When handling our raptors, I do my best to mimic the swaying, yet stable, nature of a tree branch. My gloved hand serves the same function as a wild bird's arboreal perch and it's my job to make sure he feels safe there. Aldo the kestrel's talons curve loosely around my thumb as my hand carries him smoothly across the lawn. Any quick or lurching movements would send him off balance.
I also move intentionally when I need to sit down or kneel with a bird on glove. If my hand moves downward too quickly, it must feel to Aldo like a branch breaking beneath him. His natural instinct isn't to grip and go down with the failed support; he would rather fly off to find a more stable perch. Watch in the video as my downward motion surprises him and he pumps his wings to regain his balance.
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