Friday, October 2, 2009

THIS IS WHAT CHICKEN LITTLE WAS AFRAID OF

The other day, I had the privilege to attend an introduction to Falconry. To those not familiar with the sport or have only read about in novels, it uses birds of prey to catch game. It is believed to have started in the Far East or in the Arabic world circa 700 B.C. In spite of the name, falcons are not the only bird that is used. One of the more popular birds, is The Red-Tailed Hawk pictured above. He is an incredible product of nature capable of reaching speeds of 120 MPH. While the sport is ancient, it has a strong following. There are about 5000 falconers in the States. It is strictly regulated at the federal level. No bird was harmed in the production of this blog.
Posted by B SQUARED
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23 comments:

  1. SharodinduOctober 2, 2009 at 12:42 AM

    I have had heard about the sport but dont have much know how about it....Can you describe it in little detail?

    BTW...nice capture of the falcon with its master I guess... :)

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  2. Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.comOctober 2, 2009 at 12:46 AM

    fascinating. such an art and symbiotic relationship between man and falcon.

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  3. Regina October 2, 2009 at 1:15 AM

    So this is the falcon. Awesome capture.

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  4. PatOctober 2, 2009 at 2:15 AM

    That's really a coincidence. I photographed a fellow and his falcon the other day, but the photo was not so good. I don't think he really wanted me to take his photo. The falcon didn't mind... Anyway, great shot. Falconry is alive and well here, but probably not regulated.

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  5. VPOctober 2, 2009 at 2:27 AM

    Do they catch birds of the size of a pigeon? I could use a hawk in the case...

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  6. Small City ScenesOctober 2, 2009 at 2:29 AM

    How neat. I would love to attend. Falconry is very interesting and neat to watch. MB

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  7. otautahi outrospectiveOctober 2, 2009 at 4:15 AM

    I don't get it...I thought Chicken Little was afraid of the sky falling...

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  8. pennyOctober 2, 2009 at 5:49 AM

    Your photo of the Red Tailed Hawk is wonderful and I was amazed at the speeds they can fly. Thanks for stopping by...

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  9. Jim KlenkeOctober 2, 2009 at 7:28 AM

    Hes got his eye on something or someone. Powerful looking bird.

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  10. Cezar and LéiaOctober 2, 2009 at 7:57 AM

    I'm so glad to know this cool news! I think "Falconry"is a art!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Léia

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  11. HalcyonOctober 2, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    Beautiful photo. Glad you got some silliness in there too.

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  12. LoisOctober 2, 2009 at 9:57 AM

    How interesting! That is a beautiful bird.

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  13. cieldequimperOctober 2, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    I've been seriously thinking about doing it. For the same reasons as VP and also because I think it's very elegant.

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  14. brattcatOctober 2, 2009 at 2:59 PM

    Chicken Little had every reason to be afraid of that keen-eyed raptor.

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  15. MoOctober 2, 2009 at 5:28 PM

    They use them here to chase away the pigeons

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  16. tapirgalOctober 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

    A lovely bird. We see them, but not so close up. You said "no birds were harmed." I assume that also means chickens?

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  17. MariaOctober 2, 2009 at 7:26 PM

    We have red-tail hawks around here... They are amazing lookin' birds!
    one flew through our yard over the summer and the birds at my feeder CLEARED OUT in a nano-second!
    Can't say I blame them!
    What a formidable creature!
    happy weekend wanderings ~ Maria

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  18. LowellOctober 2, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    It's an interesting sport...we saw a demonstration at Silver Springs Park the other day...with a little bitty falcon!

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  19. VirginiaOctober 2, 2009 at 11:50 PM

    What a fine shot of this amazing bird. Hey, have you seen the video on my sidebar of the Auburn eagle flying around Jordan Hare Stadium??? Well take a look.

    And another thing. Are you still lollygagging up there in Michigan? You're going to fool around and get yoself snowed in. Remember that.
    V

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  20. Lisa WilsonOctober 3, 2009 at 9:45 AM

    He is so pretty! That must have been so interesting.

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  21. Mary Stebbins TaittOctober 3, 2009 at 1:50 PM

    Cool shot! I love hawks and falcons!

    I'm headed up to Harbor Springs Tuesday.

    I'll be staying at the Birchwood Inn, Harbor Springs, Michigan for the Springfed Writers Retreat.

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  22. Unseen RajasthanOctober 4, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    Beautiful bird !!

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  23. secret agent womanOctober 5, 2009 at 8:18 AM

    Ah, my good luck bird!

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