FALCONRY
Falconry first originated
in Asia , and was brought back to England after the following the crusades
. Falconry and Ferreting are the oldest field sports in England , and there
is some confusion and arguements to which actually came first .
It is still practiced by
many people to this day , as where before it was considered as a regal
sport , it is now practiced by people from many different walks of life
. Personally though I consider that as a bad thing , it is far too easy
to acquire a bird-of-prey , as they are cheap to purchase and no licence
is needed to keep them ( the birds have to be registered though ). Also
the many unscrupilous breeders out there don't help the situation , with
many just out to make easy money , the very good breeders are few and far
between. The same situation arises in what I participate in , and that
is Falconry Displays. There are around 2000 Falconry Displays in
England alone . And there is a lot of those that come to see another good
display , and think " I could do that " without even had held a bird-of-prey
before. This sadly falls back on the good displays. The display team that
I assist ( Chris Tuffrey - The International Falconer ) are one of
the few Falconry Displays that are recognised by the B.F.S.S. ( British
Field Sports Society ) . The B.F.S.S. lay down strict guide lines to which
the displays must follow , thus ensuring a quality display.
I've been involved in falconry for
around 7 - 8 years now . Starting off with just lending a hand at our home
base and on the displays , sometimes taking the show as far as Germany
. After learning the basics and knowing how to use the equipment correctly
etc I now am able to fly the birds on my own .
I have had the oportunity
to handle a wide range of birds , from the small falcons and owls , up
to the larger hawks and right up to the big eagles , including the Golden
eagle. The feeling of having a Golden Eagle sat on your arm is breath taking
( after my first time I was so pumped up with adrenalin , I needed to sit
down with a relaxing coffee and cigarette . :) ). I can only imagine
comparing it to swimming with sharks , dolphins etc and playing with the
tigers . Such a magnificent bird in such a close proximity leaves me in
awe every time. She sits on my arm and the thought that , if she really
wanted , she could break every bone in my arm with a simple grip of the
talons , dosen't enter my head . All I know is that I am very fortunate
to get this opportunity.
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