One of the biggest hurdles for a falconer flying his/her first kestrel is safe housing. When kept on an improper setup, leg injuries and scale damage can happen easily with these delicate little falcons.
Jennifer Coulson's name is synonymous with Harris's hawks, but her contribution to kestrel falconry in the United States should not be overlooked. Her article, "Hunting Respectable Quarry with the American Kestrel," in Harry McElroy's Desert Hawking... with a Little Help from My Friends, presents the y-swivel hookup for tethering the American kestrel. We're proud to offer this arrangement in two configurations: the y-swivel hookup as a standalone piece and the y-swivel hookup with permanent short leash designed specifically for our kestrel bow perch.
We condition the kangaroo leather and assemble these hookups in-house. Take the guesswork out of the leash for your bow perch or add a y-swivel arrangement to your current leash system. We trust and use this setup for all of our kestrels.
Y-Swivel Hookup for an American Kestrel
Y-Swivel Hookup Only: This hookup features double swivels and snap clips that attach to your kestrel's jesses with a lightweight kangaroo leather leash that runs to a second larger swivel. Assembled using genuine Sampo Ball bearing swivels made in the USA.
Y-Swivel Hookup with Short Leash for Mountain State Falconry Supply's Kestrel Bow Perch: This arrangement includes the Coulson y-swivel hookup and the short leash for our kestrel bow perch. If you purchased one of our perches before we started including this leash system, you can now purchase it separately here.
Replacement Leash Pieces: Leather is a wear item. A leash system is only as as strong as its weakest link. Check your swivels, clips and leather daily, and replace leash pieces when needed. Our pre-cut leash pieces are specifically designed for our kestrel bow perch. We condition and cut these lightweight kangaroo leather pieces in-house. Included are two of each of the y-swivel hookup piece and the short leash piece. Be prepared by keeping a set of these on hand.
