A bit of a random thread, but as anyone ever tried Falconry?

[Bandito]

I went past a stall yesterday and they were offering 'falconry experiences' - quite fancied a go!

Has anyone tried it, and if so, what was it like?

 

[JayGee]

Yes, it was a birthday pressie & I loved it.

 

[Gingerpose]

I went to a falconry centre near Huntly in Aberdeenshire a few years ago (it's still open) - they have various birds of prey from around the world, and do displays with several birds. Very impressed with the displays and the way the handler obviously knows his stuff and cares for the creatures. Would definitely recommend. Though the feeling of an owl landing on my head was rather unnerving, due to the large powerful talons

 

[flobberdob]

I also got the chance to do a bird of prey walk for my birthday. Great experience, go for it!

 

[nick_s]

A good friend of mine keeps Harris Hawks, I've had a house and it can be exhilarating to say the least

 

[Rufus]

I went to boarding school in Southern Africa; falconry was very popular, being practiced by many boys and several masters. There was a falconry club and since the school was way out in the bush the birds flew every day; I could watch them for hours. It takes dedication and a great deal of patience to train and maintain a raptor, but it is highly rewarding.

 

[Bandito]

Thanks for the replies guys - I wasn't expecting any!

I think I might try and give it a go some time this year

 

[Mrchick]

I went on a hunt one time and it was a fantastic experience. It was a beautiful thing to watch one of these birds flare before landing on my arm.

Can you tell I was having fun?[emoji1]

The bird got a couple of rabbits that day.

If you get the opportunity to do it, I say go for it!