The Fierbird Story 

 

Having grown up with German Shepherd’s up until my late teens- early 20`s, and now being involved

with Brittany`s for approximately 16 years it`s easy to see where my love & passion for dogs has come

from. Blacky  ( Blacky was a once in a lifetime time dog )  broke my dad`s heart when he lost him. Dogs have

taught me so much over the years & continue to do so . They will always remind you of the real things in life,

unconditional loyalty & love .

They have  & always will be, MORE THAN JUST A DOG !

 

(PHOTO ) Blacky – when I was a toddler 

THEN CAME THE FIREBIRDS  – an addiction created by this small & humble little pointing breed .

Finding quail in smoldering stubble paddocks .

I  never had an interest in hunting quail, but was soon convinced by the abilities of the Brittany after being

offered  an opportunity to hunt  on a property for the highly  sought after native bird  ( Stubble quail ) . My Interests soon

became more about photographing the dog working rather than the shot of the bird . I will always be in awe of the ability

of the breed to find the birds at speed, the recovery, & the ability of the dog being able to find the bird after the bird dropping it`s scent .

Its something to be witnessed to be appreciated .

Still an amateur , but always willing to tag along if my dogs will let me .

 

 

THE BRITTANY

The un-doing of many man, woman, or child  , they are capable of fitting into any situation offered to them .

Never to be underestimated of their capabilities . An unconditional desire to please & love for their person !

Reba- ( pictured below ) a virgin on quail hunting until the age of 5 years, mastering the ability and drive for birds that the breed were originally bred to do .

As a pup I originally wanted her as a companion for hunting Sambar deer,  I had mixed success ( with about  50 /50 success rate  ) . Mostly due to a lack of

training on Sambar . My other hobby, trail cameras  for Sambar deer had already taken over  , I spent more time checking camera`s than hunting deer

( approx 14 camera`s at the time  )  .Reba would get bored waiting for me and would easily be distracted by birds and sometimes quail in the mountains .

 

A massive effort to find quail in small unburnt patches of cropped stubble paddocks still smoldering in places ( Not a bad start for her second ever quail outing) .

Photo – Reba