I believe my doves are very comfortable around me; I had them for a year now. They have been in 4 shows with me this year. My interest in the fly back began when I was in Branson, Missouri last Saturday and I saw the Hamner Barber show. How David's birds performed the fly backs were breath taking.

My doves are older now then they were several months ago when we started working together, but that shouldn't be a problem.

What are the steps to take in trying to train the birds for the flyback?

My birds aren't very motivated with food, I tried food but it won't work any other suggestions?

Having a spot light in your act. That way the bird cannot see straight. It makes it easy for them to see the perch on stage.

The most effective method is post production! In live shows, light is critical but not fool-proof.

Doves appear to me more motivated by safety than food. You have to become the "safe place".

As a beginning, I suggest that you take them to a very small room like the bathroom where you can reach anywhere quickly with a yard stick. (It is important that it does not make a handy perch like a dowel would.) Then toss the dove and force it to keep flying until it lands anywhere on you. When the dove lands, let it stay there safely for several minutes before moving it to where you would like for it to land. Next, move it there and allow it to stay there for as long as you can take it!

Ultimately, only allow the dove to land where you want it to land and give it peace. Doves are not very good at learning sequences. Pick a spot and stick to it. For multiple spots, use different doves.

Enjoy your dove magic.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

How does that work exactly? I know doves can only see out of one eye at a time, but why follow the light? My show is hardly ever on stage, and I depend on black art a lot so a spot light right now is not an option. do you think a flash light might work?

No! But fill lights on stage will help the doves see you.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

The purpose of the spotlight is so that when the dove is tossed out, it can't see and naturally turns around. The first thing it sees should be you and it will fly back after training.

This has been discussed many times on the Café but here's a recent topic that will probable answer you questions.

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......um=13&33

Thanks

Tony Clark will teach you more about how to train doves to fly back toward you on his DVD "Unmask" volume 1: tony clark

The best method is to train them with and with out the spot light, that way you don't have to worry about the lighting. that's my opinion.


Jose

If you train them without the spot, which is how I train all of my birds, you won't have a problem if you perform and there is one in use. Training without the light, in my opinion is the way to go.

I agree with Dave.

I never use the spot in training doves. Frankly, I think it adds to the discomfort for the doves.

On stage, I do like the house lights to be very low, spot or no spot.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Good idea.

Work with your bird a few times a day, 5 to 10 minutes for each bird. Get him use to going from palm to palm and being held a lot. Don't tire him out and be sure to take your time. He'll get more used to you handling and tossing him as his wings grow back in. Then you can increase the distance. Don't rush him.

Also, if he tries to get away from you while your just holding him, he's not ready for flight training. He must be comfortable with you to return to you. I hope this helps.

Good point, John. Too many future dove workers rush into fly back training. It sometimes seems like the magician that runs out to buy a new effect so he can present it next week in his show.

Take your time and let your birds get to know you.

Dave,

Count me in the "Amen corner". Some doves I've had over a year before using them in a show. They really need to become your doves first!

I can't say that I have never used borrowed doves but it certainly is not the same. I like working with a cast I know and knows me. Perhaps the doves and I are each other's safe place. It's not a team of one.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander