejected:



How hideous is that?!

I haven't tried that yet actually. He's quite good on the glove, but if he baited (tried to fly off the hand), I'd be scared for my camera! He's just on a perch or the ground, but the perch is really ugly so I've only been taking kind of 'bust' shots!

He looks so much more handsome now Bless him.
Will he grow much more??

I was going to say the face only a mother could love, but if he was rejected, obviously not, but he has turned out to be an absolute stunner

Omg the poor blighter! Good on you for raising him - does he have a strong bond with you? I'd love a BOP

He doesn't have a particularly strong bond with anyone in particular, but he's very tame. Many people have said that it wasn't a good idea to handrear him as he could become aggressive when being flown, but then some people say that do it all the time with their reds and have good results. I guess only time will tell, but he just might not be suitable as a serious hunting bird (not that I'm bothered!). There are a couple of experienced people interested in him, and as I don't really know if I'll have the time to put into training, I'm not going to rule them out - much as I'd love to keep him, it wouldn't be fair if I had to relocate.

Stunning, I am envious of you having such a beautiful model, can't wait for the ones of him in flight. Glad you are pleased with the purchase, it is a worry to spend so much in the hope you are happy with it.