The headpiece is intended to cover its eyes so it's not distracted. A friend from Willits got him interested in falconry 20 years ago. Though the wind often stimulates his bird's performance, he said he usually tries to fly the bird in winds between 10 and 20 mph. Admirers of the regal bird have pointed to the bird's flying power as adding to its mystique and awe. The peregrine falcon averages about 60 mph in flight and can clock up to 200 mph from a stoop, experts say.
Peregrines are very aerial.
Upon its swift descent, the peregrine falcon most often hits the prey with its feet during the kill. Snipes, pheasants and ducks are often the target for Gellman and his bird. To reward the falcon's return to Gellman's glove, the training veteran uses small, frozen quail he orders in bulk with the other falconers. It's thawed because eating frozen meat could kill it, he said. To get the bird's attention, he spins a cord with a lure attached.