When lure flying an American Kestrel, what characteristic should your lure have?

When lure flying an American Kestrel, a key characteristic of the lure should be that it is lightweight. A lightweight lure allows for easy manipulation and movement during training sessions. This is important because you want to simulate the quick, agile movements and prey that a kestrel would naturally pursue in the wild.

Kestrels, being small falcons, have a relatively light weight themselves; therefore, using a heavy lure could hinder their ability to chase and strike effectively. The goal is to encourage the bird to utilize its natural hunting instincts and agility while ensuring that it does not become fatigued or overwhelmed by the weight of the lure. This allows the bird to experience successful captures and reinforces positive hunting behaviors.

Other options suggest using a lure that is either heavily weighted to prevent carrying or to encourage a harder hit, which would not align with the needs and characteristics of a kestrel. It is essential for training exercises to promote an environment where the bird can thrive and develop its skills in a way that mimics its natural behaviors.