Creating content really is for the birds.
At least, that’s how a beleaguered but good-humored handler is likely feeling after attempting to film with his unruly raptors. The striking birds act more like strong-willed children as they squawk over him, peck at his mic, disappear off-camera, and generally wreak havoc in this TikTok compilation of hilarious outtakes.
UK-based SMJ Falconry boasts a variety of predatory birds, including owls, hawks, and smaller breeds like the kestrel, which is one of the naughty stars of this video. The handler tries to reason with the cute little bird, begging it to “stay on the glove so [he] can record this.” It takes off, anyway, and the sound of a metal object crashing to the ground can be heard in the distance, along with a frustrated sigh from the handler.
One viewer renames the video, “‘Birds Behaving Badly,’ a new series on SMJ Falconry.”
While others list their highlights in the comments:
“The demonic little owl scuttling around was my fave.”
“The crash after the kestrel flew off was yes.”
One person even described the birds as “toddlers with talons.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Related: Parrot Singing Opera Is the Most Joyful Start to Our Day
What Is Falconry?
Falconry — the ancient practice of hunting with birds of prey — offers participants a rare, up-close look at nature in action. Rather than training a bird as a pet, falconers work alongside predatory birds, releasing them to hunt small animals while the human helps locate prey and provides the hunter with food.
The sport is tightly regulated and requires serious commitment. New falconers must complete a multi-year apprenticeship, pass exams, and maintain proper housing and daily care for the bird. These raptors aren’t domesticated companions — they remain wild animals that choose whether or not to return after a hunt.
Instead of spikes, nets, or fake owls, many hotels and large buildings are turning to birds of prey as a natural solution for nuisance birds. Trained hawks and falcons are being used to deter pigeons, seagulls, and other persistent visitors from nesting, stealing food, or leaving messes in public spaces. I’ve personally been to several hotels in California and Mexico that use Harris Hawks to keep nuisance birds from hanging around. Their mere presence perched on their handler’s arm is enough to scare the smaller pests away.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.