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.

23 comments:

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

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  3. So this is the falcon. Awesome capture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  12. How interesting! That is a beautiful bird.

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

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  15. They use them here to chase away the pigeons

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

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  21. 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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