When looking for a duck flight for your new bird you would ideally...

When looking for a duck flight for a new bird, opting to fly a single or small group of ducks is the most effective choice. This approach allows the falconer to assess the bird’s hunting abilities in a less overwhelming environment. A smaller number of ducks can help the bird focus on its target without the potential chaos and distraction that might come from a larger flock.

In a smaller group, the chances of a successful flight increase since the bird is less likely to become overwhelmed or confused by the movements of multiple targets. This set-up also provides an opportunity for the falconer to evaluate how the bird interacts with its prey, which is crucial during the training phase. It’s a more controlled environment that supports the bird’s learning curve.

While flying larger water bodies may seem appealing for creating opportunities for strong pitches, it can lead to complications if the bird gets distracted or loses focus. Similarly, encouraging a bird to take a duck off the surface can be challenging and may not align with the initial training objectives. Thus, working with a single or small group is the most strategic choice for a duck flight when introducing a new bird to this form of hunting.